Learning resources from the NHS National Institute for Health Research and others
A comprehensive 60 minute lesson plan The spread of infection: Hand Hygiene for reception and year 1 classes is available for teachers and classroom assistants to download from the Imperial College website.
The stated objective is to help youngsters to understand how to wash their hands effectively and – equally importantly – why they should do it. The lesson involves simple experiment involving shaking each other’s hands, followed by information on the reasons for and correct method of hand washing.
Relevant National Curriculum links
The three elements of the National Curriculum that include the need for the teaching of hand washing, says the free to download and use PDF document, are
- Communication and language
- Physical development, health and self-care
- Understanding the world.
“The objective of the lesson is to teach students a bit about microbes and when and why we need to wash our hands.”
By the end of the lesson, says the document, all pupils will understand why hand washing is so important, as well as when it should be undertaken and of course how to do it effectively and correctly.
The resource includes a comprehensive background information section for teachers. It of course emphasises how important hand washing is.
“Washing your hands is one of the best ways to protect yourself from a bacterial infection that could cause you harm. It can also help to stop these bacteria from spreading to other people.”
There are also a lot of wonderful hand washing themed work sheets on the Twinkl website.
They enable KS1 children how to “learn about the importance of personal hygiene, and in particular washing their hands regularly”.
…and here are some useful free resources of our own!
- An A4 how to wash your hands poster »
- A series of A4 posters depicting the five stages of hand washing to be displayed on the classroom wall »
…and a “how to wash your hands” video.
Find more free Early Years handwashing themed resources here »
Teach children effective hand washing techniques with mobile sinks that can go anywhere – indoors or out
The Kiddiwash range of warm water hand wash units are perfect for smaller hands – and are ideal where a portable solution is required.
Whether you require a larger wheeled unit such as the KiddiSynk, or the ultra portable Kiddiwash Xtra, you can ensure that all children in your care are able to wash their hands whether inside or out.
