Why hand washing is important, and how to do it properly
Happy Hands
Why hand washing is important, and how to do it properly
Learn about importance of washing hands
Resource
- HWB 0-15a - I am developing my understanding of the human body and can use this knowledge to maintain and improve my wellbeing and health.
- HWB 0-33a
- HWB 1-15a - I am developing my understanding of the human body and can use this knowledge to maintain and improve my wellbeing and health.
- HWB 1-16a
- HWB 1-33a - I am becoming aware of how cleanliness, hygiene and safety can affect health and wellbeing and I apply this knowledge in my everyday routines such as taking care of my teeth.
- we are learning to talk about the importance of washing hands correctly
- we are learning when and why to wash our hands
- I can explain and show steps to washing my hands
- I can explain why it is important to wash my hands
Setting up
- P1, P2 – teach about the topic as pupils are at an age when they can still learn this and may not have much experience of hand washing
- P3 and above – should have already learned this topic and it is more about reinforcing and consolidation
- hand washing is closely linked to cross contamination so this lesson could be combined with another lesson looking at cross contamination e.g Germ Outbreak
Activity
Warm up/introduction:
- Chalk on children’s hands (different colours representing different bacteria).
- Children play for 5 minutes everyone gathers back together or ask children to talk about something they have touched today e.g. door handle/toilet flusher etc.
Discussion of results of warm up:
- pupils to point out areas covered in chalk and using 'I see, I think, I wonder' exercise - discuss in detail
- pupils use 'I see, I think, I wonder' exercise to discuss the things they have touched today
The FSS 8 handwashing steps:
- Explain each step outlined in the worksheet
- Pupils wash hands using 8 steps to clean off chalk/paint/glitter
- Discuss areas that can easily be missed
- Pupils to make a song and dance to the 8 steps
- Sing song or dance while washing hands using the 8 steps
Create a poster
Pupils design posters to promote hand washing for the school and classroom.
Cross-curricular links
Maths – counting the 8 steps
Literacy – listening and talking
Literacy / functional writing – writing / reading 8 steps
Expressive arts – song, dance
Art – designing poster
Assessment opportunities
Observations
- SAY – I can explain and show steps to washing my hands
- SAY – I can explain why it is important to wash my hands
Consider CfE Benchmarks, for example:
- explains the importance of daily hygiene routines, for example, hand washing, teeth brushing and body cleanliness
Differentiation
Support
Use visuals of germs.
Challenge
- interactive 8 steps, pupils have to fill in captions for each step
- teach younger pupils the 8 steps
- record a video for a TV ad teaching the correct way to wash hands for younger years
- homework: Tally chart to record how many times a day pupils wash their hands, can also include parents and family