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We break it down into systems--skeletal system, circulatory system, etc. For the skeletal system, one thing I do to show how important joints are, is to tape popsicle sticks to the fingers of the children's dominant hand so they can't bend their fingers. Then we TRY to complete some of our routine tasks, like putting their names on their papers, sharpening pencils, tying shoes, etc. They love it, but also get very tired and frustrated after about 5 minutes. They are always grateful to remove the sticks and be able to bend those fingers! I have also played bingo with the names of the bones. The kids love to hear me call out phalanges! That word just cracks them up!

When I teach about the heart, I give them a stress ball to squeeze with one hand, as we try to squeeze the actual number of times their heart beats in a minute. Then we try it with the heartbeats of other animals. Try the hummingbird!!