The materials aim to develop preventive skills of hygiene, behaviors of healthy lifestyle and awareness raising regarding COVID-19 for early childhood educators. The goal is to establish healthy lifestyle routines through age-appropriate thematic studies that can be incorporated in play time and time for reading.

The SBS team developed lesson plans and corresponding learning materials for preschool educators about introducing topic of hygiene and protection from coronavirus. The topic was introduced through series of thematic units and as a result the skills and knowledge are taught in an enjoyable and interactive ways, such as through play. This approach enables educators to integrate content from various subject areas for exploration of a central topic. In these times, when children listen a lot about coronavirus from different sources it is appropriate to use the momentum and based on emerging issue provide richer learning opportunities for them.

The SBS team outlined the following main sections of the thematic unit:
• What we should know about coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and how to protect yourself and your family members?
• What are the modes of transmission of COVID-19: what can children do to prevent spread of coronavirus (the book “Hello I am virus’’, handwashing posters, songs, etc.).
• Actions we need to practice for general hygiene (the story “Five actions before I go to sleep”).

During the thematic study we focus on developing some of the skills listed below: 
• Shaping healthy lifestyle behaviors, such as coughing and sneezing in the elbow and washing hands often.
• Singing songs while washing hands to maintain the recommended 20 seconds.
• Cleaning hands with disinfectant.
• Use puppets or dolls to show symptoms (sneezing, cough, fever) and developing empathy and safe care behavior.
• Keep the children away from each other, let them try to spread and shake their hands.

The lesson plans were developed according to ERR framework, and included all the necessary learning materials (thematic pictures, coloring sheets, small cards, activity sheets, etc.) and step by step guidance for teachers. Background reading materials for educators are also included in the lesson plans. In the thematic studies the adapted version of the Armenian translation of the book “Hello I am virus” was used. We have adapted and used handwashing song, posters and a text “Five things to do before going to sleep”.

The thematic unit is based on “Developmental and Education Standards for Children Birth to Six” as well as national preschool curricula for children from 3 to 6 year of age. The thematic unit consists of lesson plans with activities.

Deliverables:

Developed thematic units included all the necessary learning materials (thematic pictures, coloring sheets, small cards, activity sheets, etc.) and step by step guidance for teachers. Background reading materials for educators are also included in the lesson plans. In the thematic studies the adapted version of the Armenian translation of the book “Hello I am virus” was used. We have adapted and used handwashing song, posters and a text “Five things to do before going to sleep”.