Clean Hands

Objective

Students will learn how, when, and why to wash their hands by understanding how germs travel. They will demonstrate proper handwashing technique to prevent the spread of germs.

Curriculum Area

Health Education, Grade 1

Duration

40 minutes

Materials Needed

• Glitter (to represent germs)
• Small container of lotion
• Hand sanitizer
• Sink with soap and water
• Paper towels
• Chart paper and markers
• Visual aids (pictures of germs)

Standards

• National Health Education Standards (NHES)
  • Standard 1: Students will comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention.
  • Standard 3: Students will demonstrate the ability to practice health-enhancing behaviors and avoid or reduce health risks.

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Introduction (10 Minutes)

1. Greeting and Objective Introduction (2 minutes):

   • Greet the students warmly.
   • Briefly explain that today’s lesson is about understanding how germs travel and the importance of washing our hands.
   • Show visuals of germs and have a brief discussion about what germs are and how they can make us sick.

2. Germs Travel Demonstration (8 minutes):

   • Apply a small amount of lotion to one student's hands.
   • Sprinkle glitter on the student's hands and explain that glitter represents germs.
   • Have the student touch various objects around the classroom (doorknob, chair, etc.) and then shake hands with a few other students.
   • Ask students to observe where the glitter has traveled.
   • Discuss how germs spread in similar ways and why it's important to wash our hands to stop germs from spreading.

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Procedure (25 Minutes)

1. Handwashing Discussion (5 minutes):

   • Gather students and discuss the situations when we should wash hands: before eating, after using the restroom, after playing outside, after coughing or sneezing, and whenever hands look or feel dirty.
   • Explain why handwashing is important – to keep ourselves and others healthy.

2. Demonstrate Proper Handwashing Technique (5 minutes):

   • Show the steps of proper handwashing:
     1. Wet hands with clean, running water (warm or cold).
     2. Apply soap and lather by rubbing hands together.
     3. Scrub all parts of the hands, including the back of hands, between fingers, and under nails, for at least 20 seconds.
     4. Rinse hands well under clean, running water.
     5. Dry hands using a clean towel or air-dry them.
   • Encourage students to sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice to time their handwashing.

3. Hands-On Practice (10 minutes):

   • Divide students into small groups and allow them to take turns practicing the proper handwashing technique at the sink with supervision.
   • Ensure each student gets a turn and provides guidance and praise.

4. Hand Sanitizer Lesson (5 minutes):

   • Explain that hand sanitizer is a good option when soap and water are not available.
   • Demonstrate how to use hand sanitizer:
     1. Apply the gel product to the palm of one hand.
     2. Rub hands together.
     3. Rub the gel over all surfaces of hands and fingers until hands are dry.
   • Allow students to practice using hand sanitizer.

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Conclusion (5 Minutes)

1. Review and Reflect (3 minutes):

   • Gather the students and review the key points of the lesson:
     • When and why we should wash our hands.
     • The steps for proper handwashing.
     • How germs travel and how handwashing helps.
   • Ask a few students to share one thing they learned from the lesson.

2. Handwashing Pledge (2 minutes):

   • Have students repeat a simple pledge together: "I promise to wash my hands to keep myself and others healthy."
   • Display a chart paper with their handwashing pledge and place it where everyone can see it as a reminder.

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Assessment

• Observe students during the handwashing practice to ensure they understand and correctly follow the proper steps.
• Participation in discussions and ability to articulate when they should wash their hands.

Extension

• Create a handwashing chart for the classroom where students can check off when they wash their hands each day.
• Read a related book such as "Germs Are Not for Sharing" by Elizabeth Verdick to reinforce concepts.

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Teacher's Reflection

• Was the lesson engaging and effective?
• Did students demonstrate an understanding of when and how to wash their hands?
• Are there students who need additional support or instruction on proper handwashing techniques?

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