Lesson Plan
Personal Hygiene Lesson Plan
Students will learn and perform the five-step handwashing routine using visual supports and a self-monitoring checklist, aiming to complete at least four of five steps independently by the end of the session.
Proper handwashing reduces germs, prevents illness, and fosters independence and social acceptance for students with autism by teaching a clear, predictable routine.
Audience
2nd Grade Students with Autism
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Modeling, visual supports, and guided practice with self-monitoring.
Materials
- Hygiene Sequence Cards, - Handwashing Visual Schedule, - Social Story: Handwashing Adventure, - Self-Monitoring Checklist: Handwashing, - Sink or Portable Handwashing Station, - Liquid Soap Pump, - Paper Towels, and - Small Handheld Mirror
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Print and laminate Hygiene Sequence Cards
- Print and cut out Handwashing Visual Schedule
- Review the content of Social Story: Handwashing Adventure
- Make copies of Self-Monitoring Checklist: Handwashing
- Set up handwashing station: fill soap pump, place paper towels, position mirror
Step 1
Warm-Up & Introduction
5 minutes
- Gather students in a circle near the handwashing station
- Greet each student and review today’s routine using Handwashing Visual Schedule
- Explain session goal: practice the five-step handwashing routine
Step 2
Social Story Discussion
7 minutes
- Read Social Story: Handwashing Adventure aloud with the group
- Pause to ask simple questions about key points
- Highlight why each step matters for removing germs
Step 3
Modeling & Guided Practice
10 minutes
- Teacher models each handwashing step using Hygiene Sequence Cards and mirror
- Emphasize proper technique (e.g., lather, rinse, dry)
- Invite students one at a time to practice with teacher prompts
Step 4
Independent Practice & Self-Monitoring
6 minutes
- Students practice handwashing independently, referring to Hygiene Sequence Cards
- Students mark each completed step on Self-Monitoring Checklist: Handwashing
- Provide positive feedback and corrective prompts as needed
Step 5
Closing & Reinforcement
2 minutes
- Praise students for effort and review the five steps together
- Encourage students to use the checklist at home and remind them of when to wash hands
use Lenny to create lessons.
No credit card needed
Slide Deck
Hygiene Heroes
Welcome to our Handwashing Adventure!
Today we will learn 5 important steps to keep our hands clean and our bodies healthy.
Welcome students! Introduce today’s session and get everyone excited to become Hygiene Heroes.
Today’s Goal
By the end of our 30-minute session, you will:
• Learn the 5-step handwashing routine
• Practice each step independently
• Use your checklist to track your success
Read the objective aloud and point to the visuals as you speak. Emphasize independence and practice.
Handwashing Steps
Follow this visual schedule when washing your hands:
- Turn on water
- Pump soap
- Lather hands
- Rinse under water
- Dry with a towel
(Refer to the Handwashing Visual Schedule)
Show the [Handwashing Visual Schedule] and point to each icon. Ask students to name the steps as you point.
Handwashing Adventure
“Sammy the Squirrel loved playing outside. He knew cleaning his paws kept germs away! Let’s read about Sammy’s handwashing adventure.”
Open the [Social Story: Handwashing Adventure] and read with expression. Pause after each page to check comprehension.
Follow the Sequence Cards
These cards show each handwashing step in pictures:
• Step 1: Turn on water
• Step 2: Pump soap
• Step 3: Rub hands together
• Step 4: Rinse
• Step 5: Dry
(Use Hygiene Sequence Cards)
Display the laminated [Hygiene Sequence Cards] one by one. Use a mirror to show details of each step.
Modeling & Guided Practice
- Teacher models all 5 steps using cards and mirror.
- Students practice one at a time with prompts.
- Everyone watches and cheers on their friends.
Model each step slowly, narrating your actions. Then invite two students to try while the rest watch.
Independent Practice
Your turn to wash your hands on your own!
• Use the Hygiene Sequence Cards
• Check off each step on your Self-Monitoring Checklist
• I will help if you need it.
Hand each student a [Self-Monitoring Checklist: Handwashing] and sequence cards. Encourage independence.
Self-Monitoring Checklist
Great job tracking your progress!
☐ Turn on water
☐ Pump soap
☐ Lather hands
☐ Rinse
☐ Dry hands
Mark each box as you finish the step.
Demonstrate how to mark the checklist and praise students who complete steps correctly.
You Are Hygiene Heroes!
Fantastic work today, heroes!
Remember to wash your hands:
• Before eating
• After using the restroom
• After playing outside
Let’s all say the five steps together one more time!
Review the five steps by asking students to call them out. Praise effort and success.
Home Practice Challenge
Take your checklist home:
• Show your family how to use it
• Practice handwashing together
• Bring back a signed sheet to earn a Hygiene Hero sticker!
Encourage students to share what they learned with family and use their checklist at home.
Worksheet
Handwashing Checklist
Use this checklist to show you’ve completed each handwashing step. Check the box when you finish each one!
- 🚰 ☐ Turn on the water
- 🧴 ☐ Pump soap onto your hands
- 👐 ☐ Rub (lather) your hands together
- 🌊 ☐ Rinse your hands under the water
- 🖐️ ☐ Dry your hands with a towel
Draw your favorite step below!
When I finish washing my hands, I feel: ____________
Ask an adult to initial when you do this at home:
☐ Step 1: ___ ☐ Step 2: ___ ☐ Step 3: ___ ☐ Step 4: ___ ☐ Step 5: ___
Activity
Handwashing Sequence Cards
Prepare these five printable cards (laminate for durability). Cut apart on the dotted line and display or hand out in order.
Card 1: Turn on Water 🏺
Picture: A faucet with a small stream of water pouring down.
Instruction: “Turn on the water so it’s warm and cozy.”
Card 2: Pump Soap 🧴
Picture: A soap dispenser with a drop of soap forming at the nozzle.
Instruction: “Pump a dollop of soap onto your hands.”
Card 3: Lather Hands 👐
Picture: Two hands rubbing together with bubbles and suds.
Instruction: “Rub hands together–front, back, between fingers–to make bubbles.”
Card 4: Rinse Off 🌊
Picture: Hands under running water, bubbles washing away.
Instruction: “Rinse all the soap off under the water.”
Card 5: Dry Hands 🖐️
Picture: A towel with a pair of clean hands being patted dry.
Instruction: “Dry your hands well with a clean towel.”
How to Use:
- Lay the cards in sequence on a table or hang them by the sink.
- Point to each picture as students follow along.
- Ask students to place a checkmark or move a clip to show each step is done.
Enjoy becoming true Hygiene Heroes!
Worksheet
Handwashing Visual Schedule
- 🚰 Step 1: Turn on water
- 🧴 Step 2: Pump soap
- 👐 Step 3: Lather hands
- 🌊 Step 4: Rinse hands
- 🖐️ Step 5: Dry hands
Keep this schedule by the sink to help you remember each step every time you wash your hands!
Warm Up
Warm-Up: Handwashing Brainstorm
Today, we’re going to become Hygiene Heroes! Let’s think about germs and keeping our hands clean.
- What is a germ?
• Turn to a partner and share your idea. - Where might germs live? (Think of places you touch every day.)
• Call out as many places as you can! - When do you think we should wash our hands?
• Write or draw two times you wash at home or school. - Why is it important to wash our hands?
• Share one reason with the group.
Next: We’ll learn a simple, 5-step routine to wash away those germs every time!
Cool Down
Reflection & Sticker Chart
Great job today, Hygiene Heroes! Let’s take a moment to reflect on our handwashing adventure and plan for home practice.
- My favorite part of today’s activity was:
- The handwashing step I want to practice at home is:
- I feel __________ when I wash my hands clean.
Sticker Chart
Place a sticker or draw a ⭐ each time you wash your hands at home. Ask an adult to initial next to each day you practice!
| Day | Sticker / ⭐ | Adult Initial |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | ☐ | ____ |
| Tuesday | ☐ | ____ |
| Wednesday | ☐ | ____ |
| Thursday | ☐ | ____ |
| Friday | ☐ | ____ |
Bring this chart back next session to earn a special Hygiene Hero reward!
Reading
Social Story: Handwashing Adventure
Sammy the Squirrel loved playing outside. One bright morning, he and his friend Ruby hopped through puddles, climbed trees, and chased butterflies in the garden. After a fun adventure, Sammy looked at his paws and saw mud and invisible germs all over them. “Yuck!” he exclaimed. “My paws feel so dirty.”
Sammy remembered what his mom had taught him: keeping your hands (and paws) clean helps you stay healthy and strong. He scurried to the sink and got ready to wash:
As he washed, Sammy counted to twenty and sang a silly tune:
“Bubbles here, bubbles there,
Bubbles, bubbles everywhere!
Rinse and dry, then I’ll fly
Back to fun—clean as a pie!”
When Sammy finished, he looked at his shiny, clean paws and felt proud. “I did it! I’m a Hygiene Hero!” he cheered.
Now Sammy knows that washing his hands (and paws) keeps germs away, helps him stay healthy, and lets him enjoy even more adventures. You can be a Hygiene Hero, too—just follow Sammy’s easy five steps anytime your hands feel dirty!
Remember: Wash your hands before eating, after using the restroom, and any time they look dirty. You’ll feel proud, just like Sammy!