Handwashing week tips and resources

This week is national Handwashing Awareness week.

We want to take a moment to recognize the importance of this week because it is the number one health habit that can prevent the spread of disease like the flu and food poisoning.

There are two key messages children and really, all of us, need to remember:

Message1. How to avoid spreading germs through our hands

Message2. How to properly wash hands so they remove the germs.

Here is the tips for message 1:  The key principals to preventing the spread of germs and illness:

• Wash your hands when they are dirty and always before eating and after going to the bathroom.
• Do not cough into your hands (teach kids to use a tissue)  But if you have to cough into your hands, then those hands need to washed right away.
• Do not sneeze into your hands.  (I know, sometimes, it happens!- wash your hands immediately because your hands are now full of germs.
• Do not put your fingers in your eyes, nose or mouth because this is a quick way to put germs on susceptible tissue.  Our soft red tissue, called mucosa, is easier for germs to penetrate and get inside our system.

Message 2 tips:

• Use soap and warm water
• move hands vigorously to build up lather
• don't forget palms, between fingers and under nails
• wash your hands for 20 seconds
• rinse soap thoroughly with warm water

Printable Resources:  Handwashing Print Materials

To help you teach children, we have these fun worksheets and posters you can use.  Just print and place poster next to sink!

Handwashing Resource Materials

No Bacteria On My Hands Guide For Kids

Post this "No Bacteria On My Hands" Guide near the sink to help children remember the important steps to good hand washing technique.

Published: Oct 22, 2013

Grades: PreK-5

Ages: 3-13

Steps to Washing Your Hands - It's Easy Learning Page

Learning sheet for children of all ages. The basic steps to good hand washing techniques.

Published: Oct 22, 2013

Grades: PreK-5

Ages: 4-13

Hand Washing Worksheet: What do you need?

Worksheet for young children that teaches them about hand washing. Children use critical thinking to identify the items needed and circle them. Basic reading skills required.

Published: Oct 22, 2013

Grades: PreK-K

Ages: 4-6

Steps To Washing Your Hands Sequencing Activity For Children

Great math sequencing worksheet for children that teaches them the important steps to good hand washing technique.

Published: Oct 22, 2013

Grades: 1-3

Ages: 5-8

Washing Your Hands - Make Your Own Jigsaw Puzzle For Children

Make your own jigsaw puzzles are great activities for younger children that they can play over and over again. Washing Your Hands themed puzzle, part of the food safety printable section. This activity requires scissors. Laminate the squares for longer durability.

Published: Oct 22, 2013

Grades: PreK-K

Ages: 3-5