Kids Health Notes

Songs and games for a healthy heart

by Grace on February 14th, 2008

Here are some fun and funny ways of teaching kids about the heart and keeping it healthy for a very long time (and to kids - a very long time, is a very very long happily-forever-long time).

The heart needs to work hard and rest. Sing to the tune of “Are you sleeping, Brother John?”. After repeating the stanzas several times (and giving the heart a good workout) have the kids place their hands on their heart to teach how the heart needs to work hard and rest.

My heart’s beating, My heart’s beating,
Thump, thump, thump! Thump, thump, thump!
It’s slower when I’m sitting. It’s slower when I’m sitting.
Sit and rest, Sit and rest!
[Everybody sits and rests.]

My heart’s beating, My heart’s beating,
Thump, thump, thump! Thump, thump, thump!
It’s faster when I’m moving. It’s faster when I’m moving.
Hop and jump, Hop and jump!
[Everybody hops and jumps.]

The heart needs healthy food. Sing to the tune “Did You Ever See a Lassie?” while preparing a salad. Use a variety of vegetables and encourage kids to suggest other vegetables, fruits, or salad foods that they can add to the song.

Did you ever mix a salad, a salad, a salad,
Did you ever mix a salad in this way or that?
With lettuce and tomatoes,
Cucumbers and potatoes,
Did you ever mix a salad in this way or that?

Heart-healthy restaurant and grocery trips. In your real trips to restaurants, groceries, fast foods, and even the school cafeteria, make a game of identifying as many heart-healthy menu or food items they can identify in your trip. Point out how good and bad food choices can affect the health of their own hearts. Give points for each food item that’s heart healthy and rewards for the kids (if you choose) if they pick out healthier menu items.

I am a winner (when I don’t smoke). These rewards/activities can be for your own children or given to someone they know has stopped smoking, or is not smoking -

• “I am a Winner! I don’t smoke” medals. To make it fun and engaging, give the medals in some sort of ceremony, with a little fan fare, and audience.
• Design T-shirts with catchy “don’t smoke” slogans. Rhymes work best, like
• Don’t smoke. Never start.
  And you’ll have a happy heart.
• Tobacco is bad
  So make your heart glad.

And remember, we teach kids best when we live it ourselves. So give your own heart a healthy life and your kids will LOVE you for it!

Happy Hearts Day! Happy Valentine’s Day! Happy American Heart Healthy Month!

adapted from the American Heart Association

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POSTED IN: Children's Health, Family and Home, Healthy Development, Learning and Play