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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.

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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
Main Activity video
Extension activities:
  • 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

Supporting Materials

Teacher sheets
Hand Washing and Nose Blowing Flashcards
Student worksheets
SW1 Picture Sequencing
SW2 Healthy Hands Washing Progress Chart