Why teach your kids about human biology?
Why teach your kids about human biology?
If you want to develop your children’s powers of observation and critical thinking, human biology is the best place to start. Children are naturally curious about how the body works. Teaching them about human biology will help them become knowledgeable about their own bodies. An understanding of human biology will also promote the development of good health habits.
Human biology every morning
Dressing young children every morning is a good opportunity to discuss human biology. Recite the parts of the body with them. Explain why they have to take baths and brush their teeth. As they grow older, a knowledge of human biology will help them understand why they have to eat fruit and vegetables, get enough exercise, and avoid tobacco and alcohol.
Human biology at mealtime
Children sometimes ask what happens to food after they’ve swallowed it. This is an excellent time to talk about concepts of human biology such as digestion and metabolism. Discussing the different parts of the body involved will further improve their understanding of human biology.
Human biology during an illness or injury
When your child is sick, explain the illness in terms your child can understand. This will not only help your child learn about human biology but will also calm your child. Discussing human biology when your child gets a fracture will help your child realize that he or she is going to be all right.
Human biology and chronic illnesses
If your child has a chronic illness, learning about human biology will help your child meet the challenges of his or her illness with confidence. For example, teaching a child with type 1 diabetes about the functions of blood may help the child view blood glucose testing as an interesting event rather than as something to be dreaded.
Human biology and vaccinations
Many children are afraid of needles and shots. Teaching your child about human biology will help reduce your child’s fear. If your child understands what a shot is for, he or she is more likely to cooperate.
Human biology and the tape measure
Measuring your child’s height regularly is a good opportunity to discuss principles of human biology such as growth and development. You can also discuss human biology when your child outgrows his or her shoes, or when your child is being weighed.
Human biology in school
Find out what your child is learning about human biology in class, and build on it. Discuss the topics your child is studying and give everyday examples. Reviewing your child’s human biology lessons at home will help your child learn quickly and remember what he or she learns.
Human biology in the car
A car is not a living thing, but it operates on some of the same principles. Explaining to your children how a car works can teach them a lot about human biology, for example, the digestive system (”Just as a car needs fuel, people need food”) and the nervous system (”Turning the key in the ignition makes the car start. That’s an example of a stimulus”).
Human biology and dolls
Dolls are a good way to teach your children about human biology. The doll doesn’t have to be anatomically correct. You can discuss concepts of human biology such as “getting tired” and “getting sick” using your child’s teddy bear as an prop.
Human biology and microscopes
A microscope is one of the best tools for teaching children about human biology. You can make slides of cheek cells or blood cells with your children, view them under the microscope, and discuss the functions of the different parts of the body.
Human biology and logic
Human biology is a logical field of study. Learning about the levels of organization of the body will help young children understand logical concepts such as “An organ is made up of tissues. Therefore, organs are larger than tissues.”
Human biology and the birds and the bees
If your children have a knowledge of human biology, explaining reproduction to your children becomes simple and straightforward. Principles of human biology also come in handy upon the arrival of a new member of the family, when young children start asking questions about how a tiny baby can someday grow into a big person.
Human biology and sports
Sports are an excellent way to illustrate principles of human biology. You can discuss the functions of the skeletal system and muscular system after your child’s next soccer game.
Take the time to teach your children about human biology. Understanding their own bodies will help them take good care of themselves and live healthier, happier lives.