Self-Care Routine Practice
To develop independence in personal hygiene routines through guided practice.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Physical Development
- Learning area: Physical Development
- Level: EYFS 3-4
Objectives
- Washes hands following routine
- Shows increasing hygiene independence
- Uses tissue independently
- Follows self-care sequences
Materials
- Handwashing stations
- Visual routine cards
- Timer or song for 20-second washing
- Tissues
Instructions
BREAKING DOWN STEPS: Each self-care routine has a sequence. 'Hands wet, soap on, rub fronts, rub backs, between fingers, rinse, dry!' Visual cards show each step.
SINGING HANDWASHING SONGS: 'Happy Birthday' twice is about 20 seconds. Or use a specific handwashing song. Timing makes it measurable and fun.
MODELLING CONSISTENTLY: Wash your own hands alongside children, verbalising each step. Children learn by watching adults do it properly, every time.
CELEBRATING INDEPENDENCE: 'You washed your hands all by yourself — without me reminding you! That's being really grown-up!'