Physical Health and Growth Foundation: 1 - Health and Well-Being

Topic: PHG1.1 - Demonstrate development of healthy practices

Health and education are closely intertwined. The development of healthy practices lay the foundation for independence in personal care and long term success. When children and adults are healthy, they’re more engaged in learning and in life. For young children, educators play a significant role in modeling and inspiring a lifelong commitment to health and all dimensions of wellness.

Looking Ahead to Kindergarten Family Engagement Special Populations
In kindergarten, students will begin to identify that healthy behaviors affect personal health (Health 2.1.1) as well as identifying their personal health decisions (Health 2.5.1). Students will also recognize that physical activity is important for health (PE K.5.1.A). Students will also begin to recognize the dimensions of health including emotional, intellectual, physical and social health (Health 2.1.2). Lastly, students will begin to understand ways to prevent communicable diseases (Health 2.1.3). Encourage families to:

*Promote healthy hygiene routines at home (e.g. “Let’s brush our teeth before bed!” or “Let’s wash our hands before dinner!”).
*Incorporate physical activity into daily routines and schedules (e.g. going for a family walk after dinner).
*Be aware of developmental milestones and what to watch for (e.g. using the CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” app and resources).

Educators can:

*Provide opportunities and materials that are accessible to all children (e.g. ensuring the dramatic play center is accessible to children with varying mobility).
*Use visual supports to promote healthy practices (e.g. for DLL, consider labeling the environment in multiple languages).
*Consider learning simple words and phrases in a child’s native language or in sign language.
*Collaborate with other service providers when appropriate and with familial consent (e.g. implementing activities recommended by a child’s OT/PT/Developmental Therapist)

Powerful Practices
Across all developmental stages, educators can:

*Limit screen time for young children and follow appropriate guidelines and regulations.
*Provide opportunities and materials for children to participate in healthy practices (e.g. bath tubs and baby dolls in the dramatic play center, etc.).
*Provide opportunities and materials for children to engage in play related to healthy practices (e.g. healthy food options in dramatic play area, baby dolls to change diapers, etc.).
*Prompt and praise handwashing and other hygiene activities, providing supervision and support when needed.
*Actively participate with children in all play opportunities (e.g. run alongside children outside, engage in dramatic play, etc.).
*Ensure children have 3-5 hours daily of opportunities to engage in movement or play.
*Model physical activity and hygiene-related practices (e.g. coughing and sneezing into elbow).
*Use visual supports to promote healthy practices (e.g. visuals for hand washing, coughing, etc.).

Infant

Actively engage with infant during tummy time, increasing duration and frequency with muscular development

During routine care, use “play by play” announcing (e.g. “Let’s change your diaper! You pooped!”)

Model personal health practices (e.g. wash your hands with children, describing each step in the process)

Incorporate oral hygiene activities (e.g. using finger toothbrushes to wipe out mouths)

Provide materials for children to model routine care (e.g. bath tub for baby dolls, etc.)

Younger Toddler
Model personal health practices (e.g. wash your hands alongside the children, describing each step in the process )

Talk to children about the importance of sleep/rest and provide opportunities for rest and calming areas/activities

Provide materials for children to model routine care (e.g. bath tub for baby dolls, etc.)

Older Toddler
Use vocabulary to describe symptoms of illness and wellness

Provide materials that encourage imitation of healthy practices (e.g. doctor kits, bandages, vision charts, model of teeth with large toothbrush)

Talk to children about the importance of sleep/rest and provide opportunities for rest and calming areas/activities

Younger Preschool
Encourage child to identify symptoms of illness and wellness

Provide materials for dramatic play that engage children in the roles of medical professionals

Talk to children about the importance of sleep/rest and provide opportunities for rest and calming areas/activities

Older Preschool
Foster conversations with children about healthy living and prevention (e.g. hair care, bathing, brushing teeth, etc.)

Provide materials for dramatic play that engage children in the roles of medical professionals

Talk to children about the importance of sleep/rest and provide opportunities for rest and calming areas/activities