One of the most fascinating topics to teach young children is Human Anatomy. Sparking a child’s curiosity about the amazing world inside them is both fun and educational. It’s perfect for kids because they have a body & are curious about it!

The human body is a fascinating & complex machine filled with wonder.  For homeschooled families, igniting a love for science can start with exploring the amazing different body systems!  

But how do you make learning about body tissues, types of muscle, and groups of organs or sensory organs engaging and accessible for your children?

Start with what kids can see! Senses, skin, joints, even muscles & bones (which they can feel, flex, and picture easily).

Using picture books with songs is the BEST way to capitalize on kids’ natural curiosity and start diving deep on the human body.

As the Frizz would say… learning human anatomy doesn’t need to be boring for kids, even when they delve into more complex topics such as connective tissues, the excretory system, and so on.

Using picture books and songs can spark their curiosity and increase their engagement with these subjects, making them more enjoyable to learn about.

You can even add some hands-on puzzles, fake human body systems manipulatives, and videos and you have yourself a “unit study.”

(I always just search around for a few cool science videos for kids on youtube. I often preview them to make sure they’re not lame or inappropriate.)

None of this has to be perfectly coordinated!!! I’ve been teaching for over a decade and homeschooling for 8 years as of writing this. Nobody learns anything in a perfectly linear fashion.

Learning is less like the line on the left and much more like the line on the right:

We homeschool & I just love amazing picture books. Quality picture books make up almost ALL of our science texts for the elementary & middle school years. (They’re way better than boring old textbooks.)

These 11 picture books offer a delightful introduction to the human body to learn about the body parts and series of organs, perfect for young readers! And they supplement our Human Body System Songs perfectly.

Suggested Order/ Process for Anatomy Studies

1. Start playing the songs – If your kids are 3-6 years old, just play them in the car and during playtime or at a meal. If you have kids ages 6-10, you could print the lyrics off for them to follow along. We like to highlight the lyrics to the ones we’ve memorized. We aim to learn one per week, but often take 2-3 weeks on the longer songs.
   
2. Grab the books that interest you and your kids from your library – I like to buy a couple books and get the rest from the library. Of the list below, my personal favorites to own are numbers 2, 3, 4 and 10 listed below. But maybe your favorites will be different.
   
3. Read the books slowly – Reading slowly allows ideas to sink in.
   
4. Bonus diagrams come last – This is so backwards from how you and I learned things in traditional school, but let’s be honest… we don’t remember so much of what we did in school. Learning needs to be all about the kids’ minds making connections on their own. They need to own it and having songs to draw on is one way to give them ownership. Once the songs are in their heads, they will so easily make connections with the books and diagrams. So I like to print the worksheets in the pdf guide AFTER they know the songs. That way they see the words in the word bank and get excited to find things they already have heard of.
   
   You can print whichever worksheets work best for your kids! Don’t feel like you need to use them all. Just pick a few. I just leave word searches out for fun as an option. Most of my elementary school kids jump at the chance to complete a word search.
   
   Then for the diagrams – you can print them all to make a packet or have kids paste or tape them into a science notebook.

Using Books & Songs Together

Introducing the part of the body to your child with a song will help them to learn and memorize every part of a system. I never perfectly coordinate the songs & books every week. I just introduce one new song each week and check out or purchase great books over the course of the time we’re learning the songs. 

Let me repeat that – you don’t have to perfectly coordinate your songs & books!!!!! You totally can if that’s your jam. But your kids will learn and enjoy the material either way.

For example, I didn’t coordinate the “Human Body System” week with the Human Body Activity book. But my 5 year old loved that song. One day, I checked out 2 cute books on human body at the library and he was so excited because he already knew the song.

There have been other times I HAVE chosen to coordinate a book (or video) with introducing a new song, which also provides for meaningful learning.

Remember the 3 keys to enjoying science at home with young children are:

1. Get outside.
2. Allow your kids ample unstructured play time to explore and try things out.
3. Read great books.
4. Sing some songs to memorize basics as “learning pegs” for the big ideas you’re introducing.

These amazing children’s books are perfect for younger readers and are sure to spark an interest in human body systems.

There are obviously a lot more human body system books out there than this, but I tried to only compile the best ones I could find!

LIST OF PICTURE BOOKS ABOUT THE HUMAN BODY

1. Human Body Activity Book for Kids: Hands-On Fun for Grades K-3 by Katie Strokes, M.ED., PH.D.

The Human Body Activity Book for kids is so fun. This activity book is likely packed with fun and educational exercises that will help children learn about the human body. It uses colorful illustrations, fun activities, and fascinating facts to make learning memorable about the entire body and the important role of each body system. Through these methods, the book introduces children to various body systems and their functions.  It encourages hands-on learning, allowing kids to explore concepts through activities rather than just passive reading.

2. Look Inside Your Body Board book – Lift the flap by Louie Stowell

This board book with lift-the-flaps is a great way for young children to explore the human body in a tactile and engaging way. Look Inside Your Body Board Book will make Young readers’ minds boggle as they learn about the Nervous System how their brains work, the Digestive System what happens when they eat, the Respiratory System how their lungs use oxygen, and much more.

3. The Magic School Bus Inside the Human Body Paperback – Picture Book by Joanna Cole

This classic science fiction picture book follows Ms. Frizzle’s class on a wild ride through the human body, making learning about human anatomy fun and adventurous. The Magic School Bus Inside the Human Body Paperback is a story about Arnold who has swallowed the Magic School Bus! Now, instead of seeing an exhibit of the human body at a museum, the class is taking a look at Arnold’s stomach, his large intestine and small intestine, his blood flow, and a group of organs from the inside of this heart-stopping field trip. What an amazing picture story book right? This picture book is a fun way to learn about internal organs and this will surely be loved by your kids. 

4. A Journey through the Digestive System with Max Axiom by Emily Sohn

This book likely uses the adventures of Max Axiom to explain the digestive system in a way that is both exciting and informative for children. A Journey through the Digestive System for a scientific adventure like no other as Max Axiom takes readers on a journey through the digestive system! Through the lens of graphic novel storytelling, this book follows Max as he shrinks down to explore the inner workings of the human body, providing a visually engaging and informative exploration of digestion, and learning about the specific function. With its dynamic illustrations and accessible narrative, this book offers readers a unique perspective on anatomy and physiology’s amazing system. 

5. The Brain: All about Our Nervous System and More! (Smithsonian-science) by Seymour Simon

This Smithsonian science book by Seymour Simon is likely a comprehensive introduction to the brain and nervous system for children. The Brain: All about Our Nervous System and More! is filled with stunning photographs and clear, concise text about bodily functions, this book explores the inner workings of the brain, from its structure and function to its role in controlling the movements and processes of the entire body. This is perfect for young scientists and curious minds alike, this Smithsonian-science title provides a fascinating glimpse into one of the most remarkable organs in the human body.

6. You can’t make a move without your muscles (Let’s-read-and-find-out science book) by Paul Showers

This Let’s-Read-And-Find-Out Science book by Paul Showers is likely a clear and engaging explanation of the importance of muscles in the human body. The children will discover the power of muscles and how they enable movement in this engaging science book for young readers. With simple language and colorful illustrations, it explains the importance of muscles in everyday activities, from walking and running to smiling and blinking. Learning the muscular system in a fun way, explaining heart muscle and smooth muscle, and more particularly about skeletal muscles that consciously control to move your body. Through accessible explanations and relatable examples, this book helps children understand the vital role that muscles play in keeping their bodies moving and functioning.

7. Eyes and Ears by Seymour Simon

Another book by Seymour Simon, this one focuses on the senses of sight and hearing, explaining how our eyes and ears work. Open your eyes and ears to the wonders of the sensory world with this captivating exploration of vision and hearing. Through stunning photographs and clear, informative text, takes readers on a journey through the anatomy and functions of the eyes and ears. From how we see and hear to the importance of protecting these vital senses, this book provides a comprehensive overview that will fascinate and educate readers of all ages.

8. A Drop of Blood (Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2) by Paul Showers

This A Drop of Blood by Paul Showers is likely a look at the components of blood and its function in the human body. Dive into the microscopic world of blood vessels with this informative science book for young readers. From its composition and function to its role in maintaining health and fighting disease, author Paul Showers explores the fascinating properties of blood in a way that is accessible and engaging for children. Have your child learn about the red and white blood cells difference through clear explanations and colorful illustrations, readers will gain a better understanding of the importance of blood or how blood travels in the human body and beyond.

9. Me and My Amazing Body by Joan Sweeney

This Me and My Amazing Body by Joan Sweeney book celebrates the wonder of the human body with this charming picture book that explores all the amazing things our bodies can do. This is about a girl who describes how her skin, bones, muscles, brain, blood, heart, lungs, and stomach receives energy and function as parts of her body. This explains a lot about major organ systems. With its playful illustrations and simple text, this book is perfect for young children who are curious about their own bodies and how they work. 

10. The Way We Work: Getting to Know the Amazing Human Body by David Macaulay

This book by David Macaulay is likely a detailed and informative look at the human body and its systems. The Way We Work Getting to Know the Amazing Human Body is a breathtaking journey through the inner workings of the human body with this visually stunning guide. Through intricate illustrations and detailed explanations, readers will discover the marvels of anatomy and physiology, from the complex systems that keep us alive to the smallest cells that make up our bodies. With its meticulous attention to detail and engaging storytelling, this book offers a comprehensive and captivating exploration of the amazing human body.

11. Human Body by Seymour Simon – Another book by Seymour Simon

This one is likely a general introduction to the human body for children. This Human Body book explains a journey inside the human body as your guide. Through vivid photographs and clear, concise text, this book offers a fascinating exploration of the body’s systems and organs, from the skeletal and muscular systems to the circulatory and nervous systems. With its accessible approach and stunning visuals, this book provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of the human body and its remarkable capabilities. 

This is just a starting point! With so many wonderful books available for your kids to learn more about science. There are many more books on topics about The central nervous system, circulatory system, lymphatic system, immune system, and many more.  You’re sure to find the perfect one to ignite your child’s fascination with the human body. This book lists are ones that I have found the best for my kids to learn human anatomy. Happy Homeschooling!

I have 12 amazing songs about the Human Body System including the description of the Human Reproductive System, Endocrine System, and more about the entire bodily systems of human beings. 

Simple Science Process with Littles in Your Homeschool

I am 100% committed to the process below. The more I observe how well songs + books works to inspire & teach young children, the more convinced I am it’s worth incorporating into my homeschool.

My recommendation for homeschoolers with littles when it comes to Science is to:

• Listen to Memory Work Songs – Memorizing songs gets young children pondering things they haven’t heard of, asking “Why” and “How” questions, building foundational vocabulary in a subject for future learning, and paying more attention in books when they hear something they can connect to a song they know. 
• Read great picture books – ahem! the list above!!
• Observe nature – (no fancy materials required – just spend lots of time outside)
• Watch occasional YouTube videos about the topics – also Wild Kratts & Magic School Bus. Haha my kids have connected a lot of dots from those shows to the books we read.
• Give your kids lots of unsupervised, unstructured playtime. This gives them the chance to experiment, ask questions, think, play, and find answers for themselves… all great skills for budding learners.

A Podcast Episode That’s Worth Your Time

I actually very recently heard a podcast episode about this exact topic of nature & books!! Sarah Mackenzie (whose podcast & book recommendations I love) released a whole nature study book list & had a great conversation with 2 other veteran homeschool moms about using books as part of science.

They are decades more experienced than I am, so if you want more validation that this books & songs approach can work, check that episode out!

Remember…

You don’t need to have a fancy game plan or spreadsheet for what topics you’ll study in which year. Perfection is the enemy of the good. Just start with something & build over time.

Sing the silly songs, dive into a few good books, draw pictures from the books, and enjoy learning with your kids!

These 12 Human Body System Songs are SO fun. You can either download them to your device and listen any time, anywhere.

Or you can use them on our brand new Musical Memory App. (Check your app store!!)

Your monthly/ annual subscription comes with access to… every single song, playlist, cycle, and guide. 🤩🤩🤩

Sample Weekly Schedule with Science Songs

You are the boss of your homeschool so you get to use the songs however you want. Some people teach them weekly and some people just learn a couple each month. Others just play them over lunch or in the background of their kids’ afternoon quiet playtime.

This was the generally weekly rhythm I used when we did our Human Anatomy unit over the course of about 12 weeks.

• Monday – I would introduce a new human body song and we’d sing it several times, practicing in silly ways. I would usually say it through once slowly with the kids repeating so they could learn the words that were hard to pronounce
• Tuesday – we practice memory work at a small co-op with friends.
• Wednesday – we’d just practice it and review it. (We do all our Memory Work at the breakfast table.)
• Thursday – each kid would have a chance to sing it by themselves with the music & we’d sing it together again
• Friday – “Chocolate chip memory review” where each kid who wants to try it individually gets a chocolate chip for everything they recite to me.

I checked out human body system books randomly and read through them during Morning Time – usually taking more than one read aloud session to get through a book… covering about 2 picture books per month very in depth.

Like I mentioned, these books pair really well with our Musical Memory Human Body System Songs .

The songs are included in our complete Cycle 3 Program, but you can also just grab the Human Body System Songs if you’re doing a human body unit or have a kiddo who is super curious about how the body works.