Handwashing is a skill young children do not automatically know. They must be taught.
How can you teach your preschooler to wash their hands?
- Show them how to wash their hands by being a good model.
- Explain to them why we wash our hands. (To remove dirt and germs.)
- Gently remind them how to wash their hands. (You’ll have to do this many times!)
- Teach them this song so they can sing while washing their hands.
The song below is designed to remind children to wash all areas of their hands, not just the front. The length it takes to sing the song at a regular pace is longer than the recommended 20 second minimum for handwashing.
*Note that the following song is an original song by S. J. Little. Please be sure to reference her when sharing the song in writing.
Handwashing Song
Words by: S. J. Little
Tune: Open and Shut Them
Front and back and
Front and back and
In between your fingers.
Finger tips, and thumbs, and nails.
Now do it once again.
Front and back and
Front and back and
In between your fingers.
Finger tips, and thumbs, and nails.
Now rinse the bubbles off.