You’re Not a Little Kid Anymore! Personal Hygiene. DVD. 18 min. with tchr’s. guide. MarshMedia. 2013. ISBN 978-1-55942-636-7. $79.95.
Gr 3-5–The program does a great job of covering the basics of personal hygiene that every fourth through sixth grade teacher wishes their students knew. The focus is not on puberty itself, but rather on the extra oil on your skin and in your hair, the sweat that’s now becoming a problem, pimples., deodorant. And, since it covers the basics, it provides clear instructions on how to avoid problems. Taking showers, brushing your teeth, washing your hands properly—it’s all here. There are also segments on taking care of your clothes, cleaning your ears, cutting your nails, taking care of your hair, and avoiding germs. The narrator also discusses protecting your hearing and eyesight, going a bit beyond personal hygiene. The format is also fun—each segment deals with a single issue followed by a short rap and dance by the multiethnic adolescent cast that gives a quick review and ends with the line “you’re not a little kid anymore!” Pacing is good, and the valuable information is presented clearly. The attitude of the presenters is positive and there’s little here that would embarrass students. This is clearly designed to catch kids just before, or as, they need the information. Teachers will embrace it, and probably show it more than once a year.–Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary,FederalWay,WA