The Interior — Medicine and HealthGrades K–2

Unit 1 · My Healthy Body

Start with the story. Then go through each chapter, one lesson at a time. Each lesson has three short checks. Each chapter ends with a review. The unit ends with a wrap-up.

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1Unit

My Healthy Body

Healthy Habits

Your body works hard every day. It runs, thinks, grows and plays. In this unit you will learn how to help it. You will learn about germs and how clean hands keep them away.

You will also learn what gives your body energy. Food, water, sleep and play all help. Every body is different, and that is okay. At the end, you will be able to plan a healthy day for yourself.

When it happened
Step 1

Wake up after about 10 hours of sleep

Step 2

Brush your teeth for about two minutes

Step 3

Wash your hands and eat a good breakfast

Step 4

Cough or sneeze into your elbow at school

Step 5

Warm up, then move and play at recess

Step 6

Rest and drink water when you feel tired

Step 7

Scrub with soap for 20 seconds before dinner

Step 8

Take a bath, brush your teeth and read a book

Step 9

Go to bed at the same time each night

Chapter

Germs and Clean Hands

Germs
Big questionHow can we keep germs from making us and our friends sick?
The story

The Glitter Hands

Leo's teacher puts glitter on one hand. Soon the glitter is everywhere.

It is Monday in Ms. Reyes's class. She holds up a jar of gold glitter. "Leo, hold out your hand," she says. She shakes a little glitter on his palm. Leo smiles. His hand sparkles.

"Now say good morning to your friends," Ms. Reyes says. Leo shakes hands with Maya. He gives Sam a high five. He picks up a crayon. He opens the door for Ana.

Soon Maya's hand sparkles. Sam's hand sparkles too. The crayon is gold. The door handle is gold. Leo only had glitter on one hand. Now it is all over the room!

"Germs spread the same way," Ms. Reyes says. "But germs are too small to see." Then the class washes with soap and water. They scrub and scrub. The glitter goes down the drain.

Talk about itThe glitter moved from hand to hand. What are some things your hands touch every day?
Section 1

What Are Germs?

1.1

Tiny Living Things

Main ideaGerms are tiny living things that are too small to see.

Look at your hand. It looks clean. But tiny things live on it. They are called . They are so small you cannot see them with just your eyes.

Scientists look at germs with a . A microscope makes tiny things look big. Then they can see germs. Germs are alive. They can grow and make more germs.

Words to know
germs
tiny living things too small to see with just your eyes
microscope
a tool that makes tiny things look big
Check yourself

1. What are germs?

2. Why can't we see germs on our hands?

3. What tool helps us see germs?

1.2

Some Germs Make Us Sick

Main ideaMost germs do not hurt us, but some germs can make us sick.

Germs live almost everywhere. They live in dirt, on toys and in your body. Many germs do not hurt you. Some even help you. Germs in your belly help you use your food.

But some germs can make you sick. A cold comes from a germ. So does the flu. These germs can get into your body. They can get in through your nose, mouth or eyes.

Words to know
sick
not feeling well in your body
Check yourself

1. Do all germs make us sick?

2. Where do germs in your belly help?

3. How can a germ get into your body?

Section 2

Clean Hands

1.3

Soap and Water

Main ideaWashing with soap and water takes germs off your hands.

Your hands touch lots of things. They touch doors, toys and tables. Germs get on your hands. Then you touch your mouth or eyes. The germs can get in.

helps. Soap lifts germs and dirt off your skin. Water rinses them away. Water alone does not work as well. Use soap and water together.

Wash your hands before you eat. Wash after you use the toilet. Wash after you blow your nose. Wash when you come in from play.

Words to know
soap
something you rub on your skin that lifts off germs and dirt
Check yourself

1. What does soap do?

2. When should you wash your hands?

3. Which works best to clean hands?

1.4

Scrub for 20 Seconds

Main ideaScrub your hands with soap for about 20 seconds, as long as a short song.

Germs hold on tight. A quick splash does not get them off. You need to . Rub your hands together with soap. Rub the backs. Rub between your fingers. Rub under your nails.

Scrub for about 20 seconds. That is how long doctors say to wash. How long is 20 seconds? Hum the Happy Birthday song two times. Then rinse and dry your hands.

Words to know
scrub
to rub hard to get something clean
Check yourself

1. How long should you scrub with soap?

2. What can help you scrub long enough?

3. Where should you scrub?

Section 3

Stop the Spread

1.5

Cough Into Your Elbow

Main ideaCough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow to keep germs off others.

A sneeze sends out tiny drops. The drops can carry germs. They can fly far. They land on people and things around you.

You can stop them. Use a . Then throw it away and wash your hands. No tissue? Cough or sneeze into your . Your elbow does not touch toys or friends.

Words to know
tissue
a soft paper you use to wipe your nose
elbow
the bend in the middle of your arm
Check yourself

1. What can a sneeze carry?

2. No tissue? Where should you sneeze?

3. What do you do after you use a tissue?

1.6

Brush and Bathe

Main ideaBrushing teeth twice a day and taking baths keep your body clean.

Germs live in your mouth too. Some germs eat bits of food on your teeth. They can make holes called . Brushing takes the food and germs away.

Brush your teeth two times a day. Brush in the morning. Brush at night before bed. Brush for about two minutes. A grown-up can help you.

Baths and showers help too. Soap and water wash germs and sweat off your whole body. You feel fresh and clean.

Words to know
cavities
holes in teeth that germs can make
Check yourself

1. How many times a day should you brush your teeth?

2. What can germs in your mouth make?

3. What does a bath wash off?

1.7

Keep Your Own Cup

Main ideaWhen someone is sick, do not share cups, spoons or straws.

Your mouth has germs. When you drink, some germs get on the cup. If a friend drinks next, the germs go to them.

Use your own cup. Use your own spoon and straw. This matters most when someone is sick. Sharing is kind. But keep your cup to yourself. That is kind too.

Words to know
share
to let someone else use something of yours
Check yourself

1. How do germs get from one cup to a friend?

2. When does keeping your own cup matter most?

3. Which is a kind choice when you have a cold?

Chapter review

Germs and Clean Hands

0 / 6

1. In the story, what did the glitter show?

2. Why do we need a microscope to see germs?

3. What is the best way to clean your hands?

4. How long should you scrub your hands?

5. Leo has no tissue. He needs to cough. What should he do?

6. How often should you brush your teeth?

Chapter

Food, Sleep and Play

Energy
Big questionWhat does my body need to have energy for my day?
The story

The Late Night Before the Game

Rosa stays up late. The next day, soccer feels very hard.

It is Friday night. Rosa has a soccer game in the morning. But there is a movie on TV. Rosa wants to see the end. She stays up late. She goes to bed long after her bedtime.

In the morning, Rosa's eyes feel heavy. She yawns and yawns. She is in a hurry, so she skips breakfast. Her mom hands her a water bottle. They drive to the field.

The game starts. Rosa runs after the ball. Her legs feel slow. She misses an easy kick. She feels grumpy. Her friend Kim runs fast and scores. Kim went to bed on time and ate eggs and toast.

After the game, Rosa sits on the grass. "I felt so tired," she tells her coach. The coach smiles. "Your body needs sleep and food to play," he says. "Let's try again next week."

Talk about itWhy do you think Kim had more energy than Rosa?
Section 1

Food for Energy

2.1

Food Is Fuel

Main ideaFood gives your body the energy it needs to move, think and grow.

A car needs gas to go. Your body needs food to go. Food gives you . Energy lets you run, jump, think and grow.

When you skip a meal, you may feel slow or grumpy. A good breakfast helps you start the day. It helps you learn and play at school.

Words to know
energy
the power your body uses to move, think and grow
Check yourself

1. What does food give your body?

2. How might you feel if you skip breakfast?

3. A car needs gas. What does your body need?

2.2

Many Kinds of Food

Main ideaEat many kinds of food: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and milk foods.

Food comes in groups. like apples and berries. Vegetables like carrots and peas. like bread, rice and oatmeal. Protein like beans, eggs, fish and meat. Milk foods like milk, yogurt and cheese.

Each group helps your body in its own way. So eat many colors and kinds. Try to fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables.

Words to know
fruits
sweet foods that grow on plants, like apples and berries
grains
foods made from seeds like wheat or rice, such as bread
Check yourself

1. Which food is a grain?

2. How much of your plate should be fruits and vegetables?

3. Which food is protein?

2.3

Water and Sometimes Foods

Main ideaWater is the best drink, and sweets are sometimes foods.

Your body is made of lots of water. You lose water when you sweat and play. So drink water every day. Water is the best drink when you are thirsty.

Candy, chips and soda taste good. They are . You can enjoy them now and then. But they do not give your body all it needs to grow.

Words to know
sometimes foods
treats like candy and chips to enjoy only now and then
Check yourself

1. What is the best drink when you are thirsty?

2. Which is a sometimes food?

3. When do you lose water?

Section 2

Sleep Helps You Grow

2.4

Why We Sleep

Main ideaSleep helps your body grow and rest, and helps your brain learn.

At night you close your eyes. You sleep. But your body is busy. It grows. It fixes small hurts. Your brain sorts out what you learned that day.

When you do not get enough sleep, you feel tired. It is hard to pay attention. You may feel grumpy, like Rosa. Sleep gives you a fresh start.

Words to know
sleep
the time your body and brain rest at night
Check yourself

1. What does your body do while you sleep?

2. What does your brain do while you sleep?

3. How might you feel without enough sleep?

2.5

How Much Sleep?

Main ideaChildren your age need about 10 hours of sleep each night.

Kids need more sleep than grown-ups. Children in school need about 9 to 12 hours each night. Many need about 10 hours.

A helps. Take a bath. Brush your teeth. Read a book. Turn off screens. Go to bed at the same time each night.

Words to know
bedtime routine
the same calm steps you do each night before sleep
Check yourself

1. About how much sleep do many kids need?

2. Who needs more sleep?

3. Which step fits a bedtime routine?

Section 3

Move and Rest

2.6

Move Every Day

Main ideaMoving and playing every day makes your heart and muscles strong.

Run, jump, dance, ride a bike. Moving is good for you. It makes your heart strong. It makes your strong. It helps you feel happy too.

Doctors say kids should move and play about one hour every day. You can move in many ways. Before hard play, . Walk or march slowly first. It gets your body ready.

Words to know
muscles
parts of your body that help you move
warm up
to move slowly first to get your body ready for play
Check yourself

1. How long should kids move each day?

2. What does moving make strong?

3. What should you do before hard play?

2.7

Rest When You Are Tired

Main ideaResting when you are tired helps your body get ready to play again.

After you run, your heart beats fast. You breathe hard. That is okay. Your body is working. Now it is time to .

Sit down. Take slow breaths. Drink water. Listen to your body. When it says it is tired, you can take a break. A break is a smart choice.

Words to know
rest
to stop and let your body be still and calm
Check yourself

1. What can you do when your body feels tired?

2. Which helps you rest?

3. Why did Ben sit on the bench?

2.8

Every Body Is Different

Main ideaEach body is different, and that is okay.

Look around your class. Some kids are tall. Some are short. Some run fast. Some move in a wheelchair. Some like to dance. Some like to swim.

Every body is . Each body grows in its own way and time. You can find the foods, sleep and play that help your body. Ask a parent, nurse or doctor what is best for you.

Words to know
different
not the same as something else
Check yourself

1. Are all bodies the same?

2. Who can help you learn what is best for your body?

3. How did Omar move on field day?

Chapter review

Food, Sleep and Play

0 / 6

1. Why did Rosa feel slow at her game?

2. Which food group is yogurt in?

3. What is the best drink when you are thirsty?

4. About how long should kids move and play each day?

5. What does a warm up do?

6. What is true about bodies?

Unit wrap-up

My Healthy Body

Twelve words, twelve meanings

0 / 8

Tap a word, then tap its meaning. A right pair locks in green.

Words
Meanings
Unit test

Fifteen questions across the unit

0 / 10

1. What are germs?

2. How long should you scrub your hands with soap?

3. Where should you sneeze if you have no tissue?

4. Why should you keep your own cup when you are sick?

5. What can germs on your teeth make?

6. What gives your body energy?

7. Which is a sometimes food?

8. About how much sleep do many kids need each night?

9. What should you do before hard play?

10. Omar uses a wheelchair and Lily runs. What is true?

Write it

What is one thing you can do tomorrow to stay healthy? Tell or draw your idea. Use two facts from this unit to say why it helps.

  • Pick one thing, like washing hands or going to bed on time.
  • Use a word from the unit, like germs or energy.
  • Say why it helps your body.
  • You can draw, say or write your idea.
0 wordsSaved on this device as you type.

Practice rooms

Rooms already on the site that belong to this unit — cards, quizzes, a lab.

For the teacher

Every lesson keeps its own three checks; a lesson is ticked when all three are right. Chapter reviews, the unit test and its spiral review (five questions from earlier units in this band) score on the page. When the site is connected to your sheet, or the link carries ?dest=, each one also has a Send box: the first-try score, the standards, the supports used, the attempt number and the minutes go to your sheet as an IEP data point.

Print this page for a paper copy of the readings, the sources, the words and the questions; the answers print as dashed boxes under each question.

Fact-check notes for this course live in the handoff: quotes marked (paraphrased) were set that way on purpose.