Lesson 1.3
Washing is so Important!
Overview
After reviewing Clara’s “H20 is the way to Go!” ActiveLife™ card, please create a class discussion about the benefits of washing.
Learning Outcomes
- Feeling comfortable washing hands and bathing.
- Washing hands throughout the day.
- Continue for students to drink enough water and use the bathroom.
- Improved personal hygiene.
Materials Needed
For Teacher:
“H2O is the way to Go!” Flash card from ActiveLife Toolbox
For Students:
H2O Coloring Sheet
Crayons/ Markers
Water bottles
ActiveLife™ washing/bathing tracker and diary log
Learning Language
- Germs
- Bathing
- Shower
- Odor
- Washing
Classroom Discussion
Last week we discussed making sure to wash our hands when you use the bathroom. This week we are going to learn why hand washing and washing our bodies regularly is by far the best way to keep us from getting sick and keep us healthy!
Questions
For open discussion...
Why wash our hands and bathing regularly? Allow time for students to share.
Make sure in the discussion to include:
- Washing hands and bathing are the most important ways of maintaining good health
- The main purpose of washing is to remove dirt and odors
- protecting ourselves from infections, illnesses and ailments
- Maintaining cleanliness is important for our self-confidence
- Being clean supports our physical and emotional well-being
- Bathing regularly helps us smell good
- To feel clean and fresh
- Proper hand washing is the first line of defense against the spread of many illnesses — from the common cold to more serious illnesses that is contracted through germs.
When Should We Wash Our Hands? Allow students time to share.
Make sure in the discussion to include:
- after using the bathroom
- before eating and cooking
- after cleaning around the house
- after touching animals, including family pets
- before and after visiting or taking care of any sick friends or relatives
- after blowing one's nose, coughing, or sneezing
- after being outside (after school, playing, gardening, walking the dog, etc.)
When should we bathe or shower? Allow students time to share.
Make sure in the discussion to include:
- When you are dirty!
- When you have strong body odor
- To wake yourself in the morning
- To calm yourself at night.
Activities
Tracking and Activities for Washing Hands:
Washing Hands Demonstration: Teach this to your kids — wash your hands together often so they learn how important this good habit is:
- Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold). Make sure the water isn't too hot.
- Use soap and lather up for about 20 seconds.
- Make sure you get in between your fingers, on the backs of hands, wrists, and under the nails where germs like to hang out.
- Rinse and dry well with a clean towel.
Don't underestimate the power of hand washing and bathing! The time you spend at the sink could save you trips to the doctor's office!
Movement Activities: “Waterslide” dance, “Waterflow” yoga, “You Are Water” meditation.
Allow each student to have their H2O coloring card and/or washing tracking card to be a visual cue and reminder to drink water and use the bathroom and wash regularly. Pair your tracking time and water break/s and bathroom break/s with one of the activities such as the “Waterslide” dance move, “Waterflow” yoga practice, or the “You are Water” meditation.
At the end of the week during lesson 3, allow children to reflect on any positive experiences they had by washing hands, bathing, drinking water, going to the bathroom regularly or any challenges they experienced.