How to Brush
INTRODUCTION FOR TEACHERS
Oral Health Services NT in 2010 designed a tooth brushing manual with updated information and recommended ways to brush teeth. This song has been written to assist students in learning how to brush their teeth properly, in a specific order, in a specific way, with specific terminology. Putting the routine into song form is aimed at making teeth brushing an exciting experience.
PREPARATION
Whiteboard and marker OR A3 sheet of blank paper and texta
A3 printout of How To Brush Your Teeth
ACTIVITY 1
Play the Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down Game
Jimmy Little says thumbs up to brushing your teeth every day.
In the “Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down Game”, students put their thumbs up if they agree with the statement or thumbs down if they disagree.
Many games are played where students go out if they are incorrect, but we recommend you keep everyone involved and discuss the facts about the statement if any students offer an incorrect response. Other students may like to volunteer an answer or a fact about the statement.
Teacher reads out a fact and the students respond with Thumbs up or Thumbs down.
(Facts taken from the NT Oral Health Toothbrushing Manual)
You should brush your teeth at least 2 times every day (True / Thumbs Up)
You should get a new toothbrush every term (True / Thumbs Up)
You should rinse with water when you finish brushing (False / Thumbs Down)
Toothpaste should be a pea sized amount (True / Thumbs Up)
Use circles, flicks and scrubs when brushing your teeth (True / Thumbs Up)
You never brush your teeth (False / Thumbs Down)
ACTIVITY 2
Read through the song with the students and practice having a sing, a few verses at a time.
Ask the students to suggest any words in the song that are parts of the routine of brushing your teeth, beginning from the start of the song.
Place the words in order on the board. Your final version should look like this…
water. toothpaste, circles, flicks, scrubs, tongue, spit, no rinse
How to Brush Your Teeth