Health Emergency Sub Plan for 8th Grade

Objective

Students will understand the basic principles of hygiene and nutrition. They will engage in activities that promote self-awareness of healthy habits and demonstrate their understanding through independent tasks.

Materials/Resources

• Whiteboard and markers
• Handouts on proper handwashing technique and healthy meal plate
• Paper and colored pencils/markers for drawing
• Access to a computer/tablet (optional for research)
• Stretching guide (can be printed or shown on screen)
• Health-related quiz (link to online quiz or printed copy)

Lesson Plan Procedure

Opening/Lesson Hook (10 minutes)

• Warm-Up Activity:

  • Start the class with a brief stretching session. Use the following instructions:

    • Ask students to stand and follow along as you guide them through simple stretches (e.g., neck rolls, arm circles, toe touches).

    • Alternatively, conduct a quick health-related quiz using Kahoot! or a printed quiz. Example questions could include:

      • What is the recommended number of fruits and vegetables to eat each day?
      • What is the most effective way to wash your hands?

Guided Practice (20 minutes)

• Main Lesson on Basic Hygiene:

  • Discuss the importance of handwashing, emphasizing when and how to wash hands properly. Use the handout that outlines the steps for effective handwashing.

  • Key Points to Cover:

    • Wet hands with clean, running water.
    • Apply soap and lather for at least 20 seconds.
    • Rinse hands under clean, running water.
    • Dry hands using a clean towel or air dry.

• Transition to nutrition by discussing the components of a healthy meal plate. Include:

  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Whole grains
  • Proteins
  • Dairy

Independent Practice (15 minutes)

• Task Options:

  • Draw a Healthy Meal Plate: Students will draw a plate that represents a balanced meal. Encourage creativity and diversity in food choices.
  • Write About Hygiene Habits: Students can write a short paragraph on their hygiene habits, including how often they wash their hands, shower, etc.

Differentiated Activities

• Below Grade Level:

  • Provide a template for the healthy meal plate that includes labeled sections (fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, dairy) for students to fill in.
  • Pair students to discuss their hygiene habits before writing them down.

• At Grade Level:

  • Have students research one healthy food item of their choice and write a short description of its benefits.
  • Encourage students to create a hygiene checklist that they can follow daily.

• Above Grade Level:

  • Ask students to create a presentation on the impact of poor hygiene on health and how proper nutrition can prevent illnesses.
  • Challenge them to analyze a typical meal they eat and suggest healthier alternatives.

Closing (5 minutes)

• Gather the class and have a few students share their drawings or writings. This will allow for peer feedback and reflection.
• Remind students of the importance of hygiene and nutrition in their daily lives.

Extension Activities or Sample Questions

• Formative Assessment:

  • Ask students to list three reasons why handwashing is important.
  • Have students identify one new healthy food they learned about and explain why they would want to try it.

• Summative Assessment:

  • Create a quiz or reflection piece at the end of the week where students can explain what they've learned about hygiene and nutrition.

Reflection

• After the lesson, the substitute teacher should take notes on student engagement and participation.
• Consider what aspects of the lesson worked well and what could be improved for future lessons on health topics.