Unit 16 — Healthy Living and Physical Activity

Welcome back!

Healthy living means taking care of your body and your mind every day.

The choices you make today can help you grow stronger, stay active, think clearly, and enjoy life.

Healthy habits become easier when we practice them regularly.

Eating a Balanced Diet

Your body needs many different nutrients to stay healthy.

A balanced diet includes foods such as:

• fruits
• vegetables
• whole grains
• dairy products or other calcium-rich foods
• lean meats, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts

Eating a variety of healthy foods helps your body grow and gives you energy.

Drinking Water

Water is one of the most important things your body needs.

Water helps:

• carry nutrients through your body
• regulate body temperature
• support digestion
• replace fluids lost through activity

Choose water often, especially after exercise or spending time outdoors.

Physical Activity

Exercise keeps your body healthy and strong.

Examples include:

• walking
• running
• swimming
• bicycling
• dancing
• playing sports
• stretching

Children should be physically active every day whenever possible.

Being active also helps improve mood and concentration.

Getting Enough Sleep

Sleep allows your body and brain to recover.

A good night's sleep helps you:

• learn new information
• remember what you studied
• stay alert
• grow and develop
• have energy for the next day

A regular bedtime routine helps many children sleep better.

Caring for Your Mind

Mental health is just as important as physical health.

Healthy habits include:

• talking about your feelings
• asking for help when needed
• showing kindness to yourself and others
• spending time with family and friends
• enjoying hobbies and creative activities

Everyone has difficult days sometimes, and it is okay to ask trusted adults for support.

Staying Safe

Healthy living also includes making safe choices.

Remember to:

• wear a seat belt
• wear a helmet when riding a bicycle or scooter
• follow safety rules near water
• be careful around roads
• use sunscreen when outdoors for long periods
• listen to trusted adults

Safety helps prevent injuries.

Good Hygiene

Keeping your body clean helps prevent illness.

Healthy hygiene habits include:

• washing your hands with soap
• brushing and flossing your teeth
• bathing regularly
• covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing
• wearing clean clothes

These simple habits help protect both you and others.

Activity

Create your own "Healthy Week" plan.

Include:

• healthy meals
• daily exercise
• drinking water
• reading time
• bedtime
• one outdoor activity
• one act of kindness each day

Try following your plan for one week.

Practice

Answer these questions.

Why is a balanced diet important?

Why should we drink water every day?

Name four physical activities.

How does sleep help your body?

Why is mental health important?

Name five healthy hygiene habits.

Review

Today you learned:

• healthy eating supports growth
• water is essential for life
• exercise strengthens body and mind
• sleep helps us learn and recover
• mental health deserves care and attention
• good hygiene helps prevent illness
• safe choices protect us from injury

Healthy habits practiced every day help us enjoy active, productive, and fulfilling lives.

Looking Ahead

In our final unit, we will celebrate everything you have learned during Grade 3, review your accomplishments, and prepare for the exciting challenges of Grade 4.