Early Years: Hand Hygiene
Hand hygiene is one of the single most effective things children can do support preventing the spread of infection.
This lesson supports children aged 3-5 to learn why it is important to wash hands properly and how to do so. Scroll down to find out more and to download the resources.
Learning objectives
All students will:
- Understand that we wash hands to remove germs (microbes)
- Understand the sequencing of hand washing and nose blowing
- Understand how to blow their nose to minimise the risk of transmission of infection
Most students will:
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Background Information
Schools are a haven for potentially harmful microbes that can spread rapidly. Our skin naturally secretes oil which helps to keep our skin moist, but this is a perfect place for microbes to grow and multiply and helps microbes ‘stick’ to our skin. Our hands can easily pick up harmful microbes from our surroundings, surfaces and even through the air. These harmful microbes can spread quickly and easily from child-to-child via touch and can make us poorly if swallowed.
Washing your hands is one of the best ways to stop harmful microbes from spreading and prevent us from becoming sick.
This lesson plan supports you to educate children on why respiratory hygiene matters and how to practice it.
Activities
Main activity:- Balloon Hands
- Hand Washing and Nose Blowing Flashcards
- Picture Sequencing Activity
- Hand Washing Chart
Curriculum links
Communication and language development:
- Listening and attention
- Understanding
- Speaking
Physical development:
- Health and self-care
Expressive arts and design:
- Exploring and using media and materials