[FH]

To make hand washing fun and exciting for kids, I like to turn it into a game or a mini adventure! One playful idea is to sing a silly song while washing, like changing the lyrics of their favorite tune to include bubbles, germs, and clean hands. I also use glow-in-the-dark lotion and a blacklight (if available) to show how well they wash.. kids love seeing the “germs” disappear! Another idea is to use colorful soap that changes color or foams up, and let each child pick a “soap buddy” (a small toy or sticker on the soap dispenser). We also do hand washing challenges, like who can make the most bubbles or rinse the best without splashing. Making it imaginative and giving them some control makes a big difference!

[Alicia Smith]

I like to make it a game like singing, or a game like trying to make soap lather bubbles, picturing the germs washing down the drain

[Jessica]

My favorite hands on science activities would be making, elephant toothpaste, slime or oobleck.And when I teach the children to wash their hands I sing a song to tune of row your boat;”Wash, wash, wash your hands. Wash em til they’re clean. Scrub the tops, now the bottoms, and the in between!”We make squishy noises, or sing the Paw Patrol theme song. I like to switch it up to help them find the best way for them to stick with it and wash well.

[Caroline]

Singing a song or creating bubbles by rubbing the soap with their hands.

[Gissel Mendez]

One of the most playful and creative ideas I use to make handwashing a fun and exciting activity for the kids in my care is singing a numbers song in Spanish, going from one through ten during handwashing time. By doing this, I believe the children will gain knowledge in learning a second language, being bilingual (Spanish) during care.

[Rio Terrell]

Making handwashing fun for kids is all about turning it into something they actually enjoy. I like to play a catchy song while they wash their hands, so they know how long to scrub and get to have fun while doing it! My toddlers really enjoy songs from Pink Fong like “Baby Shark”.

[Janet]

We have our pre schoolers sing the abc song while the are washing their hand , and we talk about the bad bugs are being washed away

[Delaney Torres]

I like using handwashing as an opportunity to practice our letters, numbers, or learn a new song with the kids to encourage washing for at least 20 seconds

[taryn mcwhite]

Singing their favorite song. naming a certain amount of their favorite things like dinosaur names and or foods.

[Jazzmine Zavala]

I like to sing the hand washing, and drying song and ensure to be constant so that students can get into a health hygiene habit.

[Kelem]

I love magnetic exploration with young children. I use a mystery box with different items and let them guess what’s magnetic. It’s fun and hands on. I ask questions like “Why does it stick? Or can we make something float? To spark curiosity and observations.

[Abbey]

Many others mentioned the use of singing songs during hand-washing, which I totally agree with. One way to make it catered to each child is by crafting a song about something they are working on/learning that week, or specific-interests such as cars or bugs etc.

[Sharon]

When I’m doing hand washing with the kids I always sing a song about how to wash hands I wash my hands with them I will help the younger ones wash their hands I’ll sing while I’m holding their hands and washing their hands and once they get old enough to do it themselves sometimes I’ll ask them if I can smell their hands afterwards to make sure they use soap and they think that’s hilarious

[Jane]

i use songs, colorful timers, fun soap bottles etc

[Nayani Jayatilake]

Use fun songs that last 20 seconds while washing hands; this teaches timing and keeps them entertained. Try:<ul data-start=”317″ data-end=”482″> “Baby Shark” handwashing remix “ABC Song” “If You’re Happy and You Know It (Wash Your Hands)” Make up a silly custom handwashing song with their names!