Hey there! Are you ready to get heroic? 

>> KID: Yes!

Good because it's time for Chompers, your morning and night toothbrushing show. Start brushing on the top of your mouth on one side, and don't brush too hard. 

3, 2, 1 brush!

It’s Heroines Week, where we talk about heroic women from history. Today we have the story of two heroines: Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan, who spent their lives helping people who were blind and deaf.

Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan lived a little more than 100 years ago. Helen was blind and deaf, that means she couldn't see or hear. Her world was dark and quiet. Helen’s parents wanted to communicate with her, but they couldn't figure out how.  She couldn't learn to speak, because she couldn't hear people talk. She had a hard time expressing what she needed, and would have temper tantrums out of frustration. That's where Annie Sullivan comes in. 

Switch to the other side of the top of your mouth, and brush all the way to the molars in the back.  

[Switch Bell]

Helen’s parents knew she needed help, so they hired Annie Sullivan to be her teacher. Annie did her best to teach Helen words, by spelling words into the palm of Helen's hand. She gave Helen a doll, and traced the letters D-O-L-L into Helens palm, but Helen didn't understand. 

Switch to the bottom of your mouth, and brush your front teeth too.

[Switch Bell]

One day, Annie got an idea. Using a water pump, she held Helen’s hand under the water, and spelled W-A-T-E-R over and over again. Finally, Helen got it! Everything had a name! Helen became obsessed with learning, and worked hard to learn a ton of words.  Helen learned to read using a special language called Braille, she learned to write, and she learned to speak. 

Switch to the other side of the bottom of your mouth, and brush your tongue too. 

[Switch Bell]

Helen went to college, published books, and started her own foundation to help other people with disabilities. She traveled to 39 countries, met with world leaders, and in 1964 was given a special award -- the Presidential Medal of Freedom. And Annie? Well Helen and Annie remained lifelong friends, and a movie was made about Annie’s work, called The Miracle Worker.

Because of their determination and bravery, Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan are today’s heroines.

That’s it for Chompers today, but come back tonight for more wondrous women. Until then, 3,2 1 spit.