Love to Laugh and Learn

Fun and interesting learning activities to do with the children in your life

Dentists: Love to Learn about Community Helpers

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Dentists: Love to Learn about Community Helpers
with free downloadable activity sheets





Do you know when your child should have his or her first dentist appointment? I thought it was around ages 3 or 4 years old but I recently found out that it’s supposed to be by the age of 1, or within 6 months after his or her first tooth comes in. With that in mind, you should help your child learn about the dentist so they will be more comfortable when they go for their appointment.

I always like to start my learning activities with a book. There are a several listed in the Story Time section below. If you know of another great book please share it with me.

Below you will also find a craft and some ideas for pretend play. Be sure to enjoy this time of exploration and learning with your child.

Content:

Playtime
Craft
Fun Sheet
Snacks
Story Time
Related Posts
Acknowledgements

Playtime

Dress up is a fun way to explore the world of dentists. The same lab coat your child used for doctors can also be used for the dentist. Dress up is fun for boys and girls alike. I like to look for costumes after Halloween, when you can find them on sale.

I found a couple of blogs that had some really cute creative ideas. I love the the activity I found on Preschool Playbook. They used play dough and white navy beans to represent a child’s gums and teeth.

There are a couple of great activities on Sense of Wonder: Let’s Play Dentist. My favorite is making a set of teeth out of a cardboard egg carton and using green tissue paper as the “food” caught between the teeth. The children get to use dental floss to remove the “food”.

What other activities do you and your children enjoy?

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Craft

Dentists: Love to Learn about Community Helpers – Materials Needed for Tooth Craft

Materials Needed:

Tooth template
Cream colored construction paper or cardstock
White paint
White glitter
Inexpensive toothbrushes
Plate to put paint on

Instructions:

1. Print off the tooth template onto a cream colored cardstock or use the template as a pattern to trace onto a cream colored piece of construction paper. The reason I am suggesting cream colored paper is so that the child can see the difference between the cream colored “dirty” tooth and the sparkling white tooth after it gets “brushed”.
2. Pour some white paint onto a paper plate.
3. Mix some of the white glitter into the paint.
4. Use the toothbrush to “brush” the tooth with the white paint and glitter.

Dentists: Love to Laugh and Learn about Community Helpers – Tooth Craft

5. Now you have a sparkling white tooth. I added a little more glitter after I painted it, to give it just a little extra sparkle.

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Fun Sheet

Dentist Fun Sheet
Dentist Fun Sheet

I have created a fun sheet to do with your child. Have your child color the dentist and then color only the items that the dentist would use. Don’t color the items that the doctor would not use. Click on the picture to get the downloadable fun sheet.

The fun sheet is a great way for your child to develop their fine motor skills, as they color. They will learn to follow directions and will also reinforce what they have learned about dentists.

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Snacks

Make snack time a fun lesson time. Have some snacks that will make healthy teeth and some items that aren’t good for the teeth. See if your child can tell you which ones are good and which ones are bad. Of course you child will probably want some of the “bad” snacks as well as the healthy ones. Just explain that a little “bad” food (on occasion) is okay but be sure to brush your teeth as soon as snack time is over.

I am including a happy tooth and a sad tooth template. You can use these as a hands-on activity and actually sort the foods that are healthy and unhealthy.

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Story Time

The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist by Stan & Jan Berenstain
Reading Level: Ages 3 – 7 yrs old

Sister Bear has her first loose tooth and, what luck, Brother Bear has a dentist appointment. Brother Bear like to tease Sister Bear so he tell her that she better wiggle that tooth until it comes out or the dentist will yank it out. Mama Bear assures Sister that the dentist is gentle. Sister gets to watch while Brother gets his teeth cleaned and a cavity filled. Then it’s Sister’s turn. The dentist takes a piece of cloth (not the “yanker”) and gently grasps Sister’s tooth; with a gentle tug it pops right out. The book gives a fun introduction to the dentist office.

Dentists (Community Helpers) by Dee Ready
Reading Level: Ages 4 and up

This is a great book to introduce your child to the responsibilities of a dentist. The illustrations are actual pictures of dentists doing their many jobs. The text is simple; just a few clear sentences to each illustration. Once you share this book with your child, they will have a better understanding of what dentists do and the things they need to perform their jobs.

Going to the Dentist by Helen Frost
Reading Level: Ages 3 – 7 yrs old

This wonderful little book will introduce your child to the dentist and his/her office. The text is simple and the illustrations are of things you will see in the dentist office. Your child can see the dentist using his different tools to look inside the mouth. I would use this book before a child’s first trip to the dentist.

Going to the Dentist (My First Time)
by Kate Petty, Lisa Kopper and Jim Pipe
Reading Level: Ages 3 – 7 yrs old

Sam and Jenny take their first trip to the dentist. Jenny is little enough that she sits in mom’s lap while the dentist counts her teeth and takes a good look at them. Sam is a little older and he gets to sit in the dentist’s special chair. The dentist cleans his teeth and takes pictures of them. Sam has a small cavity that the doctor fills without any problems. The majority of the illustrations are drawings but there are a few actual photos inlaid on some of the pages. This book is a fun way to introduce your child to the dentist.

  Just Going to the Dentist (Little Critter) by Mercer Mayer
Reading Level: Ages 3 – 7 yrs old

Little Critter gets to take a trip to the dentist. He describes what it’s like in the waiting room. He is big enough that he gets to go back and see the dentist all by himself. I like that Little Critter uses descriptions that children will relate to such as the room he goes too looks like a spaceship because of all the weird machines. Little Critter even has a cavity and it describes a bit of what it’s like to get a tooth filled. This is a fun light-hearted way for children to learn about the dentist.

Meet My Neighbor, the Dentist by Marc Crabtree
Reading Level: Ages 3 – 7 yrs old

This book has large simple text so it is good for an early reader or for a young child just learning about the dentist. I love that the illustrations are actual pictures of Doctor Meisels, both with his family and performing the duties of his job. Your child will get to see the dentist at work in someone’s mouth and the different tools he will be using. This would be a great book to share with a child before their first trip to the dentist.

Show Me Your Smile!: A Visit to the Dentist (Dora the Explorer) by Christine Ricci
Reading Level: Ages 3 – 7 yrs old

Do your children love Dora? If so, they will enjoy making a visit to the dentist with Dora. Dora explains her appointment from the visiting room, through her exam, concluding with the special treats she receives at the end of her visit. The illustrations are bright and the text is easy to understand. A must for any child that loves Dora and is getting ready to visit the dentist.

The Tooth Book by Dr. Seuss
Reading Level: Ages 2 – 7 yrs old

What is there to say? It’s Dr. Seuss! I love rhyming books so, of course, I love Dr. Seuss. In this fun rhyming book, we learn all about teeth. We see people and animals that have teeth; and some that do not. We will learn about things we should not do with our teeth, if we are going to keep them. And don’t forget to be nice to your dentist, because he is the one that takes care of your teeth.

We Need Dentists (Helpers in Our Community) by Lola M. Schaefer
Reading Level: Ages 3 – 7 yrs old

This is a simple little book that will introduce your child to the dentist. It talks about the different tools dentists use and the various things they might do to your teeth. I like the illustrations because they are actual pictures of children at the dentist. This would make a good book to read to your child before their first trip to the dentist.

What to Expect When You Go to the Dentist by Heidi Murkoff
Reading Level: Ages 4 – 8 yrs old

This book has some heavy duty reading, so it would be better for a little older child. I love the way it covers the things a child will see and experience while in the dentist office. The information is shared by, Angus, the Answer Dog. On each page there is even a game or idea to think about to prepare for a trip to the dentist. If your child is a little older and would like some more detailed information about the dentist and how to take care of his/her teeth, this will be an awesome book.

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Related Posts

Community Helpers – Overview
Doctors: Love to Learn About Community Helpers
Firefighters: Love to Learn About Community Helpers
Police Officers: Love to Learn About Community Helpers

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Acknowledgements

Cara's Clips Credit Button
Some of the images for the Fun Sheet were created by Cara’s Clips
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Cara-Taylor-8656

Charlotte's Clips and Kindergarten Kids

Some of the images for the Fun Sheet were created by Charlotte’s Clips
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Charlottes-Clips-4150

Some of the images for the Fun Sheet were created by Lauren Thompson
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Lauren-Thompson

Whimsy Clips
Some of the images for the Fun Sheet were created by Whimsy Clips
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Whimsy-Clips

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Learning Fun at Disney: Manners

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I think learning should be fun. I can’t think of a more delightful place to learn than Disney!

Manners

Today, we are going to tackle manners. Using good manners is such an important attribute. Your child will have many opportunities to use their manners and to see manners exhibited while at Disney.

Please and Thank You

The first, in my book, is the simple, “please” and “thank you”. The cast members work hard and sometimes in less-than-ideal situations. It can be really hot or stormy and the cast members still have to be there to care for you. A simple thank you can add some joy to their day.

There will be many opportunities, during the day, to use your manners. One of my favorite times is mealtime. 

     “Will you please pass the salt?”

     “Thank you for letting me get dessert.”

My family came from the south. We were taught to throw in a “please” or “thank you” when answering a question.

     “Would you like tomatoes on your salad?”

          “No, thank you.”

 “Would you like ice cream for dessert?”

          “Yes, please.”

The Napkin

Another manner, that is not so widely practiced, is the placing of your napkin. If it’s a restaurant with cloth napkins, we place them in our laps. 

Did you know you can send a secret message to your server by where you place your napkin? (Of course, that is, if your server knows the code.) If you leave the table, but will be returning, place your napkin on your chair.

When you are totally finished with your meal, place your napkin on the table next to your plate. This lets the server know they can start taking away your dirty dishes and bring you the bill. 

I hope this post on manners has been fun and has given you some ideas of how to use them. What other manners might you use, while on your trip? Don’t forget to continue using them when you get home.

Related Posts

Learning Fun at Disney: The Importance of Imagination

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Teaching Shapes to Preschoolers: An Overview of Fun Learning Activities

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When I taught preschool, I always introduced colors before shapes. I did the same thing at home with my own children. Looking back, it makes sense. Children seem to notice colors first. So, I followed their natural curiosity and used it as a guide.

Just like with colors, our first lessons on shapes weren’t formal. My kids learned about them during everyday routines—like getting dressed or playing with toys. I made a habit of talking to them throughout the day. Throughout our routine, I would point out circles, hearts, or stars and describe what we saw together. Sometimes I’d say, “Look at those colorful stars on your socks,” or “This strawberry looks like a heart!”

Whether your child is just a few days old or a curious three-year-old, talking to them consistently helps. It builds vocabulary, observation skills, and a strong foundation for future learning. Their understanding of the world will grow faster than you expect—especially when it’s grounded in love, play, and shared discovery.

Learning Through Play

Most early learning should come through play and conversation. Read books together, do simple crafts, play on the floor, and talk about what you’re doing. These small moments are powerful teaching tools.

In the posts below, you’ll find shape-themed book recommendations, craft ideas, fun snacks, and hands-on activities that introduce common forms in playful ways. You can explore one shape a day, mix and match, or follow the full series—it’s completely up to you. Just remember: the most important thing is to have fun. When children are having fun, they’re learning!

 

Related Posts

The Lessons – Overview
Circles: Learning Activities for Shapes
Ovals: Learning Activities for Shapes
Squares: Learning Activities for Shapes
Rectangles: Learning Activities for Shapes
Triangles: Learning Activities for Shapes
Diamonds: Learning Activities for Shapes
Stars: Learning Activities for Shapes
Hearts: Learning Activities for Shapes
Learning Should Be Fun
Colors – Overview

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Teaching Your Child Colors

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Teaching Your Child Colors




Teaching Your Child Colors

Learning colors is a concept that can start at birth. Just by talking with your child you are teaching them. As you get them dressed you say things like, “Let’s get this red shirt over your head.”

A lot of the teaching of concepts to young children does not have to be in a formal setting. That is one of the things I love so much about teaching preschool. The learning comes through playing and it should be the same way in your home. Don’t stress about teaching formal lessons, just have fun playing and talking with your child. You will find out that they are learning through your playtime together.

A suggestion for a fun time with your child would be to have a special color day. Use part of the day or the whole day and dedicate it to one of the colors. I start with the primary colors. Although I didn’t teach the term “primary colors” until they were in pre-kindergarten, I like to start with the basics so I begin with red, blue and yellow. By the way, always be watching for signals that your child is ready for the next learning concept. For instance your child may ask, “How do you get the color green.” That is your clue that you can introduce the learning concepts of primary and secondary colors.

In the subsequent posts I will give different ideas of activities you can do for each of the colors. Use all of them in one day or use the different activities over several days. Just enjoy the time with your child and the learning will follow.

Related Posts:

The Lessons – Overview
A is for Apple: You Can Learn More Than Your ABC’s from Apple
Pumpkins are Orange; and Other Learning Concepts
Learning Activities for the Color Red
Learning Activities for the Color Blue
Learning Activities for the Color Yellow
Learning Activities for the Color Green
Learning Activities for the Color Orange
Learning Activities for the Color Purple

Learning Activities for the Color Red

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Learning Activities for the Color Red





Here are some learning activities for the color red. Remember to have fun learning and laughing together.

Clothing

Dress you child in something red; a red shirt, red pants, etc. Join in the fun and wear red too.

Toys

Go through your child’s toys and pick out the red ones to play with; red legos or duplos, red wooden blocks, a fire engine, Strawberry Shortcake, Elmo etc. Use these toys for playtime today.

Make or buy red play dough. Play dough is great for sensory play. If you have plastic colored cookie cutters to use with your play dough, just get out the red ones today. Click the words, play dough, to find a couple of recipes to make your own play dough at home.

Craft

Torn Paper Apple Craft

Learning Activities for the Color Red: Materials Needed for Torn Paper Apple Craft
Learning Activities for the Color Red: Materials Needed for Torn Paper Apple Craft

Materials Needed:

1. Red & green construction paper
2. Small white paper plate
3. Glue
4. Foam applicator or paint brush
5. Scissors

Instructions:

1. Give your child a small white paper plate and a red piece of construction paper.
2. Have him/her tear the red construction paper into pieces. (I just used 1/2 piece of construction paper.)

Learning Activities for the Color Red: Torn Paper Apple Craft
Learning Activities for the Color Red: Torn Paper Apple Craft

3. Squirt some glue onto the small paper plate.
4. Give your child a paint brush or foam applicator to apply the glue to the plate with. (My favorite is the foam applicator. It covers large surfaces quite a bit easier than a paint brush.) Have your child spread the glue all over the plate. Make sure to get the edges.

Learning Activities for the Color Red: Torn Paper Apple Craft
Learning Activities for the Color Red: Torn Paper Apple Craft

5. Then apply the torn pieces of red construction paper one piece at a time. Cover up all the white.

Learning Activities for the Color Red: Torn Paper Apple Craft
Learning Activities for the Color Red: Torn Paper Apple Craft

6. Have a stem and a leaf cut out and ready so your child can glue them to the top of the apple. If your child is a little older let them cut out their own stem and leaf.
7. Some of the red construction paper was sticking over the edge of the plate so I trimmed that off to give the apple it’s circular shape back.

Learning Activities for the Color Red: Completed Torn Paper Apple Craft
Learning Activities for the Color Red: Completed Torn Paper Apple Craft

Red Foods for snack or meal time

Strawberries, cherries, watermelon, raspberries, red pepper, apples

Finger Play

Ten Red Apples

Ten red apples growing on a tree
(hold both hands up and out to make a tree)
Five for you and five for me
(shake one hand, then the other)
Help me shake that tree just so
(act like holding tree trunk and shaking it)
And ten red apples fall down below
(lower hands while fluttering fingers)
One, two, three, four, five
(count fingers on one hand)
Six, seven, eight, nine, ten.
(count fingers on other hand)

– Author Unknown

Story Time

“Apples Here!“ by Will Hubbell
Reading Level: Ages 3-8
I would encourage you to read this to your child before you do the Torn Paper Apple craft. It gives a very simplified story of how apple trees and apples grow. The simple theme is that “there are apples here”; whether looking at buds or blossoms or tiny little knots on the branches, there are apples growing there.

“Clifford The Big Red Dog” by Norman Bridwell
Reading Level: Ages 4-8
Several generations of children have fallen in love with Clifford the Big Red Dog. Norman Bridwell has written many different adventures for Clifford and Emily. I’m sure that you will find plenty of adventures that you and your child will love.

“The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear (Child’s Play Library)” by Audrey Wood and Don Wood
Reading Level: Ages 5-8
The Little Mouse wants to save his strawberry from the Big Hungry Bear. Do you like strawberries? Maybe you can help the Little Mouse. Read this cute story for some smiles and expect to have a craving for strawberries.

Music and Singing

Little Red Caboose

Bumping Up And Down In My Little Red Wagon

Related Posts

Colors – Overview
A is for Apple: You Can Learn More Than Your ABC’s from Apple
Pumpkins are Orange; and Other Learning Concepts
Learning Activities for the Color Blue
Learning Activities for the Color Yellow
Learning Activities for the Color Green
Learning Activities for the Color Purple
Learning Activities for the Color Orange