How to Floss Your Teeth: Sequencing Cards for National Children's Dental Health Month

National Children's Dental Health Month is sponsored every February by the American Dental Association. Teach children how to floss teeth with this sequencing activity. Focus on the importance of oral health this month, and throughout the entire year.

Materials Needed:

* 2 copies of the "How to Floss" poster from the American Dental Association
* Construction paper
* Scissors
* Glue
* Lamination

How to Create the Flossing Sequencing Cards

1. Print 2 copies of the "How to Floss" poster.

2. Mount one copy on a construction paper background.

3. Cut apart the five steps, and mount them onto construction paper cards that are the same size.

4. Laminate all of the cards for durability.

How to Use the Flossing Sequencing Cards

1. Introduce the poster to the children, as part of a presentation on how to floss teeth as a part of good dental hygiene during National Children's Dental Heath Month.

2. Match one card at a time by overlaying it on the poster.

3. Return the cards to the basket, and place the entire activity back on the shelf.

Alternative Ideas for the Flossing Sequencing Cards

* Make cards that separate the picture from the instructions. Make this a reading comprehension activity, as the child has to put the pictures in order and label them accordingly.

* Post a copy of the poster near the bathroom sink as a reminder for children to floss daily.

* If possible, set out dental floss for children to use as practice for flossing at school or at home.

* Use yarn or string to "floss" a set of fake teeth, or an upside-down section of an egg carton.

* Find someone who is willing to have you photograph his mouth, and take real photographs of how to floss teeth.

* You can also do a Spanish version of these activities.