Teaching young children about hygiene and handwashing is something that nurseries do anyway… We know that. And of course this pandemic has heightened awareness of the need big time, so it’s been top of the nursery agenda. However, with a certain weariness and fatigue about the whole thing setting in, we thought it would be useful to post something that perhaps can be used to remind parents and carers that though it is important… it can still be fun!
Getting vocal with handwashing triggers
First off, what do we mean by a handwashing trigger? Here are some examples: when they’ve been to the bathroom; when they’ve been playing outside; when they’ve stroked a pet; after they’ve sneezed or coughed; and of course before eating is an absolute must too. And though hand sanitiser is convenient and better than nothing when you’re out and about, washing with soap and warm water for at least twenty seconds is by far the most effective way to remove germs.
So, bearing in mind that children do a lot of their learning through example, it can be really helpful if adults say out loud that they’re going to go and wash their hands after any of the above. And here’s where the fun can begin…
Five fun ways to make handwashing a giggle
- When you head to the tap, start singing and get the youngsters singing with you. Make up a song that covers the five steps for effective handwashing: wetting, lathering, scrubbing, rinsing, and drying. Who knows… you may just start a new viral fashion online!
- Why not use those frustrating qualities of glitter that drive us all round the bend to your advantage? Mix some with water in a spray bottle. Spray the little hands before they start washing, and watch them scrub every bit of their hands in an attempt to get the stuff off. They’ll be amazed where bits of glitter can hide and cling on, and it’ll show them just how tenacious bugs can be too.
- Get stickertastic. There’s nothing more motivating at times than a sticker chart. Find some fun handwashing stickers and get them collecting a bundle for a prize.
- Give them a choice of soaps to use, e.g. with different colours and smells. Let them pick which one they want each time.
- Draw washable doodles on the basin and get them cleaning them off. Perhaps you can write their name each time, and part of the washing process involves giving the basin a bit of a clean too… Hey, we’re not averse to some win/win in these situations.
But those are only a few of our ideas… What do you do with your kids to keep the whole handwashing thing fun? Share your thoughts and ideas with us. The more the merrier!