How to Teach Kids the Parts of the Face

Toddlers and preschoolers can learn the names of common body parts with focused learning time and fun activities. Young children often find faces fascinating and usually enjoy talking about eyes, noses, mouths and other facial features. Spend special time together and make learning body vocabulary an enjoyable activity to do with your kids. They will enjoy the activities and can feel proud about their accomplishment.

Sit in a comfortable spot with your child at a time when you can spend relaxed time with each other. Nestled in an easy chair with your child in your lap would be ideal.

Make sure your child watches as you point to your own eyes, nose, mouth or ears. Say the name of the body part as you point to it. After pointing to your own eyes and saying the name, point to your child's eyes. Repeat the same process with each facial body part.

Quiz your child to see if she remembers the body parts. Say, "Where is Rachel's nose?" and see if your child will point to her nose. If she does not, touch her nose gently and say, "Nose, Rachel's nose." Say, "Where is my nose?" and see if your child will point to your nose. If she does not, touch your nose and say, "Nose, my nose." Repeat this with the main facial body parts for as long as your child seems interested and engaged.

Sing a song about body parts with your child. The children's song "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" helps children learn the main facial body parts. As you sing the words, "eyes and ears and mouth and nose," point to each body part on your own face and encourage your child to point to the body parts on his face also. Sing the song several times together.

Repeat the facial features activities at least once a day to reinforce the body parts in your child's mind. A preschool child -- age 18 months to 3 years or so -- will quickly catch on and learn the names for facial features with daily reinforcement.