Cover, Please

Before using "Cover, Please" in your curriculum, learn how to "cover" yourself, please! How to: Lift your arm up to your face and cover your nose and mouth with the inside of your forearm or elbow. When a tissue is not handy, this is the next best way.

Early in our children's lives, a trip to our pediatrician revealed to us as still new parents how quickly germs spread between people, especially children. The doctor said a tissue to the face is probably the most effective way to prevent airborne germs, quickly followed by hand washing. Well, what child do you know who will do that on their own? It's a tough, ongoing battle. Further research has shown us that another highly recommended method is to use the back of the hand to cover one's mouth and nose. Both of these methods, however, leave the balance of germs deposited on the hand(s) - arguably the most used "parts" of a youngster.

This song suggests many movements and sound effects throughout, starting with coughing, sneezing, and throat clearing. Then, of course, it also offers plenty of chances to practice the covering techniques, as described above. You may want to consider teaching good tissue/hanky usage with this song concept as well.