Healthy Habits Fun

Overview

This 45-minute lesson introduces students to healthy daily habits. It supports English Language Learners (Grades 1-4) using very simple ESL English. The lesson fully aligns with Alberta’s Health and Life Skills program, meeting key curriculum outcomes for personal well-being.

---

Curriculum Connections

Health and Life Skills Program of Studies (Kindergarten to Grade 6)

• Outcome H1.1: Describe ways to take care of their bodies.
• Outcome H1.2: Identify healthy habits for daily life.
• Outcome H2.2: Communicate simple needs and ideas about health.

---

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

• Use simple words to name three healthy habits (e.g., wash hands, eat fruits, sleep early).
• Understand why these habits keep them strong and well.
• Participate in a group activity showing one healthy habit.
• Practice speaking and listening using clear, basic English.

---

Materials Needed

• Picture cards: hand washing, fruits, water, sleep, exercise
• Whiteboard and markers
• A big poster labelled “Our Healthy Habits”
• Stickers for reward
• Simple song about healthy habits (optional audio)

---

Lesson Flow

1. Warm-Up (5 minutes)

• Greet students with a smile; use simple sentences: “Hello! How are you?”
• Show picture cards one by one; say each word slowly: “Hand wash. Fruit. Sleep.”
• Ask students to repeat the words together several times.

---

2. Introduction to Healthy Habits (10 minutes)

• Point to pictures, explain using very simple English:
  • “Wash hands. Wash with soap.” (Show handwashing picture and mime soap)
  • “Eat fruit. Fruit is good.”
  • “Sleep early. Sleep is good.”
• Engage students by asking short yes/no questions: “Do you like fruit? Yes? No?”
• Write the three words on the board: wash, fruit, sleep.

---

3. Group Activity: Act It Out (15 minutes)

• Divide the class into three groups (8-9 students each).
• Assign each group one healthy habit from the three learned.
• Explain: “You show your habit. No words. Only actions.”
• Give 5 minutes to practice quietly with the group.
• Groups come up and perform for the class.
• Class guesses the habit shown by a thumbs up/down vote.

---

4. Song and Movement Break (5 minutes)

• Teach a simple healthy habits song using repetitive, easy phrases.
• Suggested lines:
  “Wash, wash, wash your hands.
  Eat, eat, eat your fruit.
  Sleep, sleep, sleep at night.
  We are strong and bright!”
• Encourage movements: washing hands, pretending to eat fruit, and sleeping gestures.

---

5. Wrap-Up and Review (5 minutes)

• Review three habits with pictures and words once more.
• Ask each student quietly to say one habit today in front, giving praise.
• Hand out small stickers for effort.
• Share a short, positive message: “You are healthy! You are strong!”

---

Assessment

• Informal observation during group activity and participation to confirm understanding.
• Students’ ability to repeat and identify healthy habits orally.
• Teacher notes students who may need extra help with vocabulary or pronunciation.

---

Differentiation

• Use gestures, visuals, and repetition for ELL support.
• Pair stronger and newer English speakers for group work.
• Offer one-on-one support during activities if needed.

---

Reflection for Teachers

• Did students use simple English words correctly?
• Were they engaged and active in the group performance?
• How did the song support language learning and memory?
• Plan to modify the lesson if students need more time or simpler terms.

---

This lesson inspires daily health awareness while building basic English skills, making learning fun and meaningful for young Alberta learners.