health education activities classroom

Make Learning Enjoyable with these Health Lessons for Kids

Explore different ways to teach kids health in the classroom or at home, that will keep them engaged and enthusiastic. Our health lesson plans range in topics designed for preschool kids to elementary and middle school students. We’ve designed these health lessons for kids to be time-efficient yet impactful and memorable. Whether you’re a teacher, other type of educator, parent or guardian, our lessons for kids will make learning enjoyable for both you and your students.

In these lessons, kids will learn fun ways to practice mindfulness and balance, how to eat well, ways to be active, or keep clean and hygienic—and without it feeling like another chore. Choose one of our health lesson plans below for a quick and easy learning activity for your child or children.

• 3-14 Years Old
• 3-8 Years Old
• 9-14 Years Old
• Responsible Decision Making
• Self-Awareness
• Self-Management

Exercise and Your Brain

All fats are not created equal, bad breath: what to do about it, backpack safety: that’s a thing, body composition, brain boost, breakfast power, breathe easy: asthma 101, create your own healthful snack, decreasing screen time, drive your bike keys to safe and healthy cycling, eye protection, fast food alert, food allergy awareness, gardening – growing goodness, get out and enjoy nature, get the facts: know your food label, gratefuls and grumbles: helping kids develop an attitude of gratitude, gratitude: overlooked blessings, grocery store virtual tour, guided imagery for younger children, guided imagery: create the state you want, hand-washing: a weapon against germs, healthy heart, how hungry am i, hungry for breakfast, it’s all in the breathing, it’s mealtime relax and enjoy, know what matters to you, learning mindfulness through movement, let’s talk maximizing the benefits of family mealtime, learning to calm fear, listen hear all about the ear, living a healthy life, love your lunch, marketing mania, mental remix, milk matters, more milk, please, smile bright tooth care, the power of meditation, wash hands for health, move it the importance of daily exercise for kids, myplate and yours too, noticing walk and reflection, oversweetened: the truth about sugary drinks, pedometer fitness fun, picky eating, portion distortion, power-up with snacks, quench your thirst the importance of water, safe and fun, in the sun, safe food is good food, self-esteem and body image activities for kids, skin: caring for the largest organ, smart snacking, splash why is it important to bathe, sports drinks and energy drinks, how to stay safe during physical activity, stress busters, stress no body needs it, stretch for your best, super sleep, the concussion conundrum, the dish on gluten, tobacco and e-cigarettes, vegetarian basics, water: making living things grow, what we can do to stress less, having a positive mindset, what’s my portion size.

This site is presented for information only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice. Health Powered Kids is a trademark of Allina Health System. Presentation and Design © 2015 Allina Health. All Rights Reserved.

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Classroom Physical Activity Breaks

Take Action

Schools and teachers looking to integrate physical activity both in and out of the classroom should start with a few initial steps and considerations before implementing a new or enhancing an existing program.

• Engage and leverage your  school health team  to identify key opportunities for student physical activity as well as any significant barriers to successful implementation.
• Understand your  local school wellness policy  and how it supports or enhances opportunities for brain breaks and classroom energizers.
• Develop your elevator pitch to describe to your different audiences why physical activity is important and how it links to academic achievement as well as other positive outcomes.
• Get your principal’s approval! A supportive principal is essential to your efforts.
• Make this activity inclusive for all abilities:
• Empower students to suggest and choose which activities, games and movements they find enjoyable and accessible.
• Get to know your students and find out about their abilities, limitations, and interests. Encourage them to be a part of the learning and lesson planning process.
• Demonstrate modifications of simple and complex movement skills such as jumping jacks, squats, and push-ups. For example, show students a wall push-up, a kneeling push-up, and a full push-up. Give students the opportunity to choose which option is best.
• Adapt the game or activity rules. Some simple suggestions include reducing the number of players on a team, modifying the activity area, eliminating time limits, and lowering or enlarging targets or goals.
• Try creative or team-building games where success is only possible when the whole group works together.
• Integrate various types and sizes of equipment such as tactile balls, juggling scarves, numbered spot markers, and foam noodles.
• Vary body parts used, the speed of movement, and number of repetitions to adjust for mobility limitations or low fitness students.
• Mobility adaptations: Some activities may be done from a seated position allowing mobility challenged students to participate with peers or doing similar motions with hands/arms as others are doing with feet legs.
• Sensory adaptations: Students with deafness, speech, self-management or cognitive problems may be able to participate fully in a follow the leader manner. These are very short periods of activity and done in groups of fewer than thirty so students are able to keep up to peers.

Social Emotional Health Highlights

Activities such as these help students explore…

Self-Management: Classroom Physical Activity breaks provide the perfect opportunity for students and teachers to organize their thoughts to better manage stress and control impulses. Release the wiggles with a dance or two and give students are an opportunity to check-in with their emotions and get motivated to continue working towards their goals.

Responsible Decision Making: Taking a classroom activity break can be a great way to redirect attention and antsy behavior to a fun, interactive activity or game. Sometimes all children need is a short opportunity to analyze the current situation, reflect, and responsibly choose their next action. Physical Activity breaks in the classroom provide students an opportunity to practice these skills while increasing to energize the brain.

Participate with your students in the activity. Students will be more likely to join in and have fun if they see their school community moving with them.

Keep physical activity breaks short and manageable. Shoot for 1 – 5 minute breaks at least 2-3 times per day.

Ask teachers and school administrators to share and demonstrate their favorite activities, games, and movement ideas during staff meetings throughout the school year.

Create a classroom atmosphere that embraces movement! Consider playing age and culturally appropriate music.

Integrate physical activity into academic concepts when possible.

Encourage your physical education teacher to be a movement leader and advocate.

Empower students by asking them to share and lead their own physical activity break ideas.

Add in fun equipment items such as beanbags, spot markers, yoga mats, and balance boards. Consider applying for a Game On grant !

Add physical activity breaks right into your daily schedule. Try creating a classroom physical activity calendar of events that includes a variety of ideas throughout the month. Use a  classroom physical activity tracker to help your students reach 10 minutes daily!

Ask a parent volunteer create a playlist of music that complements planned movement breaks.

Ask parents to create movement break activity cards and props for teachers to use.

For more activities and ideas like this one, be sure to  sign up for our news and updates . And if you like what you see, please  donate to support our work  creating more ways to help build a healthier future for kids.

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Building the Habits of Health

Lessons and activities for K-5 that inspire a healthy lifestyle

A free educational program designed to help build healthy habits in grades K-5.

We know developing healthy habits early contributes to students’ well-being, but it can be hard to find the right lessons and activities. This K-5 program addresses five pillars of health and well-being, called the Habits of Health: eating and hydration, movement, mind, sleep, and environment. The lessons are easy to follow and implement right away, and the activities are engaging for kids, with the goal to help them develop critical healthy habits early on.

Get Your Healthy Habits Lessons

Help your K-5 students build healthier lives.

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Inside the Grades K-2 Kit: Why Do Animals and People Sleep? Plus, four more!

The sooner we build good, healthy habits, the easier it is to make them a part of living a healthy life. We’re excited to share these five Habits of Health lesson plans and activities to help your K-2 students build healthier lives.

Here’s what you’ll get:

1. Build a Better Plate for Fueling Your Body.  This lesson gets kids thinking about what makes a healthy, balanced meal. They’ll learn about food categories and then play a fun game, building healthy meals to share their learning.

2. Fun Ways To Fit in Fitness.  Getting kids moving safely in a classroom can be a game changer that improves learning. These circuit cards can be used in a classroom to create movement stations that kids use independently.

3. How I Know I’m in the Zone.  Helping kids regulate their emotions gives them back the control they need to have confidence. This lesson and activity help kids identify what their emotions feel like, both physically and mentally.

4. Why Do Animals and People Sleep?  Kids love to learn about animals, and this lesson has a home-school connection activity that shows how much sleep animals and people need. You may discover something surprising!

5. Grow Your Concentration Powers.  The interesting thing about distractions is that once you learn how to identify them, you gain more control over your focus. Kids will love discovering different kinds of distractions!

Inside the Grades 3-5 Kit: Teaching Kids to Cook, plus four more!

As students get older, they want more control over their world. Kids in grades 3-5 are ready to learn healthy habits in a more comprehensive way. Here are five Habits of Health lesson plans and activities to help your grades 3-5 students build healthier lives.

1. Setting Routines for Super Sleep.  This lesson helps kids develop habits for sleeping more soundly. Healthy sleep is critical for student success.

2. Curious Chefs Cook for Their Families.  Let’s get kids thinking about what goes into the meals they eat. Cooking with their families demystifies the kitchen and opens the door for healthy food.

3. Calm, Cool, and In Check With Our Emotions.  Here’s how students can learn self-soothing strategies so they can help themselves stay calm and manage their emotions.

4. Taking Small Steps to Get Active.  Learning about microHabits that foster an active lifestyle is key to getting all kids moving their bodies. This lesson helps kids set individual activity goals.

5. Taking Charge of Your Choices in Tricky Situations.  From staying focused during class to managing relationships, kids have to make choices every day. This lesson teaches them how to make a choice and follow through.

What If Healthy Habits Were Second Nature For All?

Healthy Habits For All gives kids and their families the most powerful gift of all: the education and skills necessary to transform their health and wellness destinies.

The Healthy Habits For All curriculum is based on the Habits of Health®️ Transformational System.

The Healthy Habits For All curriculum is for grades K-5 and addresses five pillars of health and well-being, called the Habits of Health: eating and hydration, movement, mind, sleep, and environment. Healthy Habits For All is committed to helping kids build the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to make informed decisions about good nutrition and develop critical healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

The Healthy Habits For All lesson plans reflect the policies of the American Academy of Pediatrics belief that kids should focus on healthy behaviors, like eating healthy foods and exercising. Dieting is in no way a recommendation for children under the age of 18.

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Physical Education School Specialty • Oct 5, 2017 • Last Modified: Nov 27, 2018

Get Up and Move in Health Class: Activities to Keep Your Students Engaged and Moving in the Health Classroom

By: Jenny Berju, 2016 Midwest District SHAPE America® Health Teacher of the Year

If you were to ask any of my 6th grade students, they would tell you that I love to bring health class into the gym and bring the gym (physical activity) into my health classroom. My students race to the classroom to answer the question of the day that I have written on the dry erase board and they want to see if they can figure out the answer to the brain teaser. In my fast-paced health classroom, students are constantly moving. They enjoy knowing that when they come to health class, they won’t be sitting in their seats the entire time. Below are some of my favorite activities in the health classroom to keep my kids engaged and moving.

Question with an Exercise

Place discussion questions around the room with an exercise attached to each. Give students a set amount of time to discuss the question with a partner. When the timer goes off, students complete the exercise. The exercise can be strength, cardio or flexibility such as push-ups, plank, jumping jacks or a yoga pose. You may consider adding visual aids such as a description of the exercises, pictures or QR codes linked to video clips.

Stand Up If…

Students stand up and do an exercise (e.g. jumping jacks) if they choose a particular answer or agree with a response. Choose exercises that students can perform at their desk or next to their desk, depending on the space that you have available. Other examples include: running in place, jumping up and down, and standing on one foot.

Walk and Talk

Give your students a set route through the school. I use the main loop inside my school. Students are paired up or placed in groups as they walk and discuss a question that you have already provided. I use cards with a set amount of questions or post discussion questions in each corner of the walking loop.

Wellness Walk

Hang chart paper with discussion questions around the room. Place students in teams to walk around and answer the questions. Each team has a different color marker so that they are able to read other teams’ responses and add to them.

PongaLoon Nets

I love the PongaLoon Nets from Sportime. They easily fit across the desks or tables in your classroom. Students can use a ping pong ball or some other small bouncy ball to hit back and forth with their hand. I give my students topics to discuss or questions to answer after each point. This works great as a review game!

I Choose Door #…

Students are given a scenario and asked to choose between door #1, door #2 or door #3. Each door has a different way to handle the scenario. Label areas of the room with a door number and answer. I use a large piece of chart paper and place an envelope at each door. Students are given a few minutes to think about their answer and write it on a piece of paper, explaining why they chose that solution to the scenario. After completing their answer, they place it in the envelope at the door. Students at the same door discuss their responses and why they think it’s the correct way to handle the situation. After discussing at their door, students share their ideas with another door or the entire class. The class can then determine the skills needed to make the right choice in the scenario. You may also want to add role-playing with this activity to make it even more exciting!

Beach Ball Toss

Have the students get into small groups of five or six with a beach ball , which is numbered. Have them pass the beach ball to another student. Wherever the student’s right hand thumb lands is the question or task number that they must complete. Have a separate handout of questions or tasks for each group. This activity is also fun to use as an icebreaker or team building activity.

Team Health Huddle

Play music as students walk or perform a physical activity around the room. When the music stops, students get into a “Team Health Huddle 4” (or whatever number of teams that you would like). Once in their team huddle, give the students a discussion question or task to complete. Continue playing the music and change the number of students in the team huddle to complete the questions or tasks.

Choose activities that work for your classes. Have fun watching your students learn the skills that they need to lead healthy lifestyles while moving around and enjoying health class!

Look for the Teacher Approved icon to shop for products recommended by award-winning and nationally recognized physical education teachers. The physical education instructor’s opinions are solely their own and do not officially represent the views of SHAPE America®.

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Ages & Stages

Teaching health education in school.

Many parents are keenly interested in the basic academic education of their youngsters—reading, writing, and arithmetic—but are not nearly as conscientious in finding out about the other learning that goes on in the classroom. A comprehensive health education pro­gram is an important part of the curriculum in most school districts. Starting in kindergarten and continuing through high school, it pro­vides an introduction to the human body and to factors that prevent illness and promote or damage health.

The middle years of childhood are extremely sensitive times for a number of health issues, especially when it comes to adopting health behavior that can have lifelong consequences. Your youngster might be exposed to a variety of health themes in school: nutrition, disease prevention, physical growth and development, reproduction, mental health, drug and alcohol abuse prevention, consumer health, and safety (cross­ing streets, riding bikes, first aid, the Heimlich maneuver). The goal of this ed­ucation is not only to increase your child's health knowledge and to create positive attitudes toward his own well-being but also to promote healthy be­havior. By going beyond simply increasing knowledge, schools are asking for more involvement on the part of students than in many other subject areas. Children are being taught life skills, not merely academic skills.

It is easy to underestimate the importance of this health education for your child. Before long he will be approaching puberty and adolescence and facing many choices about his behavior that, if he chooses inappropriately, could im­pair his health and even lead to his death. These choices revolve around alco­hol, tobacco, and other drug use; sexual behavior (abstinence, prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases); driving; risk-taking behavior; and stress management. Most experts concur that education about issues like alcohol abuse is most effective if it begins at least two years before the behav­ior is likely to start. This means that children seven and eight years old are not too young to learn about the dangers of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs, and that sexuality education also needs to be part of the experience of elementary-school-age children. At the same time, positive health behavior can also be learned during the middle years of childhood. Your child's well-being as an adult can be influenced by the lifelong exercise and nutrition habits that he adopts now.

Health education programs are most effective if parents are involved. Par­ents can complement and reinforce what children are learning in school dur­ing conversations and activities at home. The schools can provide basic information about implementing healthy decisions—for instance, how and why to say no to alcohol use. But you should be a co-educator, particularly in those areas where family values are especially important—for example, sexu­ality, AIDS prevention, and tobacco, alcohol, and other drug use.

Many parents feel ill-equipped to talk to their child about puberty, repro­duction, sex, and sexually transmitted diseases. But you need to recognize just how important your role is. With sexual topics—as well as with many other ar­eas of health—you can build on the general information taught at school and, in a dialogue with your youngster, put it into a moral context. Remember, you are the expert on your child, your family, and your family's values.

Education seminars and education support groups for parents on issues of health and parenting may be part of the health promotion program at your school. If they are not offered, you should encourage their development. Many parents find it valuable to discuss mutual problems and share solutions with other parents. Although some parents have difficulty attending evening meet­ings, school districts are finding other ways to reach out to parents—for in­stance, through educational TV broadcasts with call-in capacities, Saturday morning breakfast meetings, and activities for parents and children together, or­ganized to promote good health (a walk/run, a dance, a heart-healthy luncheon).

In addition to providing education at home on health matters, become an advocate in your school district for appropriate classroom education about puberty, reproduction, AIDS, alcohol and other substance abuse, and other relevant issues. The content of health education programs is often decided at the community level, so make your voice heard.

As important as the content of a health curriculum may be, other factors are powerful in shaping your child's attitudes toward his well-being. Examine whether other aspects of the school day reinforce what your youngster is be­ing taught in the classroom. For example, is the school cafeteria serving low-fat meals that support the good nutritional decisions encouraged by you and the teachers? Is there a strong physical education program that emphasizes the value of fitness and offers each child thirty minutes of vigorous activity at least three times a week? Does the school district support staff-wellness programs so that teachers can be actively involved in maintaining their own health and thus be more excited about conveying health information to their students?

In addition to school and home, your pediatrician is another health educator for you and your child. Since your child's doctor knows your family, he or she can provide clear, personalized health information and advice. For in­stance, the pediatrician can talk with your child about the child's personal growth patterns during puberty, relate them to the size and shape of other family members, and answer questions specific to your youngster's own de­velopmental sequence and rate.

For most school-related health concerns, your pediatrician can provide you with specific advice and tailored guidance. You and your pediatrician may also consult with the school staff on how to deal most effectively with school time management of your child's health problem.

Newest Nutrition Resources

Our cross-curricular resources on wellness education and nutrition will engage your students in pre-K, elementary, middle school, and high school, with fun and informative lesson plans, worksheets, and projects on their well-being. Teach them about illness, physical education, and balanced diets so they have the knowledge to make healthy choices. Good eating habits and a healthy amount of exercise help keep the mind and body performing at their best. Students will be fascinated with science activities on the human body, many of them aligned to state and national standards, and you'll find plenty of tools on delicious foods to keep them interested in nutrition programs. And they are easy to use with any nutrition curriculum programs!

Nutrition Worksheets, Lesson Plans, and Fun Activities and More for Your PreK to High School Students

Worksheets for Grades K-5

Physical activity is at the core of a healthy lifestyle. Help your students learn that food security is one of our basic rights and the best ways to develop healthy habits and get fit with these different activities! Students can learn about how to become their best selves through different fitness and nutrition worksheets, activities, food plans, and resources. Students go in depth with the inner workings of the body, eating different foods that give their bodies energy, and different ways that they can help others become healthy just like them. Teach kids good nutrition with these worksheets and printables.

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Language Arts, Health, & Nutrition Connected

• Lesson Planning Center

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• Ryan White, My Own Story
• Chew on This Teacher's Guide
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• We Are All the Same: The Life and Death of Nkosi Johnson
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Literature, Health, & Nutrition Connected

Health Reading Warm-Up: Germs

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Social Studies, Health, & Nutrition Connected

• World Class Recipes
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History, Health, & Nutrition Connected

• History of Marshmallows Reading Warm-Up
• Thanksgiving Menu: Then & Now
• Rev Up Your Veggies: A Physical Science Activity
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• Columbus and Food
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Physical Education Activities

• The Human Body: Disease & Wellness Printable Book (Grades K-5)
• Heart Rate and Exercise
• My Favorite Exercise
• Explore Activity: Ways to Exercise
• Science and Physical Education: Brain Power
• Planning a Fitness Schedule
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Resources on Illness & Disease

• Smoking-Related Mortality Facts
• Disasters – Natural and Unnatural
• World AIDS Month Slideshow
• HIV/AIDS FAQs
• Stroke: Causes, Signs, Effects & Prevention
• What Happens When the Body Overheats?
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Resources on the Human Body

• The Five Senses – Kindergarten
• My Wonderful Body
• Hospital Word Search
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Making a difference in the health of your students can be done with fun classroom activities.

By Elisa Jackson

Health in America is a very big issue—and when I say big—I mean people are getting bigger. Therefore, it is important to teach students at a young age how to make healthy choices . Yes, you can teach them about the food pyramid, but unless you bring some real examples into the classroom, students may not understand how to choose healthier items over another item. Here are a few activities that I did in order to teach my students how to eat healthy.

Food Taste Test

Bring in a variety of foods like crackers, cheese, and fruit, and something processed which has a number of ingredients. Have students try the different foods and make a graph to show which things students preferred. Then have students look at the labels on the side of the box or container (you could make your own labels for the fruit), and have them discuss what was in each of the food items. What they should discover is that some of the foods, like the fruit, have nothing added, no preservatives, etc. This can lead to a discussion of what foods are "whole" and healthier for our bodies, and which aren't.

Counting the Points

In another lesson, students can analyze food items by looking at the sides of boxes and containers to determine the calorie count, fat content, sugar content, carbohydrate content, and fiber content of some popular student foods. They can then compare the different foods by looking at these things. Afterwards, you can talk about calories in versus calories out, and how many calories a body needs a day.

Food Journal

For this project, students take home a journal and write down exactly what they eat for three days. After the three days, students can discuss what they ate, and make suggestions for healthier alternatives if there are ones. For instance, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich becomes healthier if you have it on whole wheat bread, change regular peanut butter to 100% natural peanut butter, and instead of using jelly, cut up some strawberries or apples to put on top. You can even have a classroom feast using some healthy alternatives to show how a few changes can be tasty improvements.

I think the only way to really teach students how to eat healthy (or to do anything for that matter) is to give them real-world situations that they can relate to. These three lessons made an impact on my students. I saw many students start to bring healthier snacks once we had started our health unit! I hope you too can make an impact on the health of your students! Here are some more health and nutrition lessons.

Healthy Nutrition Lessons and Activities:

Healthy Habits

This is a health unit that contains eight lessons focused on teaching healthy habits to students. You could use some lessons from this unit to fit the health goals you are trying to achieve.

Health and Social Class

This lesson provides students with an understanding of how health can be affected by social class. There are four activities that help them look into the lives of people who make little money, and who make a lot of money and how their health is affected by economic status.

Health in the News

Students look at newspapers and analyze different health issues in the news today. They summarize the articles and come up with solutions to the health problems listed.

Food Groups

This is a graphic organizer that focuses on the food groups and gives students an opportunity to fill in foods that they like, and would like to try from each of the groups.

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What to know

As a school administrator or education professional, you can help increase the physical activity level of your students, faculty, staff, and community members. Work can be done in all educational settings, from preschool to college. Learn about actions you can take.

The education sector can take a leading role in providing opportunities for age-appropriate physical activity in all educational settings.

For example, leaders in kindergarten through high school can make sure students and staff have ways to be physically active before, during, and after school. This can be part of a Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP) . School leaders can also promote safe ways for students and staff to actively commute to and from school.

Colleges and universities can promote physical activity by creating pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly campuses and adopting policies that encourage walking and biking. They can educate future professionals—not just those in health fields, but also those studying architecture, business, and community design—about the importance of walking and biking as ways to improve individual and community health.

What you can do

You can use the following strategies to encourage physical activity in and around schools.

Promote community plans and policies to design areas around schools to support physical activity. These areas are safe and easy places for people to walk, bike, wheelchair roll, and be physically active.

• Build schools within walkable or bikeable distances of homes and other places that students and staff regularly use.
• Provide information to support these activities, such as point-of-decision prompts and wayfinding signs.
• Join coalitions and planning processes to influence community designs and development decisions in areas around schools.

Adopt policies that make it easier for students to be physically active before, during, and after school as part of a CSPAP.

• Adopt Safe Routes to School or similar programs that promote walking or biking to school.
• Provide daily physical education for students in grades K–12 and daily recess for elementary school students.
• Add opportunities for movement for students and staff as part of regular classroom activities and lessons.
• Open facilities to community residents outside of normal school hours.
• Use nearby community facilities, such as fields and parks.

Promote programs and policies that make it safe and easy to walk, bike, wheelchair roll, and be physically active.

• Examples include flextime, paid activity breaks, and discounts for using off-site exercise facilities or active commute options.
• Set up groups, buddy systems, and other forms of social support that help people walk, bike, or be active each week.

Teach relevant professionals how to promote physical activity and activity-friendly communities through their profession.

• Train administrators and classroom teachers how to add more physical activity throughout the school day.
• Add physical activity to higher education curricula across majors to promote interdisciplinary training.
• Offer continuing education that promotes physical activity for relevant professionals.

What other organizations are doing

These communities are using effective strategies to increase physical activity in and around schools.

Building Activity-Friendly Schools in Minnesota State laws that recommended minimum acreage for new schools forced communities into a one-size-fits-all approach. The result was schools that were unwalkable and unconnected to the rest of their communities. People across Minnesota came together to change the state law. Now communities can renovate historic buildings in walkable locations instead of building new schools on large plots of land at the edge of town.

Promoting Cycling at Community Colleges in Texas and California Texas Southmost College and Santa Monica College were recognized as Bicycle Friendly Universities. Both schools used a variety of resources to make it easier for people in the community to bike to and on campus. These efforts included providing infrastructure such as bike parking, showers and lockers, lighting and cameras, bike repair stations, and bike share options. They also promoted local bicycling events, provided bicycle-related workshops, and gave free bikes to students receiving financial assistance.

Infographic: Benefits of School-Based Physical Activity Explains how 60 minutes of daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity can benefit a student's health and directly impact teachers and the community.

Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs: A Guide for Schools Provides step-by-step guidance for schools and school districts to develop, use, and evaluate comprehensive school physical activity programs.

Increasing Physical Education and Physical Activity: A Framework for Schools Describes the framework for school health professionals, school administrators, physical education teachers, other school staff, and parents. It identifies key professional development opportunities and resources.

Inclusive School Physical Education and Physical Activity Shares information that schools and school districts can use to create an inclusive culture for physical education and physical activity in schools.

Strategies for Classroom Physical Activity in Schools Describes 10 evidence-based strategies that school staff can use to promote and plan classroom physical activity.

Integrate Classroom Physical Activity in Schools: A Guide for Putting Strategies Into Practice Provides key questions and activities, along with practical templates that teachers and other physical activity champions can use to help them adopt, promote, enhance, or sustain the strategies in Strategies for Classroom Physical Activity in Schools .

Strategies for Recess in Schools Shares evidence-based strategies that school district leaders and school staff can use to plan and provide recess in schools to increase physical activity and improve academic achievement, including performance, behavior, and attention.

National Physical Activity Plan: Education Sector Provides policy and programmatic recommendations to increase physical activity. It includes strategies and tactics that communities, organizations, and individuals in the education sector can use to support physically active lifestyles.

Strengthen Physical Education in Schools Helps schools and school districts define physical education. Provides a snapshot of U.S. current practices and highlights ways to improve physical education through national guidance and practical strategies and resources.

Healthy Out-of-School Time Assessment Helps school districts and school staff create a healthier out-of-school time environment for kids. Administrators and staff can use this tool to track what they are already doing to support health and wellness at their location and highlight opportunities for growth and improvement.

Bicycle Friendly University Recognizes institutions of higher education that promote and provide more bikeable campuses for students, staff, and visitors.

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23 Classroom Activities for Dental Health Month

• Christopher Olson
• February 2, 2022
• No Comments

“Brush-a, brush-a brush-a”… anytime I pick up a toothbrush I act like the sleepover scene in the movie “Grease”.   This is of course before I start a refrain of “Look at me I’m Sandra Dee” in the mirror.   Alright, now that I am finished embarrassing myself let’s get back to the topic at hand… Classroom Activities for Dental Health Month.

February has numerous celebrations, holidays, and recognition sprinkled throughout. When the word February is mentioned with celebrations, most tend to think about Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, and even Groundhog Day.  However, February also happens to be Dental Health Awareness Month.  For all of your February holiday-themed activities, head over to ETTC Premium. You can find activities for all of the holidays this month and the entire year. 

1. FREE Toothbrushes

I wanted to start off this awesome list with something tangible for you and your students!  Colgate has a great program for Primary Educators that offers free classroom kits! The Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures ®  classroom kit is full of easy-to-use classroom materials, plus Colgate ® toothpaste, and toothbrush samples for 24 head start, kindergarteners, or first-grade students.  Sign up today to receive your free kits!

2.  Losing Teeth Writing Prompt

Another thing that you should know about me is that I find teeth extremely gross.  Wiggly teeth make me queasy and teeth that fall out are just ugh!  So what do my students do best?  Immediately run into the room opening their mouths and saying “Mr. Olson, look at my wiggly tooth” as they continue to move it back and forth!  So, I do what we do as educators and make a big deal about it.  What better way to allow students to tell you their loose tooth stories than to write about them!?

3. ‘Egg-Ceptional Smiles’

Ready to show how your students can have an ‘egg-ceptional’ smile?  I’m sorry, an exceptional smile?  Grab these items and let your students explore in this hands-on brushing and flossing activity.

• Egg cartons
• White paint
• Yarn (for floss)

This activity teaches them about plaque hiding places and the importance of brushing well! Start by “brushing the teeth” using the white paint, toothbrush, and egg carton.

Once the paint is dry, it’s time to floss! Work with your students to place “plaque” (play-dough) in between each egg carton crack. Then use the yarn (floss) to remove the dough from each tooth.

4. Healthy Teeth Fluency Passage

Help your students practice oral fluency and accuracy while learning the best ways to take care of their teeth. Grab a version of this passage that works for your students. There are 4 different levels of passages ( Practically First ,  First Grade ,  Second Grade , and  Third Grade ).

5. Brush the Tartar Away

Young students?  Laminate pictures of a cut-out tooth.  Draw some “plaque” on it with an expo marker.  Using a real toothbrush, allow students to brush away the tartar and plaque for a clean and healthy tooth. 

Make this activity academic by having the “plaque” be a letter or number.  The student must brush the plaque according to the sound you made or identify the number stated.  

6. Race to Lose a Tooth: A Math Counting Game

A great math game using two pieces of pink paper, marshmallows, and dice.  Rolling the dice to lose the teeth, is the perfect subtraction math game. Feel free to adapt this game by making your own classroom rules (for example: if you roll a 1 or 6 you must add teeth back) or use two dice to play with more marshmallow spaces.

7. Healthy Foods Sort

Print off two large clip art tooth images or have your students draw and cut a large tooth on a piece of paper. Label each tooth.  One labeled “Healthy Foods” and the other “Not So Healthy Foods”.  Provide students with various magazines, newspapers, and online clipart opportunities.  Allow students to search and find different pictures of foods.  Next, students need to work together to determine which food fits each category.

Or, if magazines are hard to come by, I have a healthy foods sort all ready to go for you.

8. Tooth ‘Eggsperiment’

Did you like the experiment in Number 4?  Then you are going to LOVE this rendition!  Similar steps, however this time you are using items that students may actually drink and use like orange soda and kool-aid!  Allow students to record their observations with the included observational form!

9. Snack Time!

Looking for a fun Dental Health snack that students can make themselves?  How about their own grinning apples?   All the students need are:

• two slices of an apple
• peanut butter
• marshmallows

Students can spread the peanut butter (gums) onto the two apple slices (lips).  Place the marshmallows (teeth) in between the two apple slices to create their very own mouth model.  Upgrade your snack with pretzel stick toothbrushes.

10. Brushing Your Teeth Sequencing Puzzle

Here is a hands-on activity direct from my sequencing centers.  Allow students to arrange the pieces of the puzzle from what happens first, next, then, etc. until you end with the last piece of the puzzle.

11. Why Do We Brush Our Teeth?

SciShow for Kids is always my ‘go-to’ Youtube channel!  Check out this informative, yet short and engaging video to let your students know the importance of brushing their teeth!

12.  I Can Take Care of My Teeth Mini-Book

“I Can Take Care of My Teeth” from my No Prep Monthly Mini-Books are just perfect for whole group or small group activities!  The writing prompt gives your students the opportunity to make a connection and respond to the story.  The writing prompt will encourage speaking and listening skills by allowing students to share their writing within their small groups.

13. Tooth Money

Besides loose teeth, children also love talking about the “Tooth Fairy” and what the Fairy left for them.  Cut out some teeth and glue or print off images of various coins on them that the Tooth Fairy left behind.  Have students count them up and document them.  Laminate and have students write their answers in an expo marker on the tooth itself for independent/small group practice. 

14.  Growing Plaque Science Experiment

Just like Virginia is for Teachers  states: “This has to be one of the grossest science experiments ever… but that’s exactly why you have to try it in your classroom!” By using yeast students will see how plaque will grow and how gross it may look when sugar is added to the mixture.  This is the perfect lesson to show how sugar in our mouths creates plaque too.

15. Lego Flossing

Here is an activity similar to number 3 on this list.  However, it involves one of the students’ favorite items… legos !  Take a lego block and place some playdough on top sticking it between the knobs.  Provide your student with a piece of real dental floss and have them floss the dough out.  This is a great fine motor activity for all.

16. 5 Senses Writing

Science lesson AND writing!?!  I mean what could be a better combination?  Oh yeah, just a sprinkle of health with the importance of toothpaste and dental health!  This writing mat is a component of the Second Grade Literacy Centers for the month of October.  Or if you are looking for yearlong Math, ELA, Writing centers, activities, and more check out the bundle option as well!

Bring a tube or multiple tubes of toothpaste into your classroom and let students explore.  Using their sight allows your students to describe all aspects of the toothpaste. They can unscrew the cap and smell it, and even squirt a tiny bit on their fingers and let them taste it.

17.  Teeth Brushing Chart

I had a coworker print off monthly charts for the month of February.  Each day she would give the student a sticker to place on their chart that was displayed in the hallway. If they brushed their teeth before coming to school in the morning they received a sticker.  She would give them another sticker if they brushed their teeth last night before going to bed.  Super cute… and surprising how honest kids are. 

18.  Toothpaste Slime

I don’t know why I am so obsessed with slime! I don’t even like touching it, but I just think it is so cool and the students do too!  Slime is such a popular, engaging, and easy science lesson/experiment so let’s tie it into Dental Health Month too!  The special thing with THIS recipe?!?  Still Playing School ‘s recipe looks like ACTUAL TOOTHPASTE!  I even have these little tooth holders that I bought in bulk several years back and don’t know what else to do with them besides waiting for a tooth to fall.  Here is my answer!

19. Apple Cavity Experiment

Have you ever had an apple with a bruise or a small hole in it?  What happened to the area surrounding the hole in the apple?  Exactly, it got discolored, soft, rotten around the area, and spreads.  Guess what?  That’s exactly what happens with a cavity!

The hard enamel surface of your teeth protects them, much like the skin of an apple protects the fruit inside. After poking the apple with a pencil or scissor point, allow it to sit for 24 hours before exploring and cutting into it.

20. Readers Theatre

Readers Theatre is probably THE favorite activity for me.  I love to see how creative my students get when I allow them to practice reading the script, create their own costumes, and create their own scenery.  Since February is the month of Dental Health Awareness, I have this great “Trip to the Dentist” play and comprehension questions to go alongside the play.

Not only are your students participating in the play, able to answer the comprehension questions, but the audience listening and watching can answer them as well!

21. Dental Health Educational Websites

• Activities and lesson plans for educators with resources and presentations.  This website offers a dental health curriculum, Smile Smarts!, for preschool through grade eight students offering flexible, modular lesson plans, support materials, hands-on classroom demonstrations, student activity sheets, and suggestions for future dental health activities.
• Ready to make your students’ and families’ Tooth Fairy experience more special?  Check out Delta Dental’s Tooth Fairy Resources!  Letters to and from the tooth fairy are included, activities, as well as certificates, are included on this cute and great website!
• The ADA website offers educators posters, resource guides, and tons of activities including coloring sheets and activity sheets.  My favorite part of this website?  That it offers all its materials in both English and Spanish!

22. Dental Health Read Alouds

No list from Christopher Olson wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t offer a read-aloud list!  My favorite activity, if you haven’t learned yet about me, is pairing a lesson and activity with a book!  Check out some of these texts to add to your classroom library!

Just Going To The Dentist by Mercer Mayer (aff)

Teeth Rex Brushes His Teeth by Dee Smith (aff)

Open Wide: Tooth School Inside by Laurie Keller (aff)

The Tooth Book by Edward Miller (aff)

What If You Had Animal Teeth? by Sandra Markle (aff)

Whose Teeth Are These? by Wayne Lynch (aff)

Brush Your Teeth Please! by Leslie Mcguire (aff)

Pete the Cat and The Lost Tooth by James Dean (aff)

Bear’s Loose Tooth by Karma Wilson (aff)

How to Catch The Tooth Fairy by Adam Wallace (aff)

23. Dental Health Listen and Color

There is always time to work on listening comprehension and following directions. You can practice these  skills while keeping with your theme. Read aloud each direction and have your students follow them in the image given. Or, if your students are able to read on their own, place this page in a center and have them read and follow the directions indepedently.

Whether you choose some texts or some science activities, this list of 23 Classroom Activities for Dental Health Month has a little bit of everything for you!  Hey, you can even take every activity off of this list and fill your entire month!  How amazing does that sound!?   

Anything I’m missing from this Dental Health Activity list?  Let me know in the comments below!  Even better let’s see some pictures of your students’ hard work on some of these awesome resources and activities!  Remember… “Brush-a, brush-a, brush-a”!  Smile wide this month!

Written By: Christopher Olson

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35 Facts About Saratov

Written by Floris Rosenthal

Modified & Updated: 31 May 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Saratov is a fascinating city located in southwestern Russia, nestled on the banks of the great Volga River. With a rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty, Saratov has become a popular destination for travelers from around the world. In this article, we will explore 35 fascinating facts about Saratov that will not only leave you in awe but also inspire you to add this amazing city to your travel bucket list. From its iconic landmarks and historical sites to its delicious cuisine and cultural festivals, Saratov has something to offer for every type of traveler. So, get ready to delve into the secrets of Saratov and discover why this dynamic city should be on your radar .

Key Takeaways:

• Saratov, a city on the Volga River, offers a rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes. From its iconic bridge to vibrant festivals, Saratov has something for everyone to enjoy.
• With its mix of historical landmarks, cultural attractions, and natural beauty, Saratov is a warm and welcoming city that captivates visitors and residents alike. Whether you’re a history buff, art enthusiast, or nature lover, Saratov has it all!

Saratov is situated on the banks of the Volga River.

The city offers breathtaking views of the majestic Volga River, which is the longest river in Europe.

It was founded in 1590.

Saratov has a deep-rooted history that dates back to the 16th century when it was established as a fortress.

The name “Saratov” means “Yellow Mountain” in Tatar.

The city’s name is derived from the Tatar word “sary tau ,” which refers to the distinctive yellowish cliffs found in the area.

Saratov is the administrative center of Saratov Oblast.

As the capital of the Saratov region, the city plays a crucial role in the governance and economic development of the area.

It is often referred to as the “Gateway to Volga.”

Due to its strategic location on the Volga River, Saratov serves as a key transportation hub and a starting point for journeys along the waterway.

Saratov is home to over 800,000 inhabitants.

With a thriving population, the city boasts a diverse community with various cultural backgrounds and traditions.

The Saratov State University is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Russia.

Established in 1909, the university has a rich academic history and offers a wide range of courses in various disciplines.

The historic Saratov Theater is a prominent cultural landmark.

This beautiful theater, founded in 1851 , hosts a variety of performances, including ballet, opera, and drama.

Saratov is known for its beautiful architecture.

The city features a mix of architectural styles, including neoclassical, art nouveau, and Soviet-era buildings.

Saratov has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters.

The city experiences distinct seasons, with temperatures ranging from hot and humid in the summer to freezing cold in the winter.

The Saratov Bridge is an iconic symbol of the city.

This impressive bridge spans the Volga River and offers stunning panoramic views of Saratov’s skyline.

Saratov is a significant industrial center.

The city is renowned for its manufacturing industries, including machinery, food processing, and chemicals.

The Victory Park in Saratov commemorates the heroism of World War II.

This sprawling park features monuments, memorials, and a museum dedicated to honoring the sacrifices made during the war.

Saratov is recognized for its strong sports culture.

The city has produced many talented athletes who have excelled in various sports, including ice hockey, football, and athletics.

The Saratov Art Museum showcases an extensive collection of Russian and European artwork.

Art enthusiasts can admire the masterpieces of renowned artists from different eras in this cultural gem .

Saratov is renowned for its festivals and cultural events.

The city hosts a myriad of celebrations throughout the year, including the Saratov Bridge Festival and the Saratov Jazz Festival.

Saratov is a major educational center.

In addition to Saratov State University, the city is home to numerous colleges, technical schools, and research institutes .

The Saratov Aviation Plant is one of the leading aircraft manufacturing facilities in Russia.

The plant has produced various aircraft, including the famous Antonov An-148 passenger jet.

Saratov is a popular destination for river cruises.

Tourists can embark on enchanting voyages along the Volga River, exploring the scenic beauty and historical sites along the way.

Saratov is a melting pot of cultures.

The city’s diverse population brings together different ethnic groups, contributing to a rich tapestry of traditions and heritage.

Saratov is famous for its delicious local cuisine.

Visitors can indulge in traditional dishes such as pelmeni (dumplings), borscht (beet soup), and blini (thin pancakes).

The Saratov Philharmonic Society is renowned for its exceptional musical performances.

Music lovers can enjoy classical concerts, chamber music recitals, and other enchanting performances at this esteemed institution.

Saratov is blessed with abundant natural beauty.

The city is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including lush forests, rolling hills , and the serene Volga River.

Saratov has a rich literary heritage.

The city has been home to many notable writers , including Konstantin Simonov and Valentin Rasputin.

Saratov has a well-developed transportation infrastructure.

It is served by an extensive network of roads, railways, and an international airport, ensuring easy access to the city.

The Saratov Museum of Local Lore offers fascinating insights into the history and culture of the region.

Visitors can explore archaeological artifacts , ethnographic exhibits, and valuable historical documents.

Saratov is known for its vibrant nightlife.

The city offers a wide range of entertainment options, including bars, nightclubs , and live music venues.

Saratov is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

With its proximity to nature reserves and national parks, visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping.

Saratov is a center for space research and technology.

The city houses several scientific institutes and research centers dedicated to advancing space exploration.

Saratov has a strong tradition of chess.

The city has produced many talented chess players who have achieved international recognition.

The Saratov Puppet Theater delights audiences of all ages.

Featuring captivating puppet shows and performances, this theater is a must-visit for families.

Saratov is home to several beautiful parks and gardens.

Visitors can relax and enjoy the natural beauty in places such as Lipki Park and the Garden of Harmony.

Saratov hosts the annual Volga Fest, a vibrant celebration of local culture and traditions.

During this festival, the city comes alive with music, dance, art exhibitions, and traditional crafts.

Saratov has a thriving film industry.

The city has produced many acclaimed filmmakers and has a rich cinematic heritage.

Saratov offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere to both residents and visitors alike.

With its mix of historical landmarks, cultural attractions, and natural beauty, Saratov has something for everyone to enjoy.

These 35 facts about Saratov highlight the city’s historical significance, cultural heritage, and its role as a vibrant center of arts, education, and industry. Whether you are exploring the architectural wonders, immersing yourself in the local traditions, or simply enjoying the scenic beauty, Saratov is sure to captivate and leave a lasting impression.

Saratov is a fascinating city with a rich history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene. From its picturesque waterfront to its historical landmarks, Saratov offers visitors a unique and immersive experience. Whether you’re interested in exploring its museums, enjoying its thriving food scene, or simply strolling through its charming streets, Saratov has something for everyone.

With its strategic location on the Volga River, Saratov has played a significant role in Russia’s history and continues to be an important hub for trade and transportation. Its diverse population and welcoming atmosphere make Saratov a destination worth visiting, whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking to immerse yourself in a new and vibrant culture.

So, pack your bags and get ready to explore this hidden gem in Russia . Saratov will enchant you with its beauty, captivate you with its history, and leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

1. What is the best time to visit Saratov? The best time to visit Saratov is during the summer months of June to August when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities.

2. How can I get to Saratov? Saratov has its own international airport, and you can also reach the city by train, bus, or car from other major cities in Russia.

3. What are some must-visit attractions in Saratov? Some must-visit attractions in Saratov include the Saratov Opera and Ballet Theatre, Radishchev Art Museum, Saratov Embankment, and the Holy Trinity Cathedral.

4. Is Saratov a safe city for tourists? Yes, Saratov is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it’s always recommended to practice common safety precautions such as avoiding walking alone at night and keeping an eye on your belongings.

5. What is the local cuisine like in Saratov? Saratov is known for its delicious and diverse cuisine. Some local dishes to try include borsch (traditional Russian soup), pirozhki (stuffed pastries), and pelmeni (dumplings).

6. Are there any natural attractions near Saratov? Yes, there are natural attractions near Saratov, including the Lipki Park and the picturesque Sokolovskaya Mountain offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

7. Can I explore Saratov on foot? Yes, Saratov is a walkable city, and many of its main attractions are within walking distance of each other. However, there are also public transportation options available for getting around the city.

8. Are there any festivals or events in Saratov? Saratov hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, including the Saratov Bridge Festival, Saratov Jazz Festival, and the Saratov Street Theater Festival. Check the local event calendar for the specific dates of these events.

9. Are there any accommodation options in Saratov? Yes, there are plenty of accommodation options in Saratov, ranging from budget-friendly hotels to luxury resorts and cozy guesthouses.

10. Can I visit Saratov as a day trip from Moscow? While Saratov is located around 800 kilometers southeast of Moscow, it is possible to visit the city as a day trip. However, it is recommended to plan a longer stay to fully explore and appreciate all that Saratov has to offer.

Saratov's enchanting charm extends beyond its city limits. Uncover more fascinating facts about the mighty Volga River , which flows through Saratov and shapes its landscape. Explore the hidden gems of other captivating Russian cities , each with its unique history and cultural treasures. Delve into the intriguing world of Engels , a city closely intertwined with Saratov's past and present. Embark on a journey of discovery as you unravel the secrets and stories that make these places truly extraordinary.

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