Timmy's Adventure in the Tooth Kingdom

Dental Health Lesson Plan for Ages 3-6 | Duration: 30 minutes | Health & Wellness Focus

Learning Objectives

Materials Needed

Lesson Structure

Introduction (5 minutes)

  1. Gather students in a circle and ask: "Who visited the dentist recently?" and "Who knows what job a dentist does?"
  2. Show students a large tooth model or diagram and briefly identify the parts of a tooth.
  3. Tell students they will be hearing a story about a boy named Timmy who goes on an adventure to the Tooth Kingdom.

Story Reading (10 minutes)

  1. Read "Timmy's Adventure in the Tooth Kingdom" aloud, showing illustrations.
  2. As you read, emphasize the parts where Timmy and Topsy fight the Sugar Bugs.
  3. Pause occasionally to ask simple comprehension questions:
    • "Who is Topsy?" (Timmy's talking toothbrush)
    • "What were the Sugar Bugs doing?" (Making holes in teeth)
    • "How did Timmy help save the Tooth Kingdom?" (By brushing away the Sugar Bugs)

Tooth Brushing Practice (10 minutes)

  1. Show students the proper way to brush teeth using the large tooth model.
  2. Demonstrate circular motions, gentle pressure, and reaching all surfaces.
  3. Give each student a toothbrush (or craft toothbrush) to practice on the model or on their own.
  4. Sing a short "brushing song" to time the practice (about 2 minutes long).
  5. Optional: If using the egg demonstration, show students how brushing can clean the stained eggshell (representing a tooth with plaque).

Food Sorting Activity (5 minutes)

  1. Show pictures of different foods and have students sort them into "Tooth Friendly" and "Sugar Bug Foods" categories.
  2. Discuss why certain foods are better for teeth (vegetables, cheese, milk) versus those that can harm teeth (candy, soda, sticky sweets).
  3. Create a class chart of foods from both categories.

Conclusion (5 minutes)

  1. Review key points from the story and activities:
    • Brush teeth twice a day (morning and night)
    • Limit sugary foods and drinks
    • Visit the dentist regularly
  2. Distribute "Healthy Smile Calendar" for students to track their tooth brushing at home.
  3. Remind students to be "Tooth Heroes" like Timmy by fighting the Sugar Bugs every day.

Extension Activities

Healthy Smile Calendar

Below is a sample week from the Healthy Smile Calendar students will take home:

Day Morning Brush Evening Brush Parent Initials
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Assessment

Curriculum Standards Alignment

Health Education:

Literacy:

Notes for Teachers

This lesson is designed to be engaging and age-appropriate for younger children. The story of Timmy and his adventure helps make dental hygiene fun rather than a chore. Consider sending a note home to parents prior to this lesson to inform them of the dental health focus and encourage reinforcement at home.

If any students share anxieties about visiting the dentist, use this as an opportunity to discuss how dentists help keep our teeth healthy, just like the tooth kingdom characters in the story.

For printable versions of the Healthy Smile Calendar and food sorting cards, visit the Clumsy & Friends teacher resource portal at www.clumsyandfriends.com/teachers.