Mind, Body, Us

Welcome to our "Healthy Bodies" unit, an exciting and informative journey tailored for students from Prep to Grade Six! In this unit, we'll explore the essential elements of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and mental well-being. Through engaging activities, interactive lessons, and hands-on experiences, students will learn how to make informed choices that promote their overall health and vitality. Our goal is to equip each learner with the knowledge and habits that will help them thrive both in and out of the classroom!

Mind, Body, Us teaching team

Alana Essa, Alicia Bird and Tracey Tsang

Prep

In Mind, Body and Us in Term Three, the "Healthy Bodies" unit will focus on helping our youngest students understand the importance of health and well-being. Through educational texts and physical activities, they will learn about human body parts, the benefits of nutritious foods, the necessity of regular physical activity, and the basics of personal hygiene. This unit will emphasise recognising and making healthy choices, understanding the body's needs, and developing positive habits early on. By fostering a supportive and engaging environment, we aim to build a strong foundation for lifelong health and well-being, ensuring our Prep learners grow up with the tools they need to lead healthy, active lives.

Curriculum Links:

Identify actions that promote health, safety and wellbeing (VCHPEP062)
Explore how regular physical activity keeps individuals healthy and well (VCHPEM066)

Key Vocabulary:

Healthy, Body, Food Groups, Hygiene

Year 1

Throughout Term Three during Mind, Body and Us, the Level One cohort will explore the "Healthy Bodies" unit. It is designed to teach students about the key aspects of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Students will learn the importance of teeth hygiene and how to care for their teeth properly to prevent cavities and ensure bright, healthy smiles. They will explore the five food groups, understanding how a balanced diet fuels their bodies and supports growth and development. The unit also highlights the benefits of regular exercise for physical fitness and overall well-being, alongside the necessity of rest and relaxation to recharge their bodies and minds. Through interactive lessons and practical activities, we aim to instil healthy habits that will benefit our students throughout their lives.

Curriculum Links:

Recognise situations and opportunities to promote their own health, safety and wellbeing (VCHPEP074)
Discuss the body’s reactions to participating in physical activities (VCHPEM083)

Key Vocabulary:

Health, well-being, food-groups, exercise, rest

Year 2

In Mind, Body and Us, Term Three will focus on our "Healthy Bodies" unit that is dedicated to teaching students the essentials of a healthy lifestyle. Students will delve into the significance of hygiene and learn about germs, understanding how proper handwashing and cleanliness can prevent illness. Nutrition education will guide them in making informed food choices, highlighting the benefits of a balanced diet. The unit also addresses emotional health, helping children recognise and express their feelings in healthy ways. Furthermore, students will learn about the critical roles of exercise and sleep in maintaining their physical and mental well-being. Through engaging activities and discussions, we aim to equip our students with the knowledge and habits necessary for a healthy and balanced life.

Curriculum Links:

Recognise situations and opportunities to promote their own health, safety and wellbeing (VCHPEP074)
Examine health messages and how they relate to health decisions and behaviours (VCHPEP077)

Key Vocabulary:

Healthy, hygiene, emotional health, nutrition, habits

Year 3

This term in Mind, Body and Us, the Level Three students will explore the numerous benefits of physical activity, health, and wellbeing, emphasising a holistic approach to personal development. They learn that regular physical activity not only strengthens their bodies but also boosts their mood and mental clarity. The students continue to deepen their understanding the concept of mindfulness, teaching techniques to stay present and manage stress effectively. Additionally, students examine the crucial role of sleep in maintaining overall health, recognising that adequate rest is essential for growth, learning, and emotional stability. Through these lessons, students develop an understanding of how interconnected lifestyle choices contribute to their overall wellbeing, empowering them to make informed decisions for a healthy life.

Curriculum Links:

Identify and practise strategies to promote health, safety and wellbeing (VCHPEP091)
Describe factors that can positively influence relationships and personal wellbeing (VCHPEP092)

Key Vocabulary:

Healthy lifestyle, sleep, overall health, physical activity, lifestyle choices

Year 4

In Mind Body and Us this term, the Year 4 students will delve deeper into the topic ‘Healthy Bodies’. They will develop their understanding on how physical activity, health, and wellbeing significantly benefit brain function. They will learn that regular physical activity not only enhances physical fitness but also improves cognitive abilities by increasing blood flow and oxygen to the brain, promoting better concentration and memory. The importance of mindfulness practices, teaching students how being present and managing their emotions can reduce stress and improve mental clarity. Students also explore the critical role of sleep, understanding that sufficient rest is essential for brain development, memory consolidation, and emotional regulation. Through these lessons, students gain a comprehensive insight into how a balanced lifestyle, incorporating physical activity, mindfulness, and adequate sleep, supports optimal brain health and overall wellbeing.

Curriculum Links:

Identify and practise strategies to promote health, safety and wellbeing (VCHPEP091)
Describe strategies to make the classroom and playground healthy, safe and active spaces (VCHPEP095)

Key Vocabulary:

Physical activity, fitness, concentration, memory, brain development, balanced lifestyle

Year 5

In Mind Body and Us, the Year 5 students focus on developing strategies to promote a healthy lifestyle, recognising the multifaceted benefits of group physical activities. They learn various approaches to maintain physical and mental health, such as balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and stress management techniques. The students explore the advantages of participating in group physical activities, such as team sports or fitness classes, which not only enhance physical fitness but also foster social connections and teamwork skills. Students explore how physical activities positively impact both the mind and body, improving mood, reducing anxiety, and increasing energy levels. Additionally, they examine how engaging in these activities strengthens relationships, building trust, cooperation, and a sense of community. Through these lessons, students are equipped with practical knowledge and skills to lead a balanced, healthy lifestyle and appreciate the holistic benefits of staying active.

Curriculum Links:

Plan and practise strategies to promote health, safety and wellbeing (VCHPEP108)
Explore how participation in outdoor activities supports personal and community health and wellbeing and creates connections to the natural and built environment (VCHPEP113)

Key Vocabulary:

Physical health, mental health, balanced diet, healthy lifestyle

Year 6

This Term in Mind Body and Us, the Year 6 students deepen their understanding of the profound impact physical activities have on overall health. They learn how regular exercise contributes to cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, flexibility, and mental wellbeing, reducing the risk of chronic diseases. They look into preventative health, teaching students the importance of proactive measures such as vaccinations, hygiene, and routine health check-ups. They explore the role of healthy foods in maintaining a balanced diet, learning to make nutritious choices that support sustained energy and growth. Additionally, students develop critical thinking skills to recognise and resist peer pressure, understanding how it can influence their health-related decisions. Through these lessons, students gain comprehensive knowledge to make informed choices about their health, fostering lifelong habits that promote wellbeing and resilience.

Curriculum Links:

Plan and practise strategies to promote health, safety and wellbeing (VCHPEP108)
Investigate the role of preventive health in promoting and maintaining health, safety and wellbeing for individuals and their communities

Key Vocabulary:

Preventative health, Nutrition, hygiene, balanced diet

How can you support your child’s Mind Body and Us learning at home?

Include your child/children in planning weekly meal schedules, grocery lists and cooking.
Encourage a healthy sleep schedule and nightly hygiene routine.
Participate in family exercise, such as a trip to the park or Yoga.
Discuss the reasons why we brush our teeth twice a day, visit the dentist and shower or bath daily.
Have conversations about healthy bodies
Switch off devices during mealtimes to engage in conversations.
Embedding wellbeing strategies such as mindful colouring, Yoga and gratitude journaling, at home, will enable students to transfer their understanding from school into healthy habits for life.