Personal Hygiene

Personal hygiene means taking care of your body so you stay clean, healthy, and feel good. When you practice good hygiene, you help stop germs from making you sick. You also show respect for yourself and the people around you.

Why Hygiene Matters

• Keeps illness away: Germs on your hands, face, or body can make you feel unwell.
• Builds confidence: When you’re clean, you feel fresh and ready to learn or spend time with friends.
• Shows respect: Clean clothes and a neat appearance let others know you care about yourself and them.

Daily Hygiene Habits

Here are some simple habits you can do every day:

• Wash your hands before eating, after using the bathroom, and after playing outside.
• Brush your teeth in the morning and before bed to keep your smile bright.
• Take a bath or shower daily to keep your skin and hair clean.
• Wash your face each morning and night to remove dirt and oils.
• Wear clean clothes so you stay fresh and free of odors.
• Trim your nails to avoid dirt buildup and keep hands neat.

How to Wash Your Hands

1. Turn on the water and wet both hands.
2. Apply soap and rub hands together to make bubbles.
3. Scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails for at least 20 seconds (sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice!).
4. Rinse all the soap off under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands with a towel or air dryer.

Good hygiene can be quick and easy. By doing these habits every day, you protect your health and feel more confident in everything you do!

Handwashing Step Roleplay Activity

Purpose:
Help students practice and master each handwashing step through partner roleplay.

Materials:

• Sink with running water and mirror
• Soap
• Towel or air dryer
• Printed Step-by-Step Checklist (optional)

Setup (1 minute):

1. Gather students near the sink area.
2. Briefly review the five key handwashing steps from the Personal Hygiene Reading.

Instructions (6 minutes):

1. Demonstration (1 minute): Teacher models each step at the sink, narrating actions:

   • Turn on water and wet hands
   • Apply soap and create lather
   • Scrub backs of hands, between fingers, and under nails for 20 seconds (sing “Happy Birthday” twice)
   • Rinse thoroughly under running water
   • Dry hands with a towel or air dryer

2. Partner Roleplay (5 minutes):
   a. Pair students. Assign one as Washer and the other as Coach.
   b. Give each pair a simple checklist (or have them refer back to the reading).
   c. Washer goes through all five steps at the sink.
   d. Coach watches, checks off each step, and reminds Washer if they miss a part or timing.
   e. After finishing, partners switch roles and repeat.

Teacher Tips:

• Circulate to offer guidance, correct technique, and praise accurate steps.
• Use encouraging language: “Great job keeping your nails clean!” or “You timed your scrub for 20 seconds—perfect!”

Wrap-Up Reflection (1 minute):

• Ask a few volunteers: “Which step was easiest? Which was hardest? Why is scrubbing for 20 seconds important?”

Time Total: 7 minutes

Hygiene Charades Game

Purpose:
Reinforce students’ understanding of daily hygiene actions through a fun, kinesthetic charades activity.

Materials:

• Set of hygiene action cards (see list below)
• Container or bag to hold cards
• Whiteboard or chart paper for scorekeeping (optional)
• Timer or stopwatch

Preparation:

1. Create cards with simple hygiene actions (one action per card). Examples:
   • Washing hands
   • Brushing teeth
     n - Taking a shower
     n - Washing your face
     n - Combing hair
     n - Putting on clean clothes
     n - Trimming nails
     n - Using deodorant
     n - Flossing teeth
     n - Drying hands with a towel
2. Place cards face down in a container.
3. Review the actions and confirm students understand each term.

Setup (2 minutes):

1. Divide students into two teams of equal size.
2. Arrange teams so they can take turns acting without crowding.
3. Explain the rules and demonstrate one example charade (e.g., pretend to wash hands).

Instructions (20 minutes):

1. Team A begins. A volunteer from Team A draws a card, reads it silently, and acts it out without speaking or using props.
2. Team A has 30 seconds to guess the action.
   • If they guess correctly within time, they earn 1 point.
   • If not, no points are awarded, and the card is returned to the bottom of the pile.
3. Team B takes a turn under the same rules.
4. Continue alternating until all cards are used or time runs out.
5. Tally points on the whiteboard or chart paper. The team with the most points wins!

Adaptations for Diverse Learners:

• Provide visual cue cards with pictures alongside text for nonreaders.
• Allow students to whisper one-word hints if charades alone is challenging (limit to one hint per turn).
• Use a longer time limit (45 seconds) for teams needing extra processing time.

Follow-Up Discussion (5 minutes):

• Ask: Which hygiene action was easiest to act out? Hardest?
• Discuss why each action is important for staying healthy.
• Reinforce vocabulary: “Remember: we wash our hands before eating to remove germs!”

Extensions:

• Create new action cards based on student suggestions (e.g., cleaning glasses, applying sunscreen).
• Play a reverse round: students call out an action, and the next student silently picks it and acts it out.

Time Total: 7 minutes of gameplay + setup and discussion

Hygiene Habits Worksheet

Name: ____________________ Date: ________________

Use the Personal Hygiene Reading to help you complete these exercises.

Section A: Matching

Match each hygiene habit with its description. Write the correct letter (A–E) on the line next to each number.

1. Washing hands ____________ | A. Removes dirt and oil from your face
2. Brushing teeth ____________ | B. Cleans under fingernails and between fingers
3. Taking a shower ____________ | C. Keeps hair and skin fresh and clean
4. Washing your face ____________ | D. Keeps your smile healthy and bright
5. Trimming nails ____________ | E. Prevents dirt buildup under your nails

Section B: Fill in the Blanks

Choose the correct word from the box below to complete each sentence.

[ hand ] [ teeth ] [ clothes ] [ face ] [ nails ]

1. Always wash your ______ before eating.
   
   
   
   
2. Brush your ______ in the morning and at bedtime.
   
   
   
   
3. Wear clean ______ every day.
   
   
   
   
4. Trim your ______ regularly to keep them neat.
   
   
   
   
5. Wash your ______ at night to remove dirt and oils.
   
   
   
   

Section C: Sequence the Steps

Put the numbers 1–5 in the correct order to show how to wash your hands.

___ Turn on the water and wet hands


___ Apply soap and make bubbles


___ Scrub for 20 seconds (backs, between fingers, under nails)


___ Rinse off all the soap


___ Dry hands with a towel or air dryer

Section D: Short Answer

Why is it important to wash your hands before eating?

Section E: Your Hygiene Habits

1. Write two daily hygiene habits you do to stay clean:
   a. ____________________________________________
   
   
   
   
   b. ____________________________________________
   
   
   
   

2. Draw a simple picture of one of these habits in the space below.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Healthy Meal Prep Reading

Eating a balanced meal gives your body the energy and nutrients it needs to grow, learn, and stay healthy. When you include foods from each of the five food groups, you help your body work its best.

Why Balanced Meals Matter

• Energy: Foods like grains and fruits give you fuel to play and learn.
• Growth & Repair: Proteins help build and fix muscles, skin, and bones.
• Strong Bones & Teeth: Dairy foods provide calcium and vitamin D.
• Healthy Digestion: Vegetables and fruits give fiber to keep your tummy happy.
• Overall Health: A mix of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients from all groups supports your immune system.

The Five Food Groups

1. Fruits

• Examples: Apples, bananas, berries, oranges
• Why they’re good: Packed with vitamins (especially vitamin C) and natural sugars for quick energy.

2. Vegetables

• Examples: Carrots, broccoli, spinach, peppers
• Why they’re good: Full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals that help your body fight germs and stay strong.

3. Grains

• Examples: Bread, rice, oats, pasta
• Why they’re good: Provide carbohydrates, your body’s main energy source. Choose whole grains for extra fiber and nutrients.

4. Protein Foods

• Examples: Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, nuts, peanut butter
• Why they’re good: Help build and repair body tissues, and support healthy hair, skin, and muscles.

5. Dairy (or Dairy Alternatives)

• Examples: Milk, cheese, yogurt, fortified soy milk
• Why they’re good: Supply calcium and vitamin D for strong bones and teeth.

Building a Balanced Plate

A simple way to remember balanced meals is to divide your plate into sections:

• Half Plate Fruits & Vegetables: Fill one half with colorful fruits and veggies.
• One Quarter Grains: Add whole-grain bread, rice, or pasta.
• One Quarter Protein: Include lean protein like chicken, beans, or peanut butter.
• Side of Dairy: Have a small glass of milk or a yogurt cup.

Visualize your plate like this:

Plus a cup of dairy on the side.

Tips for Healthy Meal Prep

• Plan ahead: Think about your next snack or meal and pick items from different groups.
• Keep it simple: A peanut butter and banana sandwich with a glass of milk covers four food groups.
• Snack smart: Pair fruit with cheese or yogurt for a balanced mini-meal.
• Get colorful: Eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables ensures a mix of nutrients.

By choosing foods from each group every day, you’ll feel more energized, stay healthy, and be ready to take on new challenges!

Healthy Snack Assembly Activity

Purpose:
Teach students to follow sequential directions, practice fine motor skills, and reinforce hygiene while making a simple, balanced snack.

Materials:

• 2 slices of whole-grain bread per student
• Peanut butter (or sunflower butter for allergies) in small bowls
• 1 banana per student, pre-peeled and sliced (teacher-supervised)
• Plastic knives or spreaders
• Plates, napkins, and disposable gloves (optional)
• Hand sanitizer or sink with soap and water

Setup (2 minutes):

1. Arrange stations or tables with plates, bread, butter, banana slices, and utensils.
2. Demonstrate proper handwashing or apply hand sanitizer before starting.
3. Model each step slowly, pointing out hygiene reminders (e.g., wipe knife between spreads, discard peel responsibly).

Instructions (7 minutes):

1. Hand Hygiene (30 seconds): Wash hands using the five-step method or apply hand sanitizer.
2. Prepare Workspace (30 seconds): Lay out a plate and place two slices of bread side by side.
3. Spread Peanut Butter (2 minutes): Use a clean knife to scoop and spread an even layer of peanut butter on one bread slice.
4. Add Banana Slices (2 minutes): Place banana slices evenly over the peanut butter.
5. Assemble Sandwich (1 minute): Place the second slice of bread on top, gently pressing down.
6. Cut & Serve (1 minute): Teacher or student (with supervision) cuts the sandwich in half.
7. Clean Up (30 seconds): Wipe down surfaces, return utensils, and wash hands again or reapply sanitizer.

Teacher Tips:

• Pair students who need extra support with a peer buddy.
• Provide visual step cards at each station for nonreaders.
• Monitor for food allergies and ensure safe substitutions.
• Praise students for following steps and practicing hygiene: “Great job washing your hands first!”

Follow-Up Reflection (2 minutes):

• Ask: Which step was your favorite? Why?
• Discuss how this snack covers grains (bread), protein (peanut butter), fruit (banana), and can be paired with dairy (milk or yogurt) for a balanced mini-meal.

Food Group Sorting Game

Purpose:
Reinforce students’ understanding of the five food groups by sorting foods into the correct categories in a fun, cooperative challenge.

Materials:

• Picture cards of various foods (fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, dairy)
• Five labeled mats or columns on the floor/board: Fruits, Vegetables, Grains, Proteins, Dairy
• Timer or stopwatch
• Whiteboard or chart paper for scoring (optional)

Setup (2 minutes):

1. Place the five mats or draw five columns on the floor/board and label each with one food group.
2. Shuffle the food picture cards and place them face down in a stack.
3. Divide the class into two teams and give each team equal access to the central stack of cards.

Instructions (10 minutes):

1. Team A’s Turn: A volunteer from Team A draws the top card and shows it to their teammates.
2. The team discusses and decides which food group the item belongs to, then places the card on the matching mat/column.
3. If they’re correct, they earn 1 point; if not, no point is awarded and the card is returned to the bottom of the stack.
4. Team B’s Turn: Repeat the same steps for Team B.
5. Continue alternating turns until all cards are used or time runs out.
6. Tally points on the whiteboard or chart paper. The team with the most points wins!

Follow-Up Discussion (3 minutes):

• Review any cards that teams commonly misplaced and discuss the correct group.
• Ask: “Why does broccoli go in the vegetable group?” or “How do grains help our bodies?”
• Reinforce the importance of including each group on a balanced plate.

Adaptations for Diverse Learners:

• Provide visual icons or color cues on mats for students needing extra support.
• Allow extra decision time (e.g., 30 seconds per turn) for students who need it.
• Pair nonreaders with a peer buddy or use tactile/real food props instead of cards.

Time Total: Approximately 10 minutes of gameplay + setup and discussion.

Meal Prep Worksheet

Name: ____________________ Date: ________________

Use the Healthy Meal Prep Reading to help you complete these exercises.

Section A: Matching

Match each food in Column A with its correct food group in Column B. Write the letter (A–E) next to each number.

1. Apple __________ | A. Fruits
2. Carrot _________ | B. Vegetables
3. Bread __________ | C. Grains
4. Chicken ________ | D. Protein
5. Milk ___________ | E. Dairy

Section B: Fill in the Blanks

Choose the correct food group from the box to complete each sentence.

[ Fruits ] [ Vegetables ] [ Grains ] [ Protein ] [ Dairy ]

1. __________ give you energy to play and learn.
   
   
   
   
2. __________ help build and repair muscles and tissues.
   
   
   
   
3. __________ supply calcium and vitamin D for strong bones.
   
   
   
   
4. __________ provide fiber and nutrients to keep digestion healthy.
   
   
   
   
5. __________ are breads, rice, pasta, and cereals that fuel your body.

Section C: Label the Plate

Draw lines to divide this plate into sections for a balanced meal: half fruits & vegetables, one quarter grains, one quarter protein. Then label each section. Outside the plate, draw and label a dairy choice.

(Circle to draw your plate and labels)

Section D: Your Balanced Meal

Sketch and label one balanced meal that includes all five food groups.

Section E: Short Answer

Why is it important to eat foods from each of the five food groups every day?