Introduction
Teaching proper sneeze and cough etiquette is an essential social skill for elementary students, promoting good health and hygiene while fostering a sense of responsibility and consideration for others. By educating students on the importance of covering their mouth and nose with their sleeve, sneezing into their elbow, using a tissue, and washing their hands, we can help them develop habits that will keep them and their peers safe from the spread of germs.
No-Prep Activity
Here’s a fun, no-prep activity that educators can use to teach proper sneeze and cough etiquette to elementary students:
1. The Sneeze and Cough Relay
Divide the class into two teams and have them line up on opposite sides of the room. Explain the rules of the game: when the teacher says “go,” the first student in each line must pretend to sneeze or cough using the proper technique (covering their mouth and nose with their sleeve, sneezing into their elbow). Once they’ve demonstrated the correct technique, they can tag the next student in line, who must do the same. The relay continues until every student on the team has had a turn. The first team to finish wins!
This activity not only helps students practice proper sneeze and cough etiquette but also encourages teamwork and communication.
Discussion Questions
After completing the activity, engage students in a discussion using the following questions:
- Why is it important to cover our mouth and nose when we sneeze or cough?
- How does sneezing or coughing into our elbow help prevent the spread of germs?
- Why is it important to wash our hands after sneezing or coughing?
- How can we remind ourselves to use proper sneeze and cough etiquette?
- How does practicing good hygiene show consideration for others?
Related Skills
Teaching proper sneeze and cough etiquette is just one aspect of promoting social-emotional learning in elementary students. Other related skills that can be taught alongside this include:
- Handwashing techniques
- Personal hygiene routines
- Respecting personal space
- Developing empathy for others
- Practicing good manners and politeness
Next Steps
If you found this activity helpful and would like to explore more resources for teaching social-emotional learning skills, we invite you to sign up for free sample materials from Everyday Speech. These resources will provide you with additional tools and strategies for fostering a positive learning environment and promoting essential life skills in your students.
