Focusing on the expression of the inner side, this study examines new preschool educational practices needed for health education (the Health Domain) in the preschool period. This report describes an activity for drawing the inside of the body with the theme “myself after exercising” that was implemented in a five-year-old class of a kindergarten and day-care center cooperation type certified child care center as part of the study. As a result of the activity, four conclusions were obtained regarding the characteristics of the children’s body image. First of all, the children’s drawings of themselves after exercising are extremely unique. As observed so far, preschoolers include a wide range of things in their drawings such as things that they have grasped with their own senses, things that they have seen or heard, and things that they have imagined or fantasized. The items they give priority and focus on depend on each child’s judgement and sensitivity. Secondly, the elements included in the children’s drawings of themselves after exercising can be divided into three categories. The first category contains elements inside the body such as the heart, pulse, blood vessels, blood flow, blood, water, temperature rise, and the skeletal structure. The second category contains elements that are externally grasped such as breathing and sweating. The third category contains imaginary elements and expressions of feelings that are drawn in some cases as a reflection of positive thoughts concerning health improvement by exercising or a child’s wish to be healthy. Thirdly, in terms of the combination of elements used in the drawings of their own body image, the following elements are drawn either alone or in various combinations in different orders: increased heart rate and blood flow, body temperature rise due to muscle contraction, perspiration and body water, increased respiratory rate, positive thoughts concerning health improvement, the fatigue immediately after exercising, etc. Finally, in some cases, preschoolers express their intention, imagination, or fantasy about health improvement based on the knowledge they have accumulated through their daily life experience. In terms of specific expression forms, preschoolers use an animism expression with the scheme “germs (purple) versus good guys (yellow)” in some cases. Some preschoolers draw injuries and bruises as a result or their memory being played back while drawing.
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