Self-care and physical health quickly become a distant priority in the busy world of everyday life. Disregarding these fundamental needs can significantly compromise overall well-being and diminish quality of life. It is time to break free from this cycle and prioritize a lifestyle founded on positive health habits!
That is the goal of this evidence-based SEL lesson for kindergarten students. Complete with engaging puppet plays and fun activities, it reinforces the positive actions for improving physical health.
The lesson opens with a greeting from the students’ lovable puppet friends, Picks-It Raccoon and Nix-It Panda. Since the beginning of the curriculum, students have been journeying with the puppets in the three lands of the Kingdom of Positive Action. In their adventures, they have been learning positive actions for a positive life and collecting the keys to the gates of Castle Self-Concept.
Before the students open the first gate of the castle, they must first remember the eight positive actions they have discovered in the Land of Physical. To help them recall, they think about each of the Goodbody children. These children live in the Goodbody Shoehouse and know how to care for themselves well.
"It is never too early to teach children about healthy practices. If anything, it is important to equip them with this knowledge as early as possible so that they can turn these actions into habits."
The students remember too well the names of the friends they have made; they are Ellen Eat-Right, Kathy Keep-Clean, Patty Push-Up, Suzie Sleep-Enough, Brian Brush-Well, Harry Harms-Not, Dean Do-Right, and Stanley Stay-Well.
Meeting these children has taught them the following physical positive actions for keeping their bodies healthy and strong:
Healthy eating and nutrition
Hygiene and personal care
Physical exercise and fitness
Sleep and rest
Dental hygiene and oral health
Safety measures and preventing accidents
Following the class discussion, the puppet play continues. Nix-It and the students are ready to use their first key to open the first gate of Castle Self-Concept. However, Picks-It interrupts their excitement and announces they must pass a test first. This test measures their understanding and proves they know how to use what they have learned.
This is how the lesson ends—with a simple review of the lesson concepts. The students and their puppet friends meet again in the next lesson and apply the ideas to actions.
It is never too early to teach children about healthy practices. If anything, it is important to equip them with this knowledge as early as possible so that they can turn these actions into habits.
Pasela is a digital product presented by Positive Action.
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