Introduction

Teaching proper handwashing skills to young children is essential in creating a healthy learning environment. PreK students need guidance and practice to develop these skills, which play a crucial role in preventing the spread of germs and maintaining good personal hygiene. In this blog post, we will present an easy, no-prep activity that educators can use to teach handwashing skills, followed by discussion questions and related skills to further enhance the learning experience.

No-Prep Activity: Handwashing Song

One effective way to teach handwashing skills to PreK students without the need for any preparation or materials is by using a simple, memorable song. Songs can help young children remember the steps of handwashing while making the process enjoyable and engaging. Here’s a fun handwashing song to the tune of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”:

 Wash, wash, wash your hands,
 With warm water and some soap,
 Rub them back and forth,
 For thirty seconds, that's the goal.
 

Teach your students this song and encourage them to sing it while washing their hands. The song covers all the essential steps mentioned by Connor: using warm water, the right amount of soap, rubbing hands together for at least 30 seconds, and then turning off the water and drying their hands. Singing the song will help them remember these steps and make handwashing a more enjoyable activity.

Discussion Questions

After introducing the handwashing song and practicing it with your students, engage them in a discussion to reinforce the importance of proper handwashing. Here are some questions you can ask:

1. Why is it important to wash our hands with warm water and soap?
2. What can happen if we don’t wash our hands properly?
3. When are some important times to wash our hands during the day?
4. How can we help our friends remember to wash their hands?
5. What are some other ways we can keep our classroom and ourselves clean and healthy?

Related Skills

Beyond handwashing, there are several other skills that PreK students can learn to maintain a clean and healthy learning environment. Some of these skills include:

• Proper sneezing and coughing etiquette: Teach students to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their elbow when they sneeze or cough.
• Keeping personal belongings organized: Encourage students to keep their belongings tidy and in designated spaces to reduce clutter and maintain a clean classroom.
• Responsible use of shared materials: Instruct students on how to use and return shared materials, such as art supplies and toys, to their proper places after use.
• Classroom cleaning routines: Involve students in daily classroom cleaning tasks, like wiping down tables and picking up trash, to instill a sense of responsibility for their learning environment.

Next Steps

Now that you have learned an effective no-prep activity to teach handwashing skills and explored related skills, you can confidently incorporate these lessons into your daily routine with your PreK students. To further enhance your students’ learning experience, we encourage you to sign up for free samples of our resources. These materials cover a wide range of topics and can help support your students’ social-emotional development. Don’t miss this opportunity to access valuable resources that can make a significant impact on your students’ growth and well-being.