Staying Healthy covers a variety of topics that affect good health: exercise, diet, hygiene, safety, mental health and sleep. The importance of healthy habits is explained in clear, child-friendly language, and the vivid photos are sure to engage both you and your child.
Before, During and After Reading
Oral Language
Introduce the book. Read the title of the book. Since the picture on the cover shows a boy brushing his teeth, you can talk about keeping your teeth clean and your mouth healthy. The name of the author is on the title page; explain that the author is the person who wrote the book.
Oral Language
Discuss what you read and see. As you read, talk with your child about what you’re reading and ask what she sees in the photos. When you get to the vocabulary words written in bold type, flip to the glossary in the back of the book to find an easy-to-understand explanation of the word. By going to the glossary, you’re showing your child a way to look up the meaning of an unfamiliar word.
The green boxes on each page offer additional health tips related to the topic. Read and talk about these, too.
Oral Language
This book is full of healthy habits and tips to discuss. It does a good job of explaining why we need to have these habits, but your child may have even more comments and questions. Talking about these things with your child reinforces this important, practical knowledge and gives her opportunities to develop and practice new vocabulary.
Beginning Writing
Pick a topic or have your child pick a healthy habit from the book, like Washing Hands. Ask her to draw a picture that can show what the habit is and how it’s important. Help your child write her name on the paper and any other words she may want to add.
Explore other recommended children's books and reading activities for five-year-olds, or take the Reading BrightStart! Preschool Reading Screener. The screener can help you determine if your child is on the path to reading readiness, and provides a free plan for moving forward.
