Kids love the gross stuff.
Boogers. Slime of all kinds. Passing gas.
These things, while nasty to some, are part of the human body's normal functioning. And it's important that children understand them.
That's the idea behind Heather Manley's "Human Body Detectives" series (www.drheathernd .com, $19.95). The mother of two and naturopathic physician in Hawaii says she created the series to encourage children to get beyond the jokes and into the idea that they can help maximize their own health.
The workbook and audio CD use games and adventure stories to demystify and explain the human digestive tract and immune system. Yes, there's a maze game that resembles the intestines, and corny jokes aimed at the older elementary demographic:
Q: What do you call a germ who wants to have a good time?
A: A fungi.
The approach is age-appropriate and well-illustrated. It's perfect for little science geeks, whether they're studying on their own or with a group of kids.
And while there's an underlying academic feel to the series, the "Human Body Detectives" books also provide a great, fun way to open up a legitimate conversation about illness and disease with your child.
Mary Shedden
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement
Advertisement