Saba, from West Bromwich, has sent in some great toothbrush training ideas. Let’s read more…
What did you do?
As every parent of a pre- schooler with attest, it can be a challenge to engage their child to learn especially when their default button is set to ‘play.’ However I have endeavoured to excite my son with fun and stimulating activities during lockdown. One particular project over the last few days has been to focus on oral hygiene.
My son, Zakariyya, and I used books and the internet to discover the sugar content of the food that we commonly eat with sugar cubes and a chart assisting his comprehension. My son was amazed and equally surprised by the hidden sugars in various beverages.
Zakariyya also learnt about the structure of a tooth via a simplified diagrammatic resource I had created, and how sugar combines with saliva to produce harmful plaque on our teeth. We made a giant mouth using the cut off ends of drinks bottles we had collected from our neighbours and Zakariyya enjoyed flossing and brushing its teeth with giant string and a toothbrush.
The finale was a plaque revealing tablet highlighting susceptible areas on his teeth which Zakariyya needs to focus on more when brushing. We’ve had so much fun!!
The activity appeals to all learning styles from kinaesthetic via the the creation of the giant mouth through to auditory and visual via book research, diagrammatic reference and vIsualising plaque with the disclosing tablet. My son was really engaged throughout and I felt it was a great success.
Our only issue was painting on the plastic bottles. It’s a non porous surface so our paint wouldn’t adhere. I tried fine sandpaper and PVA glue mixed with water but the coverage was inadequate so we went hardcore and purchased multisurface spray paint! This bit is definitely for the parents!
Do you have any other projects planned?
Our next project is to appreciate people who help us in our community. I felt this was particularly relevant during lockdown since there has been great focus on key workers. I have purchased a sticker activity book on the responsibilities of different professionals and following this I have created a ‘guess who’ game.
I have written various flash cards providing subtle clues on what we may expect of the professionals such as a particular uniform or place of work. I’ve even collected items that they may need for their job role such as a toy fire hydrant or a Stethoscope.
Tell the Housebound With Kids community a bit about yourself…
I’m Saba, a dialysis nurse from the U.K. and mommy to 4 year old Zakariyya, a very hyperactive but loving son.
How are you finding being housebound so far?
I’m a key worker so I still attend work 3 times a week and Zakariyya is at nursery those days. I’ve always done many activities with Zakariyya as he’s an only child and depends on me greatly to entertain him so I haven’t noticed much difference other than he can’t play with his cousins now so depends on me more which can be tiring.
Do you have any tips for other parents?
Make learning fun! Plan ahead and be creative. Lots of effort with planning really helps activities go smoothly BUT be prepared to accept that sometimes we don’t get it right and admit defeat! Learning should be fun and never forced! If your child disengages don’t be disheartened- reflect and make the next activity even better!
Has this website and community helped you?
I love the website! It’s a fabulous concept to bring a community of like minded people together for support.
