lenny

Hydration Heroes

user image
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Water Wonders Lesson Plan

Students will understand the critical role of water in overall health and physical performance, and be able to identify strategies for prioritizing hydration.

Understanding hydration is fundamental for well-being, influencing everything from energy levels to concentration and athletic ability.

Audience

6th Grade Group

Time

35 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, visual presentation, and personal reflection.

Materials

The Power of H2O Slide Deck, My Hydration Habits Reflection Journal, and Water Wisdom Check Quiz

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Warm-up: What Do You Know About Water?

5 minutes

  • Begin by asking students what they already know about water and its importance to their bodies.
  • Facilitate a brief class discussion, noting down key ideas on the board.

Step 2

The Power of H2O Presentation

10 minutes

  • Present the The Power of H2O Slide Deck to the class.
  • Focus on explaining the critical role of water in various body functions, energy levels, and brain power.
  • Discuss common signs of dehydration and healthy hydration habits.

Step 3

Hydration Habits Discussion

10 minutes

  • Lead a class discussion using prompts such as:
    • "How much water do you think you drink in a day?"
    • "What makes it easy or hard to drink enough water?"
    • "When do you notice you feel the best or worst based on your water intake?"
  • Encourage students to share their experiences and listen to their peers.

Step 4

My Hydration Habits Reflection

5 minutes

  • Distribute the My Hydration Habits Reflection Journal to each student.
  • Instruct students to complete the journal entry, reflecting on their current hydration habits and setting personal goals.

Step 5

Water Wisdom Check

5 minutes

  • Administer the Water Wisdom Check Quiz as a quick assessment of student understanding.
  • Collect quizzes for review.
lenny

Slide Deck

The Power of H2O

Be a Hydration Hero!

Welcome students and introduce the topic of hydration. Ask a few open-ended questions about what they think water does for their bodies to gauge prior knowledge.

Why Water is WONDERFUL!

  • Fuels Your Body: Helps turn food into energy.
  • Brain Power: Keeps your brain sharp and focused.
  • Temperature Control: Regulates your body's thermostat.
  • Joint Lubrication: Keeps your joints moving smoothly.
  • Waste Removal: Flushes out toxins and waste products.

Explain that water is essential for almost every bodily function. Use simple analogies to make it relatable. Emphasize energy levels and how water helps them think clearly in school.

Are You Dehydrated?

Signs to look out for:

  • Feeling thirsty
  • Dry mouth
  • Feeling tired or sluggish
  • Headache
  • Dark-colored urine
  • Feeling dizzy

Discuss the common signs of dehydration. Ask students if they've ever experienced any of these and how it made them feel.

How Much H2O Do You Need?

For 6th graders, a good goal is around 6-8 glasses (8 ounces each) per day.

Remember: This can change based on activity level and weather!

Provide a general guideline for how much water 6th graders should aim for. Stress that it's a general guideline and individual needs can vary. Encourage them to listen to their bodies.

Be a Hydration Hero: Easy Tips!

  • Carry a Water Bottle: Keep it with you all day.
  • Drink Before You're Thirsty: Thirst is a sign you're already a little dehydrated.
  • Eat Water-Rich Foods: Fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumber, and oranges.
  • Flavor Your Water: Add fruit slices like lemon or berries.
  • Set Reminders: Use an alarm or an app if you forget.

Offer practical and easy-to-implement tips. Encourage students to think about which tips they could try today.

Your Turn! Questions & Discussion

Any questions about staying hydrated?

Now, let's think about your hydration habits!

Open the floor for questions and then transition to the journal activity. Ask students to think about their own hydration habits.

lenny

Journal

My Hydration Habits Reflection

Name: _____________________________

Date: _____________________________

Water is super important for our bodies to work their best! Take a moment to think about your own relationship with water.

1. How much water do you typically drink in a day? (Estimate in glasses or bottles)







2. Describe how you feel on days when you drink enough water. What about on days when you don't drink enough? (Think about your energy, focus, and overall mood.)












3. What are some things that make it challenging for you to drink enough water? (e.g., forgetting, not liking the taste, not having water available)












4. Based on what we discussed today, what are two new strategies you will try to become a "Hydration Hero"?












lenny
lenny

Quiz

Water Wisdom Check Quiz

lenny