Washing Hands: Full Sequence

Thorough handwashing is the most important hygiene habit and develops routine-following ability and health awareness.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Practical Life
• Learning area: Care of Self
• Level: Ages 3-4

Objectives

• Learn thorough handwashing
• Understand germ prevention
• Build hygiene routine

Materials

• Sink at child height or step stool
• Soap dispenser
• Paper towels or hand towel
• Visual sequence chart

Instructions

1. Turn on water to comfortable temperature. 2. Wet hands completely. 3. Apply soap. 4. Rub palms together. 5. Interlace fingers and rub. 6. Scrub backs of hands. 7. Clean around thumbs. 8. Scrub under nails. 9. Rinse thoroughly. 10. Dry with towel. 11. Turn off tap with towel.

Educator tip

Sing 'Happy Birthday' twice for proper 20-second duration. Post visual steps at the sink. Model after toileting, before eating, after outside.

Assessment

Child washes hands thoroughly following all steps for 20 seconds.

More from Practical Life

• Putting On and Removing Socks
• Using a Mirror for Self-Assessment
• Dressing Frame: Bow Tying
• Applying and Removing Bandages
• Dusting Shelves
• Washing a Window
• Polishing Metal Objects
• Scrubbing Vegetables