Healthy Bodies Learning
To develop understanding of healthy choices and the importance of physical activity.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Physical Development
- Learning area: Physical Development
- Level: EYFS Reception
Objectives
- Makes healthy food choices
- Understands importance of exercise
- Follows hygiene routines independently
- Talks about keeping healthy
Materials
- Healthy eating resources
- Cooking equipment
- Body diagrams
- Hygiene resources
Instructions
TEACHING ABOUT HEALTHY FOOD: Explore food groups: 'Fruit and vegetables help us stay well and give us energy. Protein helps us grow strong. We need some of each!' Sort foods, make healthy plates, discuss choices.
COOKING TOGETHER: Prepare healthy foods: fruit salad, vegetable soup, smoothies. Children learn about ingredients while developing motor skills. 'What healthy things shall we put in our soup?'
DISCUSSING EXERCISE: Explain why we need to move: 'Our bodies are made to move! Exercise makes our hearts strong, our muscles big, and helps us feel happy.' Track daily physical activity.
EXPLORING BODY SYSTEMS: Use simple terms to explain how bodies work: 'Your heart is a muscle that pumps blood around your body. Feel it beating after you run!' 'Your lungs breathe in air—feel your chest move.'
TEACHING HYGIENE: Explain why hygiene matters: 'Washing hands gets rid of germs we can't see. Germs can make us poorly.' Practice thorough handwashing: 'Soap, water, scrub for 20 seconds—sing Happy Birthday twice!'
DISCUSSING SLEEP: Talk about sleep: 'Sleep helps your body grow and your brain remember what you learned. That's why you might feel grumpy when you're tired!' Share bedtime routine ideas.
TEACHING TOOTH CARE: Explain dental hygiene: 'Brush teeth twice a day to keep them healthy. Sugar can hurt teeth, so we brush it away.' Practice brushing technique.
MAKING HEALTHY CHOICES: Empower children to make choices: 'Will you choose an apple or a banana for snack?' 'Shall we do jumping jacks or star jumps?' Choice-making builds healthy habits.