Teach Children
About the Muscular System
The muscular system is responsible for the body's movement. It consists of 206 bones, along with joints, ligaments and cartilage. The muscles promote movement within the body and its various functions to work and perform. Teaching children about how this system works and the importance of keeping bones strong may be imperative to a child's health. Demonstrating to children what to eat and care properly for their bodies may provide greater benefits over just a simple explanation.
Instructions
1. Explain to children about muscles in the body. There are two kinds of muscles. Voluntary muscles are those muscles that people intentionally use on a daily basis such as when walking, running or even reaching out and picking up a spoon. Involuntary muscles work to help carry on the body's daily functions without a person consciously trying to make them move. An example of an involuntary muscle is the heart beating.
2. Describe how muscles work in pairs. While one muscle contracts, the other muscles relaxes. A contracting muscle bunches up, whereas a relaxed muscle thins and lengthens. This process is how movement occurs. The muscles work when chemical impulses and nerves inside of the muscle carry a message back and forth to the brain. Each time a muscle warms up, it is burning energy.
3. Teach preschool children about the muscular system through exercise. Young children are often on the go, jumping and running from one place to another; therefore, exercise in most cases is not a problem. Show the children the tone and strength of the muscles as an exercise is done. Explain that daily exercise and good nutrition will help keep muscles healthy. The more you exercise, the greater a muscle will strengthen and become more toned.
4. Help school-aged children appreciate their bodies and muscular system. Inform them how the muscles in the body burn food energy while working. This process of burning energy creates the wastes that are carried out of the body. A child's body may also get weary and sore from playing too hard. Talk about warm baths and a how a massage may help ease the soreness from the muscles.
5. Explain why older children and teens require so much food. Their bodies are growing and in need of proper nutrition to continue the muscles' growth. Teens may become lazy and want to relax on the couch. Encourage that teen to get outside and accomplish some sort of physical exercise. Proper movement and exercise may help promote the teen's muscular growth.
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