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Hygiene Habits: Level Up!

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Lesson Plan

Hygiene Habits: Level Up!

Students will understand the importance of personal hygiene and identify key practices for maintaining good hygiene.

Good personal hygiene is crucial for physical health, self-confidence, and positive social interactions. Mastering these habits helps students feel their best every day.

Audience

8th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, engaging slides, and practical application.

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Hygiene Check-In

5 minutes

  1. Distribute the Hygiene Check-In Warm-Up.
    2. Ask students to complete it individually.
    3. Briefly discuss their anonymous responses, focusing on the variety of daily routines.

Step 2

Introduction & Importance of Hygiene

5 minutes

  1. Use Hygiene Habits Slide Deck (Slides 1-2) and the Hygiene Habits Script to introduce the lesson.
    2. Engage students in a brief discussion about why hygiene matters beyond just smelling good.

Step 3

Key Hygiene Practices

10 minutes

  1. Proceed through Hygiene Habits Slide Deck (Slides 3-6) and Hygiene Habits Script.
    2. Cover essential practices: showering, handwashing, dental care, deodorant, and clean clothes.
    3. Encourage questions and share practical tips.

Step 4

Activity: My Personal Hygiene Plan

7 minutes

  1. Distribute the My Personal Hygiene Plan Worksheet.
    2. Instruct students to fill out their personal hygiene plan, identifying habits they already do and new ones they want to try.
    3. Circulate and provide support or answer questions.

Step 5

Cool Down & Wrap-Up

3 minutes

  1. Use Hygiene Habits Slide Deck (Slide 7) and Hygiene Habits Script to bring the class to a close.
    2. Distribute and have students complete the Hygiene Habits Cool Down as an exit ticket.
    3. Reiterate the positive impact of good hygiene on their lives.
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Slide Deck

Hygiene Habits: Level Up!

Take control of your daily routine!

Today, we're going to talk about personal hygiene and why it's a superpower for your well-being.

Let's get ready to level up our habits!

Welcome students and introduce the topic. Emphasize that this is about feeling good and being confident.

Why Does Hygiene Matter?

More Than Just Smelling Good!

  • Stay Healthy: Keep germs away and avoid getting sick.
  • Feel Confident: Look and feel your best every day.
  • Positive Interactions: Make good impressions and feel comfortable around others.
  • Self-Respect: Taking care of yourself shows you value your body and health.

Explain the three main benefits of good hygiene: health, confidence, and social comfort. Ask students if they can think of other reasons.

Showering & Body Care

Your Daily Refresh!

  • Regular Showers/Baths: Remove sweat, dirt, and oils.
  • Use Soap! Lather up and clean your entire body.
  • Focus Areas: Armpits, groin, feet.
  • Hair Care: Wash hair regularly with shampoo and conditioner.

Discuss the importance of daily showering and proper washing. Mention different body parts to focus on. Emphasize individual needs.

Handwashing: Your Germ Shield!

The #1 Way to Stop Germs!

When to wash:

  • Before eating
  • After using the restroom
  • After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
  • After touching public surfaces

How to wash:

  • Wet hands with clean, running water.
  • Apply soap and lather for 20 seconds (sing "Happy Birthday" twice!).
  • Rinse thoroughly.
  • Dry with a clean towel.

Highlight the critical role of handwashing. Explain the 'when' and 'how' with a quick demo or visual if possible. Mention hand sanitizer as a secondary option.

Dental Care: Smile Bright!

Keep Your Pearly Whites Healthy!

  • Brush Twice a Day: Use fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes.
  • Floss Daily: Get rid of food particles and plaque between teeth.
  • Tongue Cleaning: Helps prevent bad breath.
  • Regular Check-ups: Visit the dentist!

Discuss dental hygiene, linking it to fresh breath and healthy teeth. Explain brushing and flossing. Emphasize routine.

Daily Freshness: Deodorant & Clothes

Stay Smelling Great All Day!

  • Deodorant/Antiperspirant: Apply daily to clean armpits to control sweat and odor.
  • Clean Clothes: Wear fresh clothes, especially underwear and socks, every day.
  • Manage Laundry: Don't let dirty clothes pile up!

Address deodorant and clean clothes as key components of daily freshness. Discuss why these are important, especially for teenagers.

Your Personal Hygiene Power!

You've Got This!

  • Good hygiene is a daily habit, not a one-time event.
  • It helps you stay healthy, feel confident, and connect with others.
  • What's one hygiene habit you're already rocking?
  • What's one new habit you want to try?

Let's create your My Personal Hygiene Plan!

Summarize the lesson and encourage students to make a personal commitment. Introduce the worksheet.

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Script

Hygiene Habits: Level Up! Script

Introduction (Slide 1: Hygiene Habits: Level Up!)

"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today, we're diving into a topic that's all about you feeling your best: personal hygiene. Think of it as your daily superpower for feeling fresh, confident, and ready to tackle anything. We're going to talk about simple habits that can make a big difference in your life. Who's ready to level up their routine?"

Why Does Hygiene Matter? (Slide 2: Why Does Hygiene Matter?)

"So, why do we even bother with hygiene? It's more than just smelling good, though that's definitely a bonus! (light chuckle) Let's look at some key reasons.

  • First, staying healthy. By practicing good hygiene, like washing our hands, we're actively fighting off germs and preventing ourselves from getting sick. That means fewer sniffles and more time doing what you love.
  • Next, feeling confident. When you know you're clean and fresh, you naturally feel better about yourself. That confidence can help you in school, with friends, and in all parts of your life.
  • And speaking of friends, positive interactions are key. Good hygiene helps you make good impressions and feel comfortable in social situations. Nobody wants to be the person people avoid because of strong body odor, right? It's about respecting yourself and those around you.
  • Ultimately, it's about self-respect. Taking care of your body shows that you value your health and well-being. It's a simple, everyday way to be good to yourself."

Showering & Body Care (Slide 3: Showering & Body Care)

"Let's start with the basics: showering and body care. This is your daily refresh! What are some things you do when you shower? (Pause for student responses, affirm good practices).

  • Regular Showers or Baths are super important to remove sweat, dirt, and oils that build up on your skin throughout the day. Especially as teenagers, our bodies produce more sweat and oils, so a daily shower is often a good idea.
  • Don't forget to use soap! Lather up and clean your entire body. Pay special attention to areas like your armpits, groin, and feet, which tend to get sweatier.
  • And what about your hair? Hair care is also part of this. Washing your hair regularly with shampoo and conditioner keeps your scalp healthy and your hair looking good."

Handwashing: Your Germ Shield! (Slide 4: Handwashing: Your Germ Shield!)

"Now, let's talk about the superhero of hygiene: handwashing! This is truly the number one way to stop germs from spreading and keep yourself and others healthy. When do you think it's most important to wash your hands? (Pause for student responses).

Absolutely! You should always wash your hands:

  • Before eating any food.
  • After using the restroom.
  • After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
  • And definitely after touching public surfaces, like door handles or gym equipment.

How to wash your hands effectively:

  • First, wet your hands with clean, running water.
  • Then, apply soap and lather up for at least 20 seconds. A good trick is to sing 'Happy Birthday' twice in your head. Make sure to get between your fingers, under your nails, and the backs of your hands.
  • Rinse your hands thoroughly under running water.
  • Finally, dry them with a clean towel or air dry. If you're out and about and can't wash, hand sanitizer is a good backup, but nothing beats good old soap and water."

Dental Care: Smile Bright! (Slide 5: Dental Care: Smile Bright!)

"A bright, healthy smile is a huge part of feeling confident, and good dental care is how we get there. What are some of your daily dental habits? (Pause for responses).

Here's what's key:

  • Brush Twice a Day: Use fluoride toothpaste and brush for at least two minutes each time. Make sure you get all surfaces of your teeth.
  • Floss Daily: Brushing alone isn't enough! Flossing gets rid of those tiny food particles and plaque that get stuck between your teeth and under your gum line.
  • Don't forget to clean your tongue! This helps prevent bad breath.
  • And of course, regular check-ups with the dentist are essential for keeping your teeth and gums in top shape."

Daily Freshness: Deodorant & Clothes (Slide 6: Daily Freshness: Deodorant & Clothes)

"As you get older, your body changes, and that includes how much you sweat and how your body smells. This is where deodorant and clean clothes come in. What's the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant? (Briefly explain if students don't know: deodorant masks smell, antiperspirant reduces sweat).

  • Deodorant or Antiperspirant: Apply this daily to clean armpits. It helps control sweat and prevent body odor, keeping you feeling fresh all day.
  • And it might seem obvious, but wearing clean clothes every day makes a big difference. Especially underwear and socks. You wouldn't want to put on dirty clothes after a fresh shower, would you?
  • Try to manage your laundry so you always have fresh clothes available. A pile of dirty clothes can quickly become a pile of smelly clothes!"

Your Personal Hygiene Power! (Slide 7: Your Personal Hygiene Power!)

"Alright, we've covered a lot of ground today! Remember, good hygiene isn't something you do once; it's a daily habit that contributes to your overall well-being. It helps you stay healthy, feel super confident, and have more positive connections with everyone around you.

Before we wrap up, I want you to think about this:

  • What's one hygiene habit you're already rocking and doing well?
  • What's one new habit, maybe something we talked about today, that you want to try to incorporate into your routine to level up your personal hygiene?

Now, you're going to get a chance to put these thoughts into action with our My Personal Hygiene Plan Worksheet. This is for you to reflect and make a plan that works for your life. We'll also have a quick exit ticket called the Hygiene Habits Cool Down to wrap things up. You've got this! Remember, taking care of yourself is a powerful act."

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Warm Up

Hygiene Check-In

Instructions: This is just for you to think about! No names, no grading. Just circle the answer that best describes your habits or write a quick thought.

  1. How often do you usually shower or bathe?

    • Every day
    • Almost every day (4-6 times a week)
    • A few times a week (2-3 times a week)
    • Less than twice a week
  2. How often do you brush your teeth?

    • Twice a day or more
    • Once a day
    • A few times a week
    • Less than a few times a week
  3. When do you usually wash your hands with soap and water? (Circle all that apply)

    • Before eating
    • After using the restroom
    • After coughing/sneezing
    • After playing outside
    • When they look dirty
    • Other:


  4. Do you use deodorant or antiperspirant?

    • Yes, every day
    • Sometimes
    • No
  5. What's one thing you already do to feel fresh and clean each day?








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Worksheet

My Personal Hygiene Plan

Instructions: Now that we've discussed the importance of hygiene and some key practices, it's time to create your own personal plan! Think about what you already do well and what new habits you might want to try. Be honest with yourself and aim for consistency!

Part 1: My Current Hygiene Superpowers!

List 3-4 hygiene habits you already practice regularly that make you feel good and clean.













Part 2: Level Up My Habits!

Based on today's lesson, what are 2-3 new hygiene habits or improvements you want to make to your routine? Be specific about what you'll do and when.

New Habit 1:

What is it?



When will you do it? (e.g., "Every morning after breakfast," "Before bed nightly")


New Habit 2:

What is it?



When will you do it?


New Habit 3 (Optional):

What is it?



When will you do it?


Part 3: Why Bother?

In your own words, briefly explain why good personal hygiene is important for YOU. How does it benefit your health, confidence, or social life?










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Cool Down

Hygiene Habits Cool Down

Instructions: Please answer the following questions to reflect on what you learned today. This will help me understand what stuck with you!

  1. What is one new piece of information or a hygiene tip you learned today that you didn't know before, or hadn't thought much about?






  2. Why is good personal hygiene important for YOUR daily life (think about how it affects you personally)?






  3. On a scale of 1 to 5, how confident do you feel now about improving your personal hygiene habits?

    • 1 (Not confident at all)
    • 2 (A little confident)
    • 3 (Moderately confident)
    • 4 (Quite confident)
    • 5 (Very confident)
  4. What is one small step you can take today or tomorrow to practice better hygiene?






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Hygiene Habits: Level Up! • Lenny Learning