Printable Hand Washing Activities
Handwashing is an essential skill for children to learn, especially considering the potential spread of germs. It is more critical than ever to teach our young children the importance of hand washing. What better way to do this than to make it a fun activity? This blog post aims to provide parents and educators with free printable hand washing activities that can help make hand hygiene an exciting and engaging experience.
These printables provide a great visual aid for kids of all ages and serve as an important tool in teaching good hygiene habits. They are a good idea for incorporating into your school activity or even at a summer camp. You can download the FREE printables at the bottom of the post.
This freebie was created after a reader reached out to request images with automatic soap dispensers and automatic hand dryers. The Hand Washing Activities Packet has been updated with even MORE activities and visuals!
Hand Washing Activities Packet
HOW TO MAKE HANDWASHING MORE FUN
Handwashing doesn’t have to be a chore. The right tools and methods can be a fun way to teach personal hygiene. Here is what is included in the FREE printable hand washing activities PDF below:
Reward Charts: One great way to make handwashing more enjoyable is through the use of reward charts. After every successful hand wash, children can use dot markers to mark off bubbles on their chart. This activity sheet provides an engaging visual representation of their progress, promoting the maintenance of good hand hygiene habits.
SuperStar Hand Washer Certificate: Once a child fills up their hand washing reward chart, you can award them with the Super Star Hand Washer certificate. This act of recognition boosts their morale and encourages them to keep their hands clean consistently.
Four Step Sequence Hand Washing Poster: This is another one of our hand washing activities that makes handwashing simple and easy to understand for young kids. With an automatic soap dispenser, bathroom sinks, and automatic hand dryer, this poster gives a step-by-step guide on properly washing hands.
USING PRINTABLE HAND WASHING ACTIVITIES TO TEACH THE IMPORTANCE OF HAND WASHING
Using these free resources is a fun and easy way to emphasize the significance of personal care. You can add an extra layer of fun by including fun games like a germ experiment or a soap experiment (with adult supervision, of course), or sensory bins to illustrate the concept of dirty hands and clean hands physically.
For instance, the Four Step Sequence can be paired with a fun soap experiment, demonstrating the removal of dirt and germs from hands. This can also be paired with a ‘dirty hands’ poster that vividly shows the aftermath of not washing hands – a great visual to emphasize the disease control aspect of handwashing.
Personal Hygiene Visual Schedules and Support: Boys and Girls
TIPS FOR PROPER HAND WASHING FOR KIDS
Teaching proper handwashing habits to children is crucial in the fight against the spread of germs. It’s an important skill that needs to be nurtured from a young age. Here are a few simple tips to ensure kids are washing their hands properly:
1. Make Sure They Use Soap: Just rinsing hands with water isn’t sufficient. Using soap is a must, as it helps lift the dirt and germs off their skin, making it easier to wash them away.
2. Teach Them the Correct Method: Use the Four Step Sequence printable as a guide. Show them how to lather soap on the back of their hands, between their fingers, and under their nails.
3. Sing the “Happy Birthday” Song Twice: A good rule of thumb for ensuring kids wash their hands for an adequate amount of time is to have them sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice. This amounts to approximately 20 seconds, which is the recommended hand-washing duration by most disease control agencies.
4. Rinse and Dry Thoroughly: Make sure kids rinse off all the soap under clean, running water. Then, they should dry their hands using a clean towel or an air dryer. Wet hands can spread germs more easily than dry ones.
5. Use a Sink Faucet Extender if Needed: For younger children who can’t quite reach the sink, a sink faucet extender can be a great help. It can make handwashing easier and more fun!
6. Make it a Habit: Consistency is key in forming a healthy habit. Encourage children to wash their hands before meals, after using the bathroom, after playing outdoors, and after touching pets.
By incorporating these tips and the fun, free printable hand washing activities into their routine, your children or students will learn good hygiene habits in an engaging way. These essential skills will serve them well throughout their lives, and it all starts with the simple act of washing hands!
FREE DOWNLOADABLE PRINTABLE HAND WASHING ACTIVITIES
At the bottom of this post, you’ll find links to three free hand-washing activities for you to download. They include the Four Step Sequence with Pictures for Hand Washing, the Reward Chart, and the Super Star Hand Washer Certificate. These activities are suitable for children of all ages, making them perfect for first grade and 2nd grade classes as well.
Do remember to follow our terms of use and privacy policy when using these printables. While these resources are free, it is essential to respect the rights of creators and refrain from misusing the content.
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In conclusion, using printable hand washing activities is the best way to help children understand the vital role of good hygiene in preventing the spread of communicable diseases, especially during flu season. By turning hand washing into a fun activity, we are teaching kids an important skill and setting them on the path to develop a healthy habit. Let’s make hand washing exciting!
