How to Teach Body Parts to Kindergarteners
By kindergarten, most children should have a strong knowledge on the parts of their body. Many parents start teaching body parts by the age of 1. Knowledge of body parts is extremely helpful for children who are hurt, not feeling well or just want to express something about a different part of their body. Children who are still struggling with learning body parts or who haven't been enriched at home before kindergarten can easily learn all of the parts of the body that they need to know.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Body parts book, music an videos
- Butcher block paper
- Black Sharpie marker
- Scissors
Instructions
-
-
1
For children who have no idea where their eyes, nose or other simple body parts are, you'll need to start slowly. Don't try to introduce too many body parts at once. For most children, this will become overwhelming and confusing. Introduce one body part, bringing it up in a casual situation. Wait however long it takes for a child to identify the body part (and locate on himself and others) before introducing other body parts.
-
2
Use pictures and books. There are many different picture flashcards and books on the market to help teach children their body parts. Allow kindergarteners to play with these on their own terms. Allowing them to learn through casual play with make their learning more effective, especially at this age. If several children are working on body part books, walk around between them and make comments about the page they are looking at. If the child is looking at a picture of a knee, show them where their own knee (or even where your knee) is.
-
-
3
Introduce songs. There are dozens of children's songs that help children learn the parts of their body. "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" is probably the most famous one. While the song focuses on four main body parts, one verse even switches in to parts of the face. As children become more comfortable with identifying their body parts, sing the song faster and challenge them to keep up.
-
4
Trace and label the children in the classroom. Using large sheets of butcher block paper, trace each child onto the large paper. Afterward, cut them out and allow the children to decorate the paper in whatever outfit they are wearing that day. Once they are done, move around the room and label the different parts of the body. Draw the facial features, writing the label next to them. While most kindergarteners aren't reading yet, it will help them become familiar with what the words look like. Children can also take these life-size models home so that parents can review the parts of the body with them.
-
1
