How to encourage younger students to wash their hands

Handwashing in schools is critical for younger students. How can your school implement measures to make sure all pupils are washing their hands?

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Hope Education

Schools, teachers and parents all play critical roles in teaching children how to wash their hands and practise good personal hygiene. It can be difficult and time-consuming to remind and encourage children to wash their hands on a regular basis and handwashing in the early years and key stages 1 and 2 can be a challenge!

Redesigning or redecorating your toilet areas may be your ideal, out-of-reach, scenario to encourage handwashing. We all know funds are limited but not all good strategies cost money. Here are some handwashing project ideas that can help promote good personal hygiene among students without breaking the bank. 

Sing a hand-washing song

Teaching children a special song to sing when washing their hands is a great way for them to remember what they should be doing, and encourages them to clean their hands for the appropriate length of time. Consider adding a poster, complete with lyrics, above the sinks.

Add toys or prizes to soap

Blocks of soap can be bought with little toys or prizes hidden in the centre or, if you’re feeling creative, you can make your own. This is a great way to get children scrubbing their hands because they’ll need to use up the soap if they want to win the prize.

Mix in some glitter

If you use liquid soap, consider mixing in some glitter to make it more attractive. Again, this will help encourage children to scrub their hands because hey, what child doesn’t love glitter? You could also use this as a way of showing them that when all the glitter is washed off their hands, they know their hands are now clean. 

Don’t forget a friendly reminder 

A helpful reminder on the door, such as a poster or sign, before children leave the washroom, will also prompt them to go back and wash their hands, just in case they have forgotten; if they see it, they are more likely to do it.

Lead by example

Finally, the best tactic of all is to lead by example. Make sure children see you washing your hands often, so they understand that it’s just as important for you, too.

When they understand the importance of washing their hands, and what exactly germs can do, it will help teach them just how valuable handwashing is.