Lesson Plan
Your Health, Your Power!
Students will be able to identify and describe at least three healthy habits (nutrition, physical activity, sleep) and explain their importance for overall well-being. Students will also learn to set personal goals for incorporating these habits into their daily routines.
Understanding and practicing healthy habits from a young age is crucial for lifelong physical and mental well-being. This lesson provides students with practical knowledge and tools to make informed choices about their health, leading to increased energy, better focus, and improved mood.
Audience
Middle School Students
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, practical tips, and personal goal setting.
Materials
Our Health, Our Power! Slide Deck, and Healthy Habits Checklist Worksheet
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the Our Health, Our Power! Slide Deck thoroughly.
- Print copies of the Healthy Habits Checklist Worksheet (one per student).
- Ensure projector and computer are set up for the slide deck.
Step 1
Warm-Up: What's Your Superpower?
5 minutes
- Begin with the Warm-Up: What's Your Superpower? activity.
2. Ask students to share one thing they do to feel good or energetic. (e.g., "What's one thing you do that makes you feel strong, happy, or full of energy?")
3. Briefly discuss their responses, connecting them to the idea of 'healthy habits.'
Step 2
Introduction: Your Health, Your Power!
5 minutes
- Introduce the lesson using the Our Health, Our Power! Slide Deck, starting with the title slide.
2. Explain that today's lesson is about understanding how daily choices impact their health and well-being.
3. Emphasize that they have the power to make choices that help them thrive.
Step 3
Deep Dive: Pillars of Health
15 minutes
- Go through the main content of the Our Health, Our Power! Slide Deck, focusing on:
- Nutrition: What does a balanced plate look like? Quick healthy snack ideas.
- Physical Activity: Why move your body? Different ways to be active.
- Sleep: Why is sleep important? Tips for better sleep.
2. Facilitate discussion with questions from the Teacher Script: Your Health, Your Power!.
3. Encourage students to share their own experiences and ask questions.
Step 4
Activity: Healthy Habits Checklist
10 minutes
- Distribute the Healthy Habits Checklist Worksheet.
2. Instruct students to complete the worksheet, reflecting on their current habits and identifying areas for improvement.
3. Circulate and provide support as needed.
Step 5
Wrap-Up: Powering Up Tomorrow
5 minutes
- Ask students to share one healthy habit they plan to focus on for the rest of the week.
2. Collect the Healthy Habits Checklist Worksheet.
3. Conclude with the Cool-Down: One Healthy Choice activity.
Slide Deck
Your Health, Your Power!
Taking Control of Your Well-being!
Welcome students and introduce the exciting topic of taking control of their health. Ask a quick question to engage them. "What comes to mind when you hear 'healthy habits'?"
What Are Healthy Habits?
Choices we make every day to feel our best!
Explain that healthy habits are daily choices that make them feel good, strong, and focused. Connect it to their 'superpower' from the warm-up.
Fuel Your Body: Nutrition
- Balanced Meals: Fruits, veggies, whole grains, protein
- Healthy Snacks: Keep energy levels up!
- Water is Key! Stay hydrated
Introduce the first pillar: Nutrition. Emphasize that food is fuel. Ask: "What's a healthy snack you enjoy?"
Move Your Body: Physical Activity
- Why Move? Stronger body, clearer mind, better mood!
- Find Your Fun: Sports, dance, walking, playing outdoors
- Aim for 60 Minutes a Day!
Move to the second pillar: Physical Activity. Highlight that it's not just about sports. Ask: "What are some fun ways to be active?"
Recharge Your Mind: Sleep
- Why Sleep? Brain growth, body repair, energy for tomorrow
- Aim for 8-10 Hours!
- Tips: Consistent bedtime, dark room, no screens before bed
Discuss the importance of sleep. Connect it to energy and focus for school. Ask: "How do you feel after a good night's sleep?"
The Power is Yours!
Small steps lead to big changes!
Let's make some healthy choices together!
Review the three pillars. Explain that small changes can make a big difference. Introduce the upcoming activity: the Healthy Habits Checklist.
Your Healthy Habits Checklist
Time to reflect and set some goals!
Explain that the activity will help them identify their current habits and set goals. Be ready to distribute the worksheets.
Keep the Power Going!
Every healthy choice makes a difference. You've got this!
Conclude by reiterating their power to make healthy choices and encouraging them to continue building on what they learned. "What is one healthy choice you can make today?"
Script
Teacher Script: Your Health, Your Power!
Warm-Up: What's Your Superpower? (5 minutes)
Teacher: "Good morning, everyone! Let's start today with a quick thought. Think about something you do that makes you feel really good, strong, happy, or full of energy. It could be anything! For example, maybe you love to play soccer, or you feel great after eating your favorite fruit. Take a moment to think about it."
(Pause for students to think. Call on a few students to share.)
Teacher: "Fantastic! Those are great examples. What you just shared are actually parts of what we call 'healthy habits.' Today, we're going to explore how making these kinds of choices gives YOU the power over your own well-being. We're going to learn about how to keep our bodies and minds strong, focused, and happy!"
Introduction: Your Health, Your Power! (5 minutes)
Teacher: (Display Our Health, Our Power! Slide Deck - Slide 1)
"Welcome to 'Your Health, Your Power!' Today is all about understanding how the everyday choices we make impact how we feel, think, and even how well we do in school and with our friends. You have more power than you might think to make choices that help you thrive."
(Display Our Health, Our Power! Slide Deck - Slide 2)
"So, what exactly are healthy habits? They are the small, positive choices we make consistently that contribute to our overall physical and mental health. Think of it like building your own personal superpower!"
Deep Dive: Pillars of Health (15 minutes)
Teacher: "There are three main pillars, or foundations, of healthy habits that we'll focus on today: Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Sleep. Let's start with what we put into our bodies!"
(Display Our Health, Our Power! Slide Deck - Slide 3)
Nutrition
Teacher: "First up, Nutrition: Fuel Your Body! Just like a car needs the right kind of fuel to run, our bodies need the right kinds of food to grow, learn, and play. What do you think a 'balanced meal' means?"
(Allow a few student responses.)
Teacher: "Exactly! A balanced meal includes a variety of foods: fruits, vegetables, whole grains like brown rice or whole wheat bread, and protein like chicken, beans, or eggs. It's about getting all the different nutrients our bodies need. And what about snacks? What are some healthy snack ideas that keep your energy levels up?"
(Allow a few student responses. Guide them to examples like fruit, nuts, yogurt, veggies and hummus.)
Teacher: "Awesome ideas! And don't forget water! Staying hydrated is super important for everything from thinking clearly to having energy. Try to drink water throughout the day."
(Display Our Health, Our Power! Slide Deck - Slide 4)
Physical Activity
Teacher: "Next, let's talk about Physical Activity: Move Your Body! Why do you think it's important to move your body regularly? What benefits do you get from being active?"
(Allow a few student responses. Guide them to ideas like stronger muscles, better mood, more energy, better focus.)
Teacher: "You got it! Moving our bodies makes us stronger, helps us think more clearly, and can even boost our mood! Being active doesn't just mean playing a sport. It can be anything that gets your heart rate up and your body moving. What are some fun ways you like to be active?"
(Allow a few student responses. Encourage diverse ideas like dancing, walking, riding a bike, playing tag.)
Teacher: "The goal is to aim for about 60 minutes of physical activity most days. Find what you enjoy, and make it a habit!"
(Display Our Health, Our Power! Slide Deck - Slide 5)
Sleep
Teacher: "Our third pillar is Sleep: Recharge Your Mind! This one is often overlooked, but it's incredibly important. How do you feel when you don't get enough sleep?"
(Allow a few student responses. Guide them to ideas like tired, grumpy, difficulty concentrating.)
Teacher: "Definitely! When we sleep, our brains grow, our bodies repair themselves, and we store up energy for the next day. For middle schoolers like you, it's important to aim for 8-10 hours of sleep each night. What are some things you think could help you get better sleep?"
(Allow a few student responses. Guide them to ideas like consistent bedtime, turning off screens before bed, having a dark and quiet room.)
Teacher: "Great suggestions! Making sleep a priority will help you feel refreshed and ready to tackle your day."
Activity: Healthy Habits Checklist (10 minutes)
(Display Our Health, Our Power! Slide Deck - Slide 6 and Our Health, Our Power! Slide Deck - Slide 7)
Teacher: "Alright, now that we've talked about these important pillars of health, it's time for you to reflect on your own habits. I'm going to hand out a Healthy Habits Checklist Worksheet. On this worksheet, you'll see different healthy habits related to nutrition, physical activity, and sleep. I want you to honestly check off the habits you already do well, and then think about one or two habits you'd like to improve or start doing. The goal here isn't perfection, but awareness and setting small, achievable goals."
(Distribute Healthy Habits Checklist Worksheet and allow students to work. Circulate and assist as needed.)
Wrap-Up: Powering Up Tomorrow (5 minutes)
(Display Our Health, Our Power! Slide Deck - Slide 8)
Teacher: "Let's bring it back together. Who would like to share one healthy habit they plan to focus on for the rest of this week, based on their checklist? It could be anything, big or small!"
(Call on a few students to share their goals.)
Teacher: "Wonderful goals, everyone! Remember, 'Your Health, Your Power!' Every healthy choice you make, no matter how small, adds up and makes a big difference in how you feel, learn, and grow. Keep making those powerful choices!"
(Collect Healthy Habits Checklist Worksheet and conclude with the Cool-Down: One Healthy Choice activity.)
Warm Up
Warm-Up: What's Your Superpower?
Think about something you do that makes you feel really good, strong, happy, or full of energy. It could be anything from playing a sport to eating your favorite healthy snack, or even getting a good night's sleep!
What's your personal superpower that helps you feel your best?
Worksheet
Healthy Habits Checklist
Name: ____________________________
This checklist will help you think about your current habits and set goals for a healthier you! Read each statement and check the box that best describes you.
Nutrition: Fuel Your Body!
| Habit | Usually | Sometimes | Rarely |
|---|---|---|---|
| I eat a variety of fruits and vegetables daily. | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] |
| I choose water over sugary drinks. | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] |
| I eat breakfast most mornings. | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] |
| I choose healthy snacks (e.g., fruit, nuts). | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] |
Physical Activity: Move Your Body!
| Habit | Usually | Sometimes | Rarely |
|---|---|---|---|
| I get at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily. | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] |
| I enjoy moving my body through sports, dance, or play. | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] |
| I limit screen time to allow for active play. | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] |
Sleep: Recharge Your Mind!
| Habit | Usually | Sometimes | Rarely |
|---|---|---|---|
| I get 8-10 hours of sleep most nights. | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] |
| I have a consistent bedtime and wake-up time. | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] |
| I avoid screens right before bed. | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] |
My Healthy Habits Goal!
Based on your checklist, choose ONE healthy habit you would like to improve or start practicing this week. Write it down here and explain why it's important to you.
My Goal:
Why this goal is important to me:
Cool Down
Cool-Down: One Healthy Choice
Take a moment to think about everything we discussed today regarding healthy habits (nutrition, physical activity, and sleep).
What is ONE healthy choice you can commit to making tomorrow that will help you feel more powerful and energized?