Teeth and Sun Care PSHE lesson plan
A primary PSHE lesson for Years 1 and 2 that helps UK teachers introduce simple teeth and skin care habits through a structured, ready-to-teach lesson. Pupils learn why looking after their teeth and protecting their skin matters, and practise simple everyday habits that support healthy self-care routines.
Physical Wellbeing & Healthy Living
Snapshot
Teeth and Sun Care
The lesson gives teachers a structured way to introduce teeth and skin care as part of everyday self-care routines.
Prep time:
5 to 10 minutes
Lesson length:
45 to 50 minutes
Key Focus
Building simple daily habits for looking after teeth and skin
Lesson Format
Teacher-led discussion and structured activities
What pupils will learn
By the end of the lesson, students will be supported to:
Recognise
recognise that brushing teeth and caring for skin are part of a daily healthy routine
recognise simple signs that skin may need protection, such as strong sunlight or heat
recognise everyday habits that help keep teeth clean and healthy
Understand
understand why looking after teeth and skin supports overall health
understand that skin and teeth need different types of care depending on the situation, such as being outdoors
Practise
practise describing a simple teeth care routine, such as brushing morning and night
practise identifying ways to protect skin outdoors, such as wearing a hat or seeking shade
practise talking about self-care habits using simple, everyday language
Who this lesson is for?
This lesson is designed for younger primary pupils in Years 1 and 2 who are beginning to learn about personal care and healthy daily routines.
It is suitable for:
primary PSHE lessons
relationships education
pastoral care, circle time or form time
healthy lifestyles or wellbeing topics
early self-care and hygiene learning
Suitability should be based on more than age alone. Teachers should consider the lesson focus, pupil maturity, cohort needs, classroom culture, existing discussion norms and available support pathways.
Best used when
Use this lesson when students need clear, practical language for recognising unkind behaviour and knowing what to do next.
Introducing healthy habits Use when pupils are learning foundational self-care routines for the first time.
Reinforcing daily routines Use when revisiting expectations around hygiene and healthy lifestyle habits.
Supporting outdoor safety learning Use ahead of outdoor activities, sports days or warmer months when sun protection habits are useful.
Building healthy lifestyles content Use when planning a wellbeing or PSHE sequence that includes healthy habits and self-care.
Preparing for transition Use when pupils are moving into a new year group and routines are being reinforced.
Creating a structured wellbeing discussion Use when you want a calm, teacher-led discussion about everyday self-care.
The lesson can be used proactively with the whole class. It does not need to follow a specific incident.
Why this lesson matters
Pupils benefit from simple, practical language for talking about self-care before habits are fully formed. Teeth and skin care are part of everyday life, and pupils are more likely to build confident habits when these topics are introduced calmly and clearly. This lesson supports healthy lifestyles learning by helping pupils see that self-care is an everyday skill, not a set of strict rules. Pupils learn that looking after their teeth and skin is something they can take an active part in, alongside support from family and school. Introducing these habits early gives pupils a shared, non-judgemental starting point for talking about personal care as they grow older.
How this lesson supports wellbeing
This lesson supports student wellbeing by building practical social and emotional skills students can use in everyday school life. It helps students develop:
Capability How the lesson supports it
Health literacy Pupils learn simple, accurate ideas about why teeth and skin care matter.
Self-care Pupils practise describing everyday habits that support their own health.
Body awareness Pupils notice how their body may need different care in different situations, such as sun exposure.
Responsibility Pupils consider small actions they can take to look after themselves.
Communication Pupils practise simple language for talking about self-care routines.
Confidence Pupils build confidence discussing personal care topics without comparison or judgement.
For teachers and school leaders, the lesson contributes to broader wellbeing, respectful relationships, child safety and pastoral care goals in Australian primary schools.
Teaching notes & Delivery Considerations
This lesson includes content about unkind behaviour, exclusion and asking adults for help. It should be taught with calm, clear discussion norms.
Before teaching
Remind pupils that home routines can look different, and that this is normal
Avoid comparing or ranking pupils' habits during discussion
Prepare simple, positive language for talking about teeth and skin care
Check for any pupils with specific skin conditions or dental needs and adapt examples sensitively
During delivery
Use everyday examples such as brushing teeth or wearing a hat outdoors
Keep the tone practical and encouraging rather than instructional
Give pupils time to share ideas without singling out individual habits
Use simple, age appropriate language pupils can repeat and remember
Supporting safe discussion
Keep discussion general rather than asking pupils to describe their own or family's specific routines in detail
Avoid comparing pupils' bodies, skin tone or appearance
Encourage privacy around personal routines while still building shared understanding
Adaptation options
Use visual prompts or pictures for younger or less verbal pupils
Pair discussion with simple partner talk for confident groups
Allow drawing or matching activities for pupils who prefer non-verbal responses
