# **Lesson Plan: Healthy Habits for Toddlers - Topic: Orphans**
## **Objective:**
By the end of the lesson, toddlers (ages 2-4) will have an understanding of basic healthy habits such as hygiene, nutrition, and physical activity. The lesson will also touch upon the concept of orphans in a sensitive and age-appropriate manner. The goal is to cultivate empathy and basic understanding amongst the toddlers.
## **Materials Needed:**
- Picture books on hygiene, nutrition, and physical activity.
- Simple illustrations or props showing children practicing healthy habits.
- A plush toy or puppet to represent an orphan character.
- Hand sanitizer and tissues.
- Fruit or healthy snack samples.
- Music for movement activities.
- Coloring sheets and crayons.
- Emotion cards showing different feelings.
## **Lesson Structure:**
### **1. Introduction (5 Minutes)**
- **Welcome Circle Time:**
- Greet the toddlers and gather them in a circle.
- Briefly explain the day's topic: "Today we are going to learn about being healthy and taking care of ourselves, and we will also meet a special friend who is an orphan."
### **2. Healthy Habits Overview (10 Minutes)**
- **Discussion:**
- Use picture books and illustrations to explain:
- **Hygiene:** Washing hands, brushing teeth.
- **Nutrition:** Eating fruits and vegetables.
- **Physical Activity:** Playing and being active.
- Show illustrations or props and ask questions to engage the toddlers (e.g., "Who brushes their teeth every day?").
### **3. Meeting the Orphan Character (10 Minutes)**
- **Introduction:**
- Introduce the plush toy or puppet "Tommy the Orphan."
- Explain gently what an orphan is: "Tommy is a special friend who doesn’t have a mommy and daddy to take care of him, so he needs extra love and help from friends like us."
- **Story Time:**
- Tell a simple story featuring Tommy learning about healthy habits and how his friends help him.
- Emphasize kindness and empathy.
### **4. Interactive Activity 1: Hygiene Practice (5 Minutes)**
- **Hand Washing Demonstration:**
- Demonstrate proper hand washing using a pretend sink setup.
- Use hand sanitizer for practical demonstration.
- Encourage toddlers to practice using tissues and sanitizer.
### **5. Interactive Activity 2: Healthy Eating (5 Minutes)**
- **Fruit Tasting:**
- Show different fruits and explain their benefits.
- Allow toddlers to taste small samples and discuss which ones they like.
### **6. Movement and Physical Activity (10 Minutes)**
- **Music and Movement:**
- Play energetic, toddler-friendly music.
- Lead a short exercise session: jumping, clapping, and dancing.
- Emphasize the fun and importance of being active.
### **7. Art and Coloring Activity (10 Minutes)**
- **Coloring Sheets:**
- Distribute coloring sheets with images of children practicing healthy habits.
- Encourage toddlers to color and talk about the pictures.
### **8. Emotional Understanding (5 Minutes)**
- **Emotion Cards:**
- Show emotion cards and discuss different feelings.
- Relate feelings to Tommy the Orphan and talk about how we can make friends feel better.
### **9. Conclusion and Hugs (5 Minutes)**
- **Closing Circle Time:**
- Review key points on healthy habits.
- Remind toddlers to practice these habits at home.
- Encourage a group hug for Tommy the Orphan, fostering empathy and care.
- Sing a goodbye song and thank the toddlers for participating.
## **Extension Activities:**
- **Parent Handout:** Send a handout home with tips for reinforcing healthy habits.
- **Book Suggestions:** Recommend books about healthy habits and empathy.
## **Assessment:**
- Observe toddlers' participation and engagement during activities.
- Ask simple questions to check understanding (e.g., "Why do we wash our hands?").
- Note toddlers' ability to show empathy towards the orphan character.
By blending education on healthy habits with fostering empathy, this lesson plan aims to provide toddlers with fundamental life skills in a compassionate and interactive manner.