Medicine ClinicalSignals That Tell Us We're Not Well
Atlas the friendly explorer stands at a bright classroom easel, pointing to a colorful body-signal chart with a wooden pointer, wearing a small magnifying glass around their neck.
- Name at least three body signals such as fever, cough, pain, or tiredness.
- Give one example of a body signal and explain what it might mean.
- Describe a signal clearly using where, what, and how-long words.
- Identify a trusted adult to tell when you notice a signal.
Key terms
- signal
- a message your body sends you
- symptom
- another word for a body signal
- fever
- a hot forehead from a high temperature
- trusted adult
- a safe grown-up who helps you
Messages From Your Body
Your body is great at sending signals, like little messages, when something is not quite right. A signal is also called a symptom, and the two words mean the same thing. Some signals you feel inside, like a sore throat or a tummy that hurts. Some signals others can notice too, like a cough or a hot forehead. These signals are helpful, not bad, because they ask for care.
You Are the Messenger
Your body cannot talk out loud, so you get to be the messenger. When you notice a signal, the best thing to do is tell a trusted adult, like a parent, teacher, school nurse, or caregiver. They cannot feel what is inside you, so they need you to share. Telling a grown-up is a brave and smart step that helps you get the care your body needs.
Describe It Clearly
When you tell a grown-up about a signal, try to describe it clearly using three little helpers. WHERE does it happen, like your head or belly. WHAT does it feel like, like hot, achy, or scratchy. HOW LONG has it been going on, like since this morning. The clearer you describe it, the easier it is for the grown-up to understand and help you feel better.
Worked examples
You wake up feeling hot and achy
- Notice the signals: a hot forehead and an achy body.
- Find a trusted adult, like a parent or caregiver.
- Describe it clearly: where, what it feels like, and how long.
Answer: Tell a trusted adult and describe your signals clearly so they can help.
Describe a scratchy throat well
- Say WHERE it is: my throat.
- Say WHAT it feels like: scratchy and rough.
- Say HOW LONG: it started this morning.
Answer: My throat is scratchy and it started this morning, which is a clear description.
Activity
Sort each card into Body Signal or Not a Body Signal to spot the messages your body sends.
Practice
Name three body signals that tell you something might be wrong.
Use where, what, and how-long words to describe a tummy ache.
Common mistakes to avoid
- I should hide it so no one worriesYour body cannot talk, so telling a trusted adult helps you get care.
- Feeling nervous is a body signalNervous is an emotion, while signals like a cough show possible illness.
Check your understanding
Which of these is a body signal that something might be wrong?
You wake up and your forehead feels hot and your body aches. What is the best next step?
Atlas says to describe a signal clearly. Which description is the most helpful?
Recap
Your body sends signals like fever, cough, pain, or tiredness when something is not right. You are the messenger, so tell a trusted adult and describe the signal clearly using where, what, and how-long words.
Reflect
Who would you tell first when you notice a body signal?