Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Before this lesson, prepare toothbrushes, toothpaste, cups, water, and a mirror for each child, or enough for small groups to practise. The central idea is for pupils to understand and physically demonstrate the correct way to brush their teeth. Observe pupils as they mimic the brushing actions and identify the parts of the mouth they are cleaning, ensuring they use gentle, circular motions and cover all tooth surfaces.
Class: Pre-School Level 3
Term: Second Term
Week: 5
Age: 4 years
Duration: 30 minutes
Subject: Health Habits
Curriculum Theme: Health Habits
Previous Lesson: Not separately stated in the scheme.
Topic: Brushing the Teeth Correctly: Practical Mouth Care
Subject Matter: Care of the Mouth (Practical). Weekly focus: Brushing the Teeth Correctly: Practical Mouth Care.
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- Identify a toothbrush and toothpaste.
- State simple reasons why we brush our teeth.
- Recall the steps for brushing teeth correctly.
Affective Domain
- Show willingness to brush their teeth daily.
- Participate enthusiastically in the brushing song and practical activity.
Psychomotor Domain
- Demonstrate the correct way to hold a toothbrush.
- Perform simple brushing motions (up and down, circular) on their teeth.
- Rinse their mouth properly after brushing.
Social Domain
- Share and take turns with brushing materials if in groups.
- Cooperate with the teacher during the practical session.
Reference Materials
- NAPPS National Unified Teaching Scheme for Pre-School Level 3.
- Early Childhood Care and Education resources on hygiene.
Instructional Materials
- Toothbrushes (one for each pupil or a demonstration set).
- Toothpaste (child-friendly, pea-sized amount for demonstration).
- Small cups for water.
- Clean water.
- A mirror (large one for the class or small individual ones).
- Picture charts showing steps of brushing teeth.
- A large model of teeth and a toothbrush (optional, for clearer demonstration).
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson is important for 4-year-olds as it teaches a fundamental self-care skill that directly impacts their health. Learning to brush correctly helps prevent tooth decay, keeps their breath fresh, and establishes good hygiene habits early in life. Practical demonstration makes the learning concrete and memorable, empowering children to take responsibility for their oral health.Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils can identify parts of their body, including their mouth and teeth. They may have seen adults brush their teeth at home.Lesson Content/Board Summary
Brushing the Teeth Correctly: Practical Mouth Care
Our teeth help us to chew food and speak clearly. To keep our teeth strong and healthy, we must take good care of them. This means brushing them every day!
Why We Brush Our Teeth
- To remove food bits and germs that cause bad smell and toothache.
- To keep our mouth clean and fresh.
- To make our teeth strong and shiny.
How to Brush Your Teeth Correctly
- Get Ready: Get your toothbrush, toothpaste, a cup of water, and a mirror.
- Put Toothpaste: Squeeze a tiny bit of toothpaste (like a pea) onto your toothbrush.
- Brush Front Teeth: Place the brush on your front teeth. Brush up and down gently.
- Brush Back Teeth: Brush the back teeth with small circular motions. Make sure to brush the inside and outside of all teeth.
- Brush Chewing Surfaces: Brush the flat tops of your teeth where you chew food.
- Brush Your Tongue: Gently brush your tongue to remove germs and keep your breath fresh.
- Spit and Rinse: Spit out the toothpaste into a basin. Take a little water, rinse your mouth, and spit again.
- Clean Your Brush: Rinse your toothbrush with clean water and put it away.
Remember to brush your teeth in the morning and before you sleep at night!
Key Words
- Toothbrush – A small brush used to clean teeth.
- Toothpaste – A cream used with a toothbrush to clean teeth.
- Brush – To clean something by rubbing it with a brush.
- Clean – Free from dirt or germs.
- Mouth – The part of the face used for eating and speaking.
- Germs – Tiny things that can make us sick if we don’t clean our bodies.
Brushing Our Teeth Song
Tune: “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”
Brush, brush, brush your teeth,
Every single day.
Up and down and round and round,
Germs will go away!
Brush, brush, brush your teeth,
Morning and at night.
Keep them clean and shiny bright,
What a happy sight!
Actions: Pupils mimic brushing actions (up and down, circular, front, back) as they sing.
Watch and Practise
💡 Teacher Guide for Using This Board Summary
How to teach the content: Use picture charts and a large teeth model (if available) to explain the “Why” and “How” of brushing. Keep explanations very simple and demonstrate each step clearly. Emphasize gentle brushing and covering all tooth surfaces.
What to show or demonstrate: Demonstrate holding the toothbrush, applying a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, and the correct brushing motions (up and down for front teeth, small circles for back teeth and chewing surfaces). Show how to gently brush the tongue, spit, and rinse.
How to use the rhyme/song: Introduce the “Brushing Our Teeth Song” after explaining the steps. Sing it together several times, encouraging pupils to perform the actions as they sing. Use it as a fun way to reinforce the correct motions.
How to use the video: Play the video “Brush Your Teeth Song | Dental Care for Kids | Kids Songs | BabyBus” (or a similar appropriate video). Encourage pupils to watch the brushing actions carefully and try to mimic them along with the characters in the video. After watching, ask them what they saw and what they learned about brushing.
What to watch for: Observe if pupils are holding the toothbrush correctly, using gentle motions, and attempting to brush all areas of their teeth. Correct any rough brushing or missed spots gently.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Play-based Learning, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Songs and Rhymes, Picture Talk, Question and Answer, Practical Activity, Repetition.Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Engagement/Recall
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them what they use their teeth for. The teacher then asks if they know how to keep their teeth clean and healthy.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by saying “eating,” “chewing,” “talking.” Some may say “brushing.”
Learning Point: Pupils recall the function of teeth and are introduced to the idea of oral hygiene.
Step 2: Presentation of Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Identification/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows the pupils a toothbrush and toothpaste. “This is a toothbrush, and this is toothpaste. They help us clean our teeth!” The teacher explains what each item is for.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the toothbrush and toothpaste, touch them (if safe and individual), and repeat their names.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and name the tools for brushing teeth.
Step 3: Explaining Why We Brush Our Teeth
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains in simple terms why brushing is important: “We brush our teeth to remove tiny food bits and germs that make our teeth dirty and cause bad smell. Brushing makes our teeth strong and shiny!”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and may share if they have had a toothache or seen dirty teeth.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the importance of brushing for health and freshness.
Step 4: Teacher Demonstration of Brushing Steps
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Step-by-step Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: Using a large teeth model or their own (clean) finger, the teacher demonstrates each step of brushing as outlined in the Board Summary: applying toothpaste, brushing front, back, chewing surfaces, tongue, spitting, and rinsing. The teacher emphasizes gentle, circular motions.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils watch the teacher’s demonstration carefully, trying to follow the motions with their fingers in the air.
Learning Point: Pupils observe and learn the correct sequence and technique for brushing.
Step 5: Guided Practical Brushing and Song
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher distributes toothbrushes, toothpaste, cups, and water. The teacher guides pupils to apply a tiny amount of toothpaste and then leads them through the brushing steps, singing the “Brushing Our Teeth Song” as they practise. The teacher provides individual help and corrects techniques.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils practise brushing their teeth under the teacher’s guidance, mimicking the demonstrated motions and singing along with the song. They spit and rinse their mouths.
Learning Point: Pupils actively practise the correct brushing technique and reinforce learning through song.
Step 6: Video Reinforcement and Discussion
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Visual Reinforcement/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher plays the video “Brush Your Teeth Song | Dental Care for Kids | Kids Songs | BabyBus” (or similar). After the video, the teacher asks pupils what they saw and what they learned from the video about brushing.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils watch the video, sing along if they know the song, and discuss what they observed about brushing teeth.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their understanding of brushing through visual and auditory aids.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 4–5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher checks pupils’ understanding through short questions and practical tasks.
- “Show me your toothbrush and toothpaste.”
- “Why do we brush our teeth?” (Accept simple answers like “to clean them,” “no germs”).
- “Show me how you brush your front teeth.” (Pupils demonstrate the motion).
- “When should we brush our teeth?” (Accept “morning” and “night”).
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond orally and demonstrate the required skill where appropriate.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 1 minute
Teaching Skill: Summary/Encouragement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher praises the pupils for their participation and reminds them to always brush their teeth twice a day to keep them healthy and strong. “Good job, everyone! Remember to brush your teeth every morning and every night!”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond with “Yes, teacher!” and put away their materials.
Learning Point: Pupils are encouraged to apply what they have learned daily.
Lesson Keywords
- Toothbrush – A tool with bristles used to clean teeth.
- Toothpaste – A paste used with a toothbrush to clean teeth.
- Brush – To clean by rubbing with a brush.
- Clean – Free from dirt or germs.
- Mouth – The opening in the face used for eating and speaking.
- Germs – Tiny living things that can cause illness or tooth decay.
Differentiation
- Support: For pupils who struggle, the teacher can provide hand-over-hand guidance during the practical session, use a larger model for demonstration, or focus on just one or two key brushing motions. Repeated verbal cues and simplified instructions will also be helpful.
- Extension: For pupils who quickly grasp the concept, the teacher can ask them to identify different parts of the mouth (e.g., gums, tongue) and explain why it’s important to brush each area. They could also be asked to demonstrate the full brushing routine independently.
Community Join the conversation Open discussion +