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As speech-language pathologists working in the early childhood center, Mandy and I always support the teachers in current themes for the month. For healthy choices this month, our preschoolers will be having an exciting visit from the dentist! To further their knowledge and vocabulary, we have created the best dental themed speech and language whole group lesson for you this month!
Check out these versatile dental themed speech and language activities to use not only in your next whole group lesson, but also great for those small groups and table rotations. And don’t forget to check out our awesome Community Helpers Mini-Language Books for FREE down below!
We like being overly prepared for whole group speech therapy lessons. Typically we have four to five activities ready to go for a 20-30 minute large group session. And since we did the work for you this week, you will be extra prepared! So here are our five dental themed speech and language activities to do with a large whole class group!
Activity #1: Book
When planning a whole group lesson, Mandy and I always start with a book. Books are a great way to introduce a concept, but also work in WH questions, describing, and more! For our dental themed whole group lesson, we love the super simple Brush, Brush, Brush! by Alicia Padron.
Since this book is rather short, we like to pass out a toothbrush to each student and have them act out the brushing movements on themselves or a stuffed animal. Sometimes we will even sing the ABCs twice to demonstrate how long to brush your teeth after the story. Then they love sharing what color their own toothbrushes are at home too!
Activity #2: Interactive Fun!
After our story, our students love to get hands on with a related dental themed activity! And what better way to learn all about teeth than a giant mouth model! We use a washable marker and color “cavities” on the teeth and tongue. With a little bit of water and a toothbrush, students can take turns coming up to the front and cleaning off the teeth.
It is so much fun watching their faces when they realize the marker easily washes off! To make the task more challenging, give a simple direction such as “clean the top tooth” or “brush the tooth in the back” to work in directions too!
Activity #3: Technology
For all of our whole group speech and language lessons, we always utilize the Smartboard. Students really enjoy getting to come up to the board and answering a questions or following a direction. With so many awesome Boom Cards out there, we never struggle to find a corresponding themed activity. Check out some activity options linked below!
- Healthy Choices by Easy As ABCD
- Dental Health Preschool Language by Itty Bitty Speech
- Dental Theme Color Recognition by Free Your Heart
However for our dental whole group lesson, we went with a fun interactive dental themed vocabulary scavenger hunt. Students can choose a card from the pile of vocabulary concepts then search for the item on the board. They can practice circling the picture with their fingers or use a Smartboard pen.
Grab your Dental Vocabulary Scavenger Hunt here for a great whole group lesson activity, but also a super adaptable for smaller groups or table rotations!
Activity #4: Song Time!
Lastly, we get our students up and jamming to a fun themed song! And a recent fan favorite has been Danny Go! so of course we went with his awesome teeth brushing song. Trust us…your students will love The Tooth Brushing Song! And apologies in advanced, you will probably be humming the tune for the rest of the day too. 😉
Want more whole group lesson ideas? Check out our other themed speech and language whole group activities: Whole Group Speech & Language Lesson: Clothing Activities & Winter Speech and Language Activities for Whole Group.
Activity #5: Healthy Food Sort
If you happen to move through the above activities super quick or just have additional time, we suggest this super easy food sort! Students can choose a food item out of a mystery box/basket and decide if it is good or bad choice for your teeth. We like to explain that sugary foods can always been eaten in small amounts, but it is just very important to brush your teeth after sweet treats!
Bonus Freebie Activity
After the conclusion of our dental themed speech and language whole group, we have the perfect activity to keep the fun going at home! Instantly download and print these Community Helper Language Mini-Books to review not only a dentist’s job, but lots of other common community helpers as well. Best part??? They are FREE!
Just click here or the image below for your copy today!
We hope you enjoyed these dental themed speech and language therapy activities for your next whole group lesson! Have a favorite? Share it with us on social media…we would love to see!
Kate & Mandy
Talking Mama Bears
