Brushing teeth is a key part of children's routines. Help children to brush their teeth and understand their routines better by getting teddy involved too!
Show them what they need to do by brushing teddy's teeth at the same time - see how in the video below.
Benefits of teeth brushing role play
- It will help them to understand their routine and the actions they need to take to brush their teeth properly.
- It makes teeth brushing fun.
- It gives them practise following simple instructions.
- Modelling the activity will help them to develop the fine motor skills needed.
- They can learn action words, like 'brush', and words for motions, like 'up and down'.
How to teach children to brush their teeth
Bring a second toothbrush and your child's favourite teddy with you into the bathroom when it's time for them to brush their teeth. Always ensure that you keep a watchful eye on your little one as they brush their teeth to make sure they're doing it properly and safely.
Set a timer for 2 minutes, so that your little one is brushing their teeth for the right amount of time as recommended by dentists.
Show them the action of brushing their teeth using teddy to encourage them to brush their teeth at the same time. Talk about what's happening e.g. 'Asia's brushing her teeth and Teddy's brushing her teeth'. Talk about the motions - 'round and round', 'up and down', 'top and bottom'.
Ask simple questions like 'Have you done the tops of your teeth?'.
If they try to say words like 'Bear', repeat it back to them in a sentence to show them how it is used properly - 'that's Bear's, this is yours'.
Offer plenty of encouragement - 'well done, your teeth are nice and clean now'.
Let children act out brushing teddy's teeth too, this will help to reinforce what they're doing and why.
Repeat instructions over and over to help what they need to do sink in - things like 'up and down', 'top and bottom' and '2 minutes'.
Teaching children about routines
Daily routines are great opportunities for learning - not only can you help little ones to understand what they need to do, but they can learn a few words and practise following instructions along the way.
- Try chatting as you get your child dressed for the day
- Play with your child as you sort laundry together
- You could also role play bath time with dolly
