What your child will discover
Help the child recognize a cough and sneeze as body actions that can help clear irritation, mucus, dust, droplets, or other material from the nose, throat, or airways.
Lesson 084 of 300
What Are a Cough and a Sneeze?
Learn that the body sometimes coughs or sneezes to clear the nose, throat, or airways.
12–24 monthsHealth, Food & FeelingsAdult guided
Health, Food & Feelings · KnowledgeForKids.com
Listen together · adult controls the audio
The spoken lesson
"A cough is a strong movement of air out through the mouth. It may help clear the throat or airways. A sneeze is a quick movement of air through the nose and mouth. It may help clear something that is irritating the nose. People may cough or sneeze because of mucus, dust, a strong smell, or an illness. One cough or sneeze does not always mean someone is sick. When you cough or sneeze, stop and go to your caregiver. Cover it safely, and let the caregiver help. Your caregiver also watches that you are breathing comfortably." DESIGN REQUIREMENTS: Use calm, non-graphic imagery. Do not show severe illness, choking, frightened children, medical diagnosis, medication, repeated loud sounds, or dramatic germ animation.
Words to notice together
COUGHSNEEZENOSEMOUTHAIRCOVERCAREGIVERBREATHE
Make it real
Pause, point, name what you notice, and connect the idea to something familiar in your child's day. Repetition, a calm voice, shared attention and dependable care matter more than finishing quickly.