- The preschool-grade child has learned that the respiratory system is responsible for breathing and getting oxygen into the body.
- They have learned that the lungs are organs in the respiratory system and are located in the chest.
- They have learned that when we breathe in, the lungs fill with air, and when we breathe out, the air is released.
- They have learned that the nose and mouth are the entry points for air to enter the respiratory system.
- They have learned that oxygen enters the bloodstream through tiny blood vessels called capillaries in the lungs and is then delivered to the rest of the body.
- They have learned that carbon dioxide, a waste product, is removed from the body when we exhale.
For continued development related to the activity, you can encourage the preschool-grade child to:
- Explore other organs in the body and their functions, such as the heart, brain, or stomach.
- Engage in hands-on activities or experiments to understand how the respiratory system works, such as blowing up a balloon using their breath or observing their own breath using a handheld mirror.
- Read age-appropriate books or watch educational videos about the human body and its systems, including the respiratory system.
- Encourage physical activity and exercise to understand the connection between breathing rate and heart rate.
- Discuss healthy habits that support good respiratory health, such as avoiding smoking or secondhand smoke and maintaining clean air indoors.