A quick and easy way to teach students how to wash their hands in preschool and early childhood classrooms.
Let's talk about the first week of school! How often has this happened to you...
You: "Let's wash our hands."
Student: ❌ Squirts soap on hands and immediately rinses it off. ❌
Every. single. year! ... Am I right?!
So how do we help our kiddos get a handle on handwashing?! 🚻
A song, of course! ... simple, quick and effective!
Before you teach them the song, demonstrate what the "tops" of hands are, as well as the "bottoms" of hands. I put one tiny marker dot on the tops so they have a visual to see. Practice the song a few times without the water and soap. Then take them to the bathroom and have them give it a go!
You can use the song on its own, or snag the printables that go with it for an easy peasy bathroom setup that will lead to success in your classroom!
If your looking for I Can Statements instead, here is a set with real photos to grab your students' attention!
Watch a quick video of the song here.
Handwashing Tips for Preschoolers:
I'm lucky enough to teach in a district where there is plenty of soap to go around. I have my students get THREE squirts! It might sound like a lot, but what actually ends up on their hands after half-squirts and fallen soap tends to be just about the right amount.
We practice the song before we head to the bathroom. As I previously noted, I put a tiny marker dot on the "tops" of their hands, so they can differentiate. We sing it through a few times as a class and then head to the bathroom to do a "real practice."
I review this as needed. No matter how amazing your kiddos are, and I have had some great ones over the years, they'll eventually slack when it comes to handwashing. I reteach and review the song, and praise students who do it appropriately.
Another tip... Once students have learned the song and are familiar with all the movements, I teach them to whisper sing it to themselves. Trust me, it will save your sanity for the remainder of the school year!
Print and GO resources to save you time! ...
