Hand Washing Lesson Plan
Grade 3
Objective
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Understand how daily health practices make a difference in their appearance, health and
feelings of well being.
Understand the importance of washing your hands before eating or touching food.
Lesson Time Frame
Approximately 30 minutes
When To Wash Your Hands
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Before preparing, eating or touching food or drink
Before putting a band-aid on a cut or scrape
After going to the bathroom
After coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose
After touching or playing with animals
After touching money
How To Wash Your Hands
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Use warm, running water and soap
Rub hands together to make bubbles for 20 seconds
Scrub underneath the fingernails
Rinse your hands with running water
Always use a clean towel or hand dryer to dry your hands
If you are using a paper towel, throw it away
Importance of Hand Washing
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Germs are so small that you cannot see them but they can be found almost everywhere.
Washing your hands can help to get rid of germs. Germs can make you sick.
There are many types of germs. Examples: bacteria, viruses.
Bacteria and viruses cause illness and disease.
Some illnesses and diseases that are caused by bacteria and viruses are very serious.
Some examples of illnesses and diseases caused by bacteria and viruses are: colds, flu,
pneumonia, hepatitis and Shigellosis.
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Washing your hands is the very best way to prevent these illnesses and diseases.
Learning Activity
“Germy Counter Sheet”
This learning activity can be done at home and school. It is intended to show the
importance of hand washing before eating or touching food.
The “Germy Counter Sheet” is taped to the child’s bathroom mirror or it can be placed
on the refrigerator. Each and every time the child washes his/her hands before
breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack time - cross off a germ!
This activity can be a weekly project to be given to the teacher/parent at the end of the
week for recognition of being a champion hand washer!
Assessment
? Children will explain theimportance of washing thei r hands before handling food.
? Children will complete the “Germy Counter Sheet” satisfactorily.
? Children will complete the word search activity sheet satisfactorily.
Additional Information
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The hand washing message needs to be reinforced several times throughout the day,
especially before lunch and after going to the bathroom. Teach by example!
Make copies of the attached word search activity sheet for the children to complete.
Answers to the activity are attached.
The attached classroom activity sheet asks students to write his/her own name on the
bottom of the page pledging to wash their hands. Post one of the sheets in the
classroom to serve as a reminder of the pledge.
Harris County
HCPHES
Public Health & Environmental Services
Rev. March 2008
Harris County
HCPHES
Public Health & Environmental Services
Rev. March 2008
Harris County
HCPHES
Public Health & Environmental Services
Rev. March 2008