Learning to Wash Hands
Here's What To Do
Provide a sturdy step stool so I can reach the water by myself. I'll probably need help turning the faucet on and off. Show me how to make sure the water isn't too hot.
Go through each of the steps with me, telling me what we're doing as we go:
- Wet hands
- Put bar soap or liquid soap on hands
- Scrub palms, back of hands, in between fingers, thumbs
- Wash off soap
- Dry hands
After we practice several times, let me wash my hands without any help. Then, help me finish washing to make sure I'm totally clean.
Let me practice the hand washing movements other times during the day. Let me rub lotion into my hands or use a wet wipe to "wash" my hands.
Put PEER Into Action
Pause:
- High five!
Engage:
- "Ready? Scrub scrub scrub. Get the backs. Get your fingers. Get your thumb. Now rinse!"
- "Can you dry your hands? Dry dry dry dry!"
Encourage:
- Praise my efforts, like: "You did such a great job washing off the jelly."
- If I don't enjoy washing my hands, remind me about the fun things I can do once I'm clean. Like: "Once your hands are clean you can hug Teddy again!"
Reflect:
- Are there any parts of the handwashing process I'm ready to do independently?
Not quite ready?
Keep practicing hand washing with me until I'm able to do it more easily.
Ready for more?
Let me wash my hands independently, but with adult supervision. Once I've mastered washing, help me practice drying hands independently.
As your child masters this skill...
They will learn all the steps involved in proper handwashing.