Hic, Achoo, Ahh: teacher key

Hiccups, Sneezes and Yawns, grade 3 edition, written for 3rd grade. Why does your body jerk, burst and stretch without asking you? Find out what happens inside you in a hiccup, a sneeze and a yawn.

Read the book. Print this page for the key.

Questions and answers

1. What makes the "hic" sound in a hiccup?
   • The vocal cords snapping shut (answer)
   • The nose closing
   • The stomach growling
2. Which of these can start hiccups?
   • Washing your hands
   • Eating too fast (answer)
   • Sleeping late
3. What does it mean that a sneeze is a reflex?
   • It spreads germs
   • It lasts for days
   • Your body does it on its own (answer)
4. What should you do after you sneeze?
   • Wash your hands with soap and water (answer)
   • Hold your breath
   • Sip ice-cold water
5. Why might holding your breath not be a sure cure for hiccups?
   • It is only a trick people try, not a proven cure (answer)
   • It makes hiccups louder
   • It only works for dogs
6. What is known about why we yawn?
   • It is to cool the nose
   • Nobody knows for certain (answer)
   • It is to clear dust

Words

• diaphragm: breathing muscle
• reflex: automatic action
• germs: tiny sickness-spreaders
• pollen: flower dust