How does immunity work?
To strengthen immunity it helps to exercise each morning, walk in fresh air and keep to a daily routine. Hardening means teaching the body gradually to cope with cold and changing temperatures. It must be done carefully, with an adult’s or doctor’s advice: start with warm water and wash with slightly cooler water each week, and spend more time outdoors. Dangerous methods such as plunging into icy water or walking barefoot on ice must not be tried by children. In summer you can walk barefoot on clean grass, only check there are no stones, glass or rubbish. Proper nutrition means eating protein, fat, carbohydrates, fibre and vitamins in the right amounts; vegetables and fruit should be on the table every day. Rest is important too: alternate study with play and sport. Children aged 6–13 need about 9–11 hours of sleep a day; during sleep the body recovers and its defences are renewed.
“Immunity cluster”: write “Immunity” in the middle of the board and add helpful habits around it (activity, sleep, vegetables, hand washing...). Each pupil picks one habit they are not yet doing and promises to try it for a week.