Why Do We Need Water?
Why Do We Need Water?
Owlo! Owlo! I just ran all the way from the garden to your classroom, and now my mouth feels so dry!
Come in, Koko! There is a big jug of water right here on my desk. Help yourself, little one.
Thank you! That feels so much better. Water is really good, isn't it?
It really is. You know, the way your body felt just now, that dry and tired feeling, that is your body telling you something important.
What was it telling me?
It was saying, I need water! Our bodies need water every single day to work properly.
But why? What does water actually do inside me?
That is a wonderful question. Let's walk over to the science corner and find out together.
Here we go. I have a little book with pictures that shows exactly what happens inside our bodies.
Ooh, I can see a picture of a body with water drops everywhere inside it!
That is right. Water travels all through your body, from your head to your toes. It helps carry food and energy to every part of you.
So water is like a little delivery truck inside me?
I love that idea, Koko. Yes, exactly like a delivery truck! It picks up the good things from your food and brings them where they need to go.
What else does water do? Does it do more than just deliver things?
It does so much more. Water also helps keep your body the right temperature, like when you feel hot after running, your body uses water to cool you down.
Oh! Is that why I get sweaty when I play in the garden?
Exactly right. That sweat is water leaving your body to cool you off. And that is why you need to drink more water after playing hard.
So when I sweat, I lose water, and I have to put it back in by drinking?
You understood that perfectly. Your body is always using water, so you always need to top it back up.
Owlo, what happens if someone forgets to drink water for a really long time?
When your body does not have enough water, it gets very tired and slow. You might get a headache, feel dizzy, or find it hard to think clearly.
That sounds really uncomfortable. I do not want to feel like that!
Nobody does. That uncomfortable feeling is your body's way of asking for help. The good news is, drinking water fixes it quickly.
How much water do I need to drink every day?
For someone your age, about five to six cups of water a day is a good goal. And eating fruits and vegetables helps too, because they have water inside them!
Wait, fruits have water in them? Like a strawberry?
Yes indeed! Strawberries, oranges, cucumbers, they are all full of water. Eating them is like drinking a tiny sip with every bite.
That is so cool. I eat strawberries all the time and I did not even know I was drinking water too!
Nature is very clever that way. Now, let me ask you something. Can you think of other times when your body might need extra water?
Hmm. When I run around? Or when it is really hot outside?
Both perfect answers. Hot weather and lots of movement both mean your body uses up water faster. So those are great times to drink an extra cup.
I am going to start carrying my water bottle everywhere, just like you carry your books, Owlo!
That makes me very happy to hear. A water bottle is one of the best things you can bring with you anywhere you go.
Okay, so I think I understand everything now. Can I try to say it all back to you?
Water is like a delivery truck inside our body. It carries energy from food to everywhere we need it. It also keeps us cool when we get hot and sweaty. If we don't drink enough, we feel tired and get headaches. We need about five or six cups a day, and fruits and veggies have secret water in them too! So basically, water is like a superpower drink that we need every single day.
That was a brilliant summary, Koko. I could not have said it better myself.
Next time I want to find out why we need to eat vegetables too. I have a feeling there is a lot more to discover!
There always is, Koko. There always is. Now go drink another cup of water before you head back to the garden!
Why Do We Need Water?
Ages 4–5 · ~5 min
Join Owlo and Koko as they explore the importance of water for our bodies and learn why staying hydrated is essential.
What you'll learn
- Understand the role of water in the body
- Recognize signs of dehydration
- Learn the importance of daily hydration
Why Do We Need Water?
Ages 4–5 · ~5 min
