Help, teaching 6th graders about handwashing

thanatos · Feb 6, 2005

I taught the same thing to my college speech class. I arrived to class early and put the glow stuff on the tables. I gave my presentation about halfway through the class (plenty of time for them to get the glow stuff on themselves). At the beginning of my presentation, I had some volunteers go wash their hands. I then darkened the room and used the black light. It was quite impressive seeing all of the glow stuff on people's faces, mouths, eyes, hands...basically all over. The volunteers who washed their hands still had the stuff on them. I think if you approach it that way, you can do it without boring them. You can also put some of the stuff on the sink and paper towel dispenser to emphasis the need to turn off the water using a paper towel. Good luck.

loriangel14, RN · Feb 6, 2005

Our teacher told us the glow stuff was hand cream and we were to put some on our hands. After we washed our hands she used the light to show us howmuch we had missed. I have a daughter in grade 6 and I think they will get a kick out of it. Good luck.

Antikigirl, ASN, RN · Feb 6, 2005

Oh now that would have been sooooooo cool! Me, I had to teach 4th graders the proper use for 9-11, so I didn't get into hand washing so much, maybe a little bit when talking about what to do for the patient before 9-11 arrives.

It may help to have some visual fun stuff as well...like a funky stuffed animal representing bacteria or fungus (with some evil google eyes..LOL!), and some catch phrases that rhyme said a few times thoughout the lecture. I also find prizes are key, even as high as high school (where I taught camp counselors about handwashing and general first aid). Stickers are popular, so is candy...I used stickers and M&M's and made funny short quizes or tasks related to the lesson!

Like have cans of M&M's that you can't see into. Put them throughout the class room and lable them BATHROOM, MONEY, DOORKNOB,..and other places you get many germs. Then tell the kids that the green M&M's are harmful bacteria that if you touch you have to wash your hands...and give out prizes like stickers to the kids washing their hands (because if you don't the kids will feel bummed out about washing..not the point)...the one with the most stickers gets another prize! It can be fun!

z's playa · Feb 6, 2005

I just taught a couple of kindergartners hand wasing. Used the glow stuff and used the little Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. With 6th graders I dont know how well twinkle star will go over. Think of another song maybe? It'll go well I'm sure.

sharann, BSN, RN · Feb 7, 2005

I taught the same thing to my college speech class. I arrived to class early and put the glow stuff on the tables. I gave my presentation about halfway through the class (plenty of time for them to get the glow stuff on themselves). At the beginning of my presentation, I had some volunteers go wash their hands. I then darkened the room and used the black light. It was quite impressive seeing all of the glow stuff on people's faces, mouths, eyes, hands...basically all over. The volunteers who washed their hands still had the stuff on them. I think if you approach it that way, you can do it without boring them. You can also put some of the stuff on the sink and paper towel dispenser to emphasis the need to turn off the water using a paper towel. Good luck.

That is a great way to teach the concept of handwashing!

mrdoc2005 · Feb 7, 2005

Thanks for your help.