School Nurses Read: Making Classroom Connections
What book should the school nurse read?
As school nurses, we’re always looking for creative ways to connect with students and reinforce healthy habits. One of the most fun and effective ways to do that is by reading books to elementary students, turning those storytimes into a chance to teach important health lessons. More than once, school nurses have asked for book recommendations to share with their students, and time and again, our community has stepped up with some amazing ideas.
Why Reading Matters for School Nurses
Reading to students doesn’t just help educate them—it builds rapport, makes you a familiar face, and gives kids a positive association with the nurse’s office. Whether it’s a school nurse-specific book or a health education story, incorporating a fun health lesson can be a game-changer. You can go all out with glitter for a handwashing lesson, hand out tooth necklaces during a dental hygiene talk, or use germ detective kits to show how quickly germs spread. The goal is to make health lessons interactive and memorable.
glitter, tooth necklaces, germ detective kits
Make Storytime a Regular Thing
You don’t have to limit yourself to one visit! You can read to the class once a year or even set up regular visits as a monthly guest speaker. The more students see you in their classroom, the more comfortable they'll be coming to you when they need help. Plus, it reinforces your role as a key member of their educational team—not just the person who hands out band-aids or sends them home when they’re sick.
Endless Possibilities for Learning
The possibilities for reading and learning are endless! Whether you're reading a fun book about when to visit the nurse’s office—like The Ten B’s—or exploring broader health topics, you can tailor your storytime to what works best for your students. You might even have some classes that ask for more sessions, or you could collaborate with teachers to integrate these storytimes into broader health and wellness curricula.
Make It Fun, Make It Educational, Make It Yours!
Remember, this is your chance to make health education fun and engaging. Whether you’re working with tooth necklaces, glitter germs, or colorful storybooks, make it your own. Use these opportunities to not only teach but also to build trust and connection with your students.
So, the next time you’re looking for a new way to educate your students, why not try reading a book? If you want more specific ideas or to learn about great book recommendations—like The Ten B's: When To Visit The School Nurse.
Popular Book Recommendations
Another Idea From the School Nurse Private Facebook Group Is ...
The School Nurse ABC's Printable Coloring Book
This downloadable PDF includes 28 black-and-white pages featuring health-related graphics that your students can color. and is available immediately after purchase.
Each page covers an A-Z health terms, broad enough for you to add your own educational material. It's perfect for meeting new classes and introducing key health topics.
For example:
- A is for Asthma – Use this page to discuss asthma, medications, treatments, exercise, allergies, and lung health.
- H is for Hands – This page is great for introducing handwashing or comparing right- and left-handed students.
- Z is for Zzz... (Sleep) – Use this page to talk about sleep cycles, bedtime routines, and the importance of rest.
This coloring book is a fun and flexible tool to support health education while making connections in the classroom!
Check out these other popular DOASN blog posts & product links.
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