How the Heart Works for a 5-year-old — Simple Pump, Lungs, Body, and a Fun Activity

How the heart works (for a 5-year-old)

Your heart is a strong muscle about the size of your fist. It works like a pump that moves blood all around your body.

Easy steps

1. The heart fills up with blood that comes back from your body.
2. It sends that blood to your lungs so the blood can pick up fresh air (oxygen).
3. The blood comes back to the heart, full of oxygen.
4. The heart pumps that oxygen-rich blood out to the whole body so your muscles and brain get energy.

Your heart has four little rooms and tiny doors called valves that open and close so blood goes the right way. When the heart squeezes, you hear or feel a beat: "thump-thump!"

Try this fun thing: Put your hand on your chest or put two fingers on your wrist. Feel the "thump-thump" — that is your heart pumping blood.

When you run or jump, your heart beats faster to push more blood. When you rest or breathe slowly, it beats slower. Take deep breaths, smile, and your heart will be happy.

Ask a grown-up if you want to see a picture of the heart or learn more.