Habits that Promote Health and Prevent Illness Children should develop general health habits early in life such as washing hands, getting rest, and dressing appropriately forthe weather. They need to know that germs can be spread through the air when someone sneezes or coughs, or can enter thelr bodies if they hare drinks or esting utensils. They should show growing independerce by taking care of restroom needs, disposing of tissues, and putting on and taking a) Demonstrate how to correctly wash hands. v) Demonstrate covering the mouth or nose when coughing or sneezing ©). Identify habits that keep us heaithy. d) Explain the importance of rest. 2) Be able to communicate when one is not © Practice cou Sample Activities Practice washing hands with soap and water while singing a song © Follow consistent: routines on washing hands. hing into their elbows. © Drawa picture of atime when they were not feeling well and include who took care of them. Create learning centers that support healthy habits, Include books that talk about healthy habits. Centers might: also include sorting activities about healthy foods or active games, where children are engaged in physical exercise.