Tooth Brushing in Art Class
Level 1 requires guided modelling. 'Tooth Brushing in Art Class' reinforces healthy habits and safety awareness in structured format.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Health, Safety and Hygiene
- Learning area: Expressive Arts and Design
- Level: EYFS 3-4
Objectives
- Follow 2–3 step directions
- Identify key safety or hygiene concepts
- Participate in discussion
Instructions
Materials
- Large cutouts of teeth made from white cardstock
- Washable white paint mixed with a small amount of shaving cream
- Clean, child-sized toothbrushes
- Trays or shallow plastic bins
- Smocks or aprons for each child
- Pictures of healthy foods and sugary snacks
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate the circular motion used for effective tooth brushing.
- Identify the importance of cleaning teeth to remove food particles.
- Develop fine motor control by manipulating a toothbrush on a surface.
- Express understanding of oral hygiene through guided group discussion.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Gather the children in a circle and show them a large model of teeth or a picture of a clean smile.
2. Discuss why we brush our teeth, focusing on the concept of removing germs and food bits.
3. Place a large white cardstock tooth cutout onto a tray for each child.
4. Apply a dollop of white paint mixed with shaving cream onto the centre of each paper tooth.
5. Demonstrate how to hold the toothbrush and use small, circular motions to spread the paint across the paper.
6. Encourage the children to brush the paint off the edges of the paper to simulate cleaning hard-to-reach areas.
7. Walk around the room to provide individual support, ensuring children use a circular motion rather than just dragging the brush back and forth.
8. Ask children to identify which areas of their paper tooth look clean and which areas still need more brushing.
9. Allow the artwork to dry on the trays while the children wash their hands.
10. Conclude by having children practise the brushing motion on their own teeth using a dry toothbrush.
Educator Tip
If children struggle with the circular motion, place a small sticker on the handle of their toothbrush to help them track the movement of their hand. You can extend this activity by adding small pieces of dark sugar paper to the paint to represent food debris that must be brushed away.
Assessment
- Observe if the child can maintain a circular brushing motion for at least thirty seconds.
- Record whether the child can verbally explain one reason why we brush our teeth.
- Note the child's ability to follow multi-step directions during the art process.
Educator tip
Pre-cut difficult pieces; use visual schedule; model health vocabulary.
Assessment
Observe and note: ability to follow two-step instructions, use of new vocabulary in context, early problem-solving strategies, and sustained shared thinking episodes. Assess against Development Matters age-band expectations. Checklist: engagement, comprehension, correct task attempt.