Toothbrushes

One of the many wonderful things that my parents brought when they visited was a bag full of toothbrushes (many thanks to those who donated).  Together with my town’s dentist, Haydee, I planned a tooth brushing activity with the Kindergarten.

Last week was a little rough for me, so when Haydee got pulled away to a last-minute meeting the same day we had planned to go to the Kindergarten, I decided to do it alone, thinking a little time with children would cheer me up. 

Little did I know, that same day there was a earthquake drill scheduled.  Peru, being a seismic zone, has incredibly elaborate earthquake drills at all education institutions, complete with nursing outfits, rescuers, and at least one person who gets “trapped” inside, in need of rescue.

"Is everyone here?"

Making a rescue plan

Found her!

Getting patched up

After everyone was accounted for, and eating a snack provided by the Parent’s Association, all the kids anxiously awaited what Profesora Jenny (as they call me) had to say.  I pulled out my giant mouth and toothbrush models and we talked about the parts of the mouth, why we want to keep it clean, and how too many sweets are bad for your teeth (to which one girl responded “Profesora Jenny, I’m never going to eat candy again”… a promise which I’m sure lasted less than an hour, but it’s the thought that counts).  Then, with new toothbrushes in hand, we all brushed our teeth.

Showing off their clean teeth

Spending a morning with the Kindergarten did indeed cheer me up, but like many things, the true satisfaction didn’t come until later.  I recently ran into one of the moms, who told me that her son taught her the proper technique for tooth brushing, and never forgets to clean his tongue.  One of endless examples of why little kids are the best.