My Lungs
My body Series
on Goodreads (3)
What’s inside...
Describes the parts of the lungs and respiratory system, how they function, and problems that can affect them. With this book, students will understand respiration and be able to trace the path of air through their own bodies, as the oxygen is extracted and the carbon dioxide is put back into the atmosphere. Written in clear and engaging prose, My Lungs is a perfect introduction to this complex process.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-10
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think our lungs help us every day?
Can you imagine what happens inside our lungs when we take a deep breath?
Why do you think it's important to keep our lungs healthy?
What are some ways we can take care of our lungs?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by taking deep breaths together, making it a fun way to practically connect with the book's topic.
Encourage your child to visualize their lungs expanding and contracting, maybe even drawing it out to cement the concept.
Discuss the importance of clean air and outdoor play in maintaining healthy lungs, linking it to everyday activities like playing in the park.
Use everyday examples of when they feel out of breath to make the information relatable, such as running or laughing too hard.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of healthy habits
Explanation: The book 'My Lungs' teaches children how lungs function and the significance of keeping them healthy through vivid illustrations and simple explanations.
Real-World Application: Children can adopt habits such as not smoking, exercising regularly, and avoiding polluted environments to keep their lungs healthy.
Example Lesson: Understanding human anatomy
Explanation: Through engaging diagrams and accessible language, 'My Lungs' explains the anatomy of the lungs and how they fit into the larger respiratory system.
Real-World Application: This lesson provides children with foundational knowledge that can spark interest in biology and further scientific learning.
Example Lesson: The science of breathing
Explanation: 'My Lungs' explores the process of how we breathe, including gas exchange, in a way that is easy for children to understand.
Real-World Application: Children learn the critical role breathing plays in our survival, promoting mindfulness and possibly leading them to explore practices that enhance lung capacity, like yoga.
Example Lesson: Value of exercise for lung health
Explanation: The book explains how activities like running and swimming can strengthen the lungs, helping them to work better.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to participate in physical activities, understanding that these are not just fun but also beneficial to their bodies.
Example Lesson: Environmental awareness
Explanation: Kathy Furgang's narrative ties lung health to air quality, teaching children about the impact of clean air on the respiratory system.
Real-World Application: This insight encourages children to become mindful about environmental issues and can inspire them to engage in or advocate for pollution reduction efforts.