Dental Hygiene Awareness
Toddlers internalize routines through repetition and movement. 'Dental Hygiene Awareness' supports emerging independence and safety awareness.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Health, Safety and Hygiene
- Learning area: Understanding the World
- Level: EYFS 2-3
Objectives
- Identify body parts
- Imitate hygiene routines
- Follow 1-step safety directions
Instructions
Materials
- Large plastic model of teeth or a clean plastic egg carton
- Child-sized soft-bristled toothbrushes
- White sugar paper cut into tooth shapes
- Non-toxic white tempera paint
- Small plastic animals or dolls
- A mirror mounted at child height
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate an interest in the act of brushing teeth through imitation.
- Identify the toothbrush as a tool used for cleaning teeth.
- Develop fine motor skills by grasping and moving the toothbrush across a surface.
- Recognise the concept of keeping teeth clean and healthy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Gather the children in a circle and show them the large model of teeth.
2. Use a slow, exaggerated motion to demonstrate brushing the teeth on the model.
3. Provide each child with their own soft-bristled toothbrush to hold and explore.
4. Encourage the children to look at their own smiles in the mirror.
5. Place small plastic animals in front of the children and invite them to brush the teeth of the toys to practise the motion.
6. Provide the tooth-shaped paper and a small amount of white paint.
7. Allow children to use the toothbrushes as paintbrushes to paint the paper teeth.
8. Narrate the process by using simple phrases like brush up and down or keep the teeth clean.
9. Keep the activity brief to match the short attention spans of toddlers.
10. Conclude by singing a short, repetitive song about brushing teeth to reinforce the routine.
Educator Tip
Toddlers learn best through imitation rather than abstract instruction. If a child becomes frustrated with the paint, focus on the physical sensation of brushing the plastic models instead. This sensory-based approach helps children build the muscle memory required for future self-care routines.
Assessment
- Observe if the child mimics the brushing motion when prompted.
- Note if the child can identify the toothbrush when asked to pick it up.
- Record the childs ability to engage with the activity for at least five minutes.
Educator tip
Use choice questions; keep groups small; accept approximations; keep transitions fast.
Assessment
Observe and note: emerging independence, two-word combinations, imitation of actions, and early pretend play. Use Development Matters non-statutory guidance checkpoints. Observe imitation, participation, simple labelling.