Handwashing - Safety Education series

October 9, 2014

Safety Education: Handwashing

Clean hands save lives!

Handwashing has always been an important part of our daily hygiene routine, however, with flu season approaching and the various viruses in the news, it seems like a good time to review the proper practice of handwashing. 

This class time can start simply by asking the children why they think handwashing might be important, how can clean hands really save someone's life?!

Proper handwashing, helps prevent illnesses and the spread of infections to others. 

Ask children, "when should you wash your hands?"

Answers could include: after using the toilet, before meal time, before & after applying first aid or helping someone who is sick, after coughing or sneezing and blowing your nose, after petting animals or caring for pets, and my personal favorite after shopping at grocery or department stores.

After discussing the "when" we will practice the "how"!

The are five simple steps to effective handwashing: Wet, lather, scrub, rinse and dry.

 

handwashing: 5 simple steps

• Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
• Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
• Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the "Happy Birthday" song from beginning to end twice.
• Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
• Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

You may want to schedule snack time after this class now that everyone has clean hands! 

Mom notes:

You know your child best, if they are hearing and understanding the news reports about ebola and the enterovirus you can certainly bring those topics to the table when discussing how clean hands can save lives. 

Thanks for joining us,

see you next week.

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disclaimer: I am not a doctor. This article is only intended to serve as an encouragement to discuss handwashing basics and give safety class ideas to homeschoolers. 

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