Resource

Why Do We Wash Our Hands?

In this lesson pupils will learn that washing their hands can help to prevent the spread of germs which cause illnesses.

Overview

In this lesson pupils will learn that washing their hands can help to prevent the spread of germs which cause illnesses. Pupils will experiment with hand washing techniques before being given advice on how to effectively clean their hands and when hand washing is essential. Through creating rhymes and posters, pupils will consolidate and share their learning with their schoolmates.

Please note: A section referencing the coronavirus has been added to the end of this lesson. This section
contains additional advice on hygiene precautions related to preventing the spread of this disease.
The advice follows NHS guidelines as of 18.03.2020. For the most recent guidelines please consult
Government and NHS sources. As this topic may raise sensitive issues for your pupils, please seek the guidance of your Safeguarding Lead to ensure that the content is suitable for your pupils and reflects the school’s health and safety policy.

To access this content, register for our School Subscription.

More Lessons resources

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Climate Change

Learners explore what climate change is and what is causing it.  They consider who is responsible for climate change:  individuals, politicians, businesses?  They are then challenged to think of a…

Lessons, Diversity and Inclusion, Relationships, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Dilemmas

Over a series of short sessions, pupils will have the opportunity to consider ethical dilemmas which may arise in day to day life. Pupils will be encouraged make decisions by…

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Sexting and the Law (SmartLaw Subscription)

This lesson explores what the law says in relation to the sending of sexually explicit images by those aged under 18. The lesson examines two scenarios of young people involved…

More Health and Wellbeing resources

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Biodiversity: Using the Law to Drive Change

During this lesson, students consider what biodiversity is, why it is essential to all life on Earth and what...

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Social Media and the Law (KS4) (SmartLaw Subscription)

Students explore the law in relation to social media posts, the types of offences that people are  committing (whether knowingly or not) and the consequences of these offences. Finally, students…

Lessons, Diversity and Inclusion, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Conflict: Part 2 – Mediation

In this lesson pupils will discuss the principles of simple mediation strategies and apply these in role play scenarios to explore how people can voice and resolve their differences. The…

More KS1 (ages 5-7) resources

Lessons, Diversity and Inclusion, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Looking Out For Others

In this lesson pupils will think about kind and unkind behaviour. They will consider how they can help and support each other in order to create a happy class community.…

Lessons, Health and Wellbeing, Relationships, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Anna’s Monster Lies

In this lesson pupils will read the story of Anna who tells lies to avoid getting into trouble. As she lies a monster (her conscience) starts to follow her, growing…

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS1 (ages 5-7)

The Big Legal Lesson 2026 (ages 5-11)

Join the UK's biggest legal education campaign during February 2025.