Colds and Flu Activities for Kids

In this set of activities adaptable for grades K-3, parents and educators will find ideas for teaching about viruses, colds and flu. These activities are designed to complement the BrainPOP Jr. Colds and Flu topic page, which includes a movie, quizzes, online games, printable activities, and more.

Classroom Activities for Teaching About Colds and Flu

Virus Tag
Demonstrate how a virus can spread with a game of tag! Choose one student to be “it” and carry nametags or index cards that say “virus”. He or she can “spread” the virus by tagging other students and giving them nametags. Then, those who are tagged can tag other students and so on. Once everyone has been tagged, facilitate a group discussion about ways to fight an illness and feel better once you’re sick. Record students’ ideas on blank index cards. Then hide (or have a student hide) the cards in well-hidden spots around your classroom or playground. Students can trade in their virus nametags for the cards as they find them. After the activity, discuss what happened. How quickly did the virus spread? Which was harder, getting the virus or fighting it off? How can you take care of your body and prevent yourself from getting sick?

Get Well

When someone at school is out sick with a cold, have students write get well cards. They may want to share ways to feel better, such as getting rest and drinking plenty of fluids. They may want to share a joke or write stories to lift the person’s spirits or even share a recipe for soup or other home remedy. Encourage students to be creative! If possible, deliver the get well cards to the sick student, or save them for when he or she returns.

Family and Homeschool Activities for Teaching About Colds and Flu

Doctor

Have your child pretend that he or she is a doctor and you are a patient with a cold. What advice can the doctor give to the patient? What is a good way to soothe a sore throat or aching muscles? What can you do to relieve congestion? Have the doctor write a list of tips and prescribe them to the patient.

Body Temperature

Explain to your child that the average body temperature for humans is 98.6°F or 37°C. But, not all animals have the same body temperatures. Together, research to find out the average body temperatures of different birds and mammals. What is the average body temperature of an elephant? A hummingbird? The results may surprise you! You may want to explore how cold-blooded animals use the environment to regulate their body temperatures.