Lesson Plan
Clean Hands Lesson Plan
Students will identify and perform the five steps of safe handwashing and independently wash their hands with minimal prompts to build hygiene skills.
Regular, correct handwashing reduces illness transmission and promotes self-reliance in daily routines for Life Skills students under Tier 3 supports.
Audience
Life Skills Student (Tier 3 Support)
Time
15 minutes
Approach
Modeling followed by guided and independent practice
Materials
Handwashing Steps Visual Aid, Clean Hands Social Story, Access to sink with soap and water, Paper towels, and Timer (e.g., smartphone or visual timer)
Prep
Preparation
5 minutes
- Review the Handwashing Steps Visual Aid and Clean Hands Social Story.
- Ensure sink area is stocked with soap and paper towels.
- Set up a timer for 20 seconds (or use a visual timer).
- Prepare any needed prompts (verbal, gestural, or physical) based on the student’s IEP or 504 plan.
Step 1
Introduce Lesson
1 minute
- Show the Clean Hands Social Story and briefly discuss why clean hands keep us healthy.
- Explain that you will learn five steps to wash hands safely.
Step 2
Model Handwashing
4 minutes
- Use the Handwashing Steps Visual Aid to point out each step:
- Wet hands under running water.
- Apply soap and lather for 20 seconds.
- Scrub all surfaces: palms, backs, between fingers, under nails.
- Rinse thoroughly under water.
- Dry with a clean towel.
- Verbally label and demonstrate each step slowly.
Step 3
Guided Practice
6 minutes
- Invite the student to try each step with your support:
- Provide verbal prompts (e.g., “Now rub your palms together for 20 seconds”).
- Use gestural or light physical prompts as needed.
- Check off steps on the visual aid to track progress.
- Offer immediate praise and corrective feedback if a step is missed.
Step 4
Independent Practice & Assessment
4 minutes
- Ask the student to wash hands independently using the visual aid and timer.
- Observe and use a simple checklist to note accuracy of each step.
- Provide specific positive feedback on correct steps and model again if needed.
- Record mastery: student completes at least 4/5 steps with minimal prompts.
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Slide Deck
Clean Hands, Healthy You
A quick guide to safe handwashing
Let’s learn how clean hands keep us healthy!
Greet the student and introduce today’s topic. Briefly explain that they will learn five steps to wash hands safely.
Why Wash Your Hands?
• Remove germs that make us sick
• Prevent spreading illness to others
• Keep our bodies healthy and strong
(Remember from our Clean Hands Social Story)
Refer back to the social story: why clean hands matter. Connect to real-life examples (e.g., before eating).
Step 1: Wet Hands
• Place hands under warm running water
• Get both hands completely wet
(See Handwashing Steps Visual Aid, Step 1)
Show the Handwashing Steps Visual Aid. Point to Step 1 and model wetting hands under the faucet.
Step 2: Apply Soap & Lather
• Pump or rub soap on your hands
• Rub palms together, between fingers, and back of hands
• Keep lathering for 20 seconds (about the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice)
Model applying soap. Count or sing quietly to 20 as you rub hands together.
Step 3: Scrub All Surfaces
• Rub between each finger
• Scrub under fingernails and around thumbs
• Work soap into every part of both hands
Demonstrate scrubbing fingertips, thumbs, and wrists. Emphasize covering all surfaces.
Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly
• Hold hands under running water
• Let the water wash away all the soap and germs
• Check for any leftover soap bubbles
Show how to rinse off soap completely, fingertips first, then palms and backs.
Step 5: Dry Hands
• Grab a clean paper towel or use an air dryer
• Pat hands until fully dry
• Use towel to turn off faucet if needed
Demonstrate drying with a paper towel. Stress using a clean towel to avoid reintroducing germs.
Guided Practice
Let’s try it together!
• Follow each step on the Handwashing Steps Visual Aid
• I will count 20 seconds for you
• You do the steps; I’ll help if you need it
Guide the student through each step using the visual aid. Offer prompts and praise immediately.
Independent Practice
Your turn!
• Wash your hands by yourself using the visual aid and timer
• I will watch and note each step
• Remember: 4–5 steps correctly means you’ve mastered it
Observe the student washing hands independently. Use a simple checklist to note accuracy.
Great Job!
You washed your hands safely!
• You completed the steps well
• Clean hands keep you healthy
Remember to wash before meals, after bathroom, and whenever hands look dirty.
Celebrate the student’s success and reinforce how to keep hands clean daily.
Reading
Clean Hands Social Story
Why Do We Wash Our Hands?
Our hands touch lots of things every day—toys, doorknobs, and even our faces. Germs (tiny bugs we cannot see) can stick to our hands. If we don’t wash them off, germs can make us and others sick.
When Should I Wash My Hands?
• Before eating or touching food
• After using the bathroom
• After playing outside or touching pets
• Any time your hands look dirty or feel sticky
The Five Steps to Clean Hands
Step 1: Wet Hands
Turn on the tap and wet both hands completely under warm running water.
Step 2: Apply Soap & Lather
Pump or rub soap onto your hands. Rub your hands together to make bubbles. Sing or count to 20 (about two “Happy Birthday” songs).
Step 3: Scrub All Surfaces
Rub every part of your hands:
- Palms and backs of hands
- Between fingers and around thumbs
- Under fingernails
Keep scrubbing until 20 seconds are up.
Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly
Hold your hands under the water and wash away all the soap and germs. Make sure no bubbles remain.
Step 5: Dry Hands
Use a clean paper towel or air dryer to dry your hands completely. Use the towel to turn off the faucet if it is dirty.
You Did It!
Great job following all five steps. Clean hands help you stay healthy and keep your friends and family safe too. Remember to wash your hands often—especially before snacks and after playing!
Activity
Handwashing Checklist
Student Name: _______________
Date: _______________
Follow each step below. Check ✓ when you complete the step.
- 1. Wet hands under warm running water.
- 2. Apply soap and lather for 20 seconds.
- 3. Scrub all surfaces: palms, backs, between fingers, under nails.
- 4. Rinse hands thoroughly under running water.
- 5. Dry hands with a clean towel and turn off faucet with the towel.
Teacher Notes
Use this checklist during independent practice to track steps. After the activity, review:
- Steps correctly completed: ______/5
- Areas needing review: ______________________________________