Lesson Plan
Hygiene Heroes Lesson Plan
Introduce hygiene importance through relatable scenarios and empower students to overcome defiance and refusal. Students learn practical hygiene skills with engaging, step-by-step methods.
Hygiene is crucial for health and self-esteem. This lesson helps at-risk students gain practical skills in a supportive, relatable manner, reducing behavioral challenges.
Audience
5th Grade students with behavioral and intellectual disabilities
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, storytelling, and hands-on practice.
Prep
Lesson Preparation
10 minutes
- Review the Hygiene Heroes Lesson Plan for overall structure and objectives.
- Familiarize yourself with the Interactive Hygiene Story to prepare for storytelling segments.
- Organize the Hygiene Skill Cards ensuring they are accessible for interactive review.
Step 1
Introduction and Storytelling
10 minutes
- Begin with a friendly discussion about what hygiene means and why it’s important.
- Present the Interactive Hygiene Story to introduce scenarios where personal hygiene is a superhero skill.
- Encourage students to share personal experiences in a supportive manner.
Step 2
Skill Demonstration and Practice
15 minutes
- Use the Hygiene Skill Cards to demonstrate key steps (hand washing, covering coughs, etc.).
- Guide students through a hands-on practice session with clear, simple instructions.
- Provide positive reinforcement for participation and correct actions.
Step 3
Recap and Empowerment
5 minutes
- Review the key points learned in the session.
- Ask students to identify one hygiene habit they’re excited to practice daily.
- Conclude with a motivational call-to-action reinforcing their inner 'hygiene hero'.

Slide Deck
Hygiene Heroes: Conquering Challenges
Welcome! Today we explore how being clean makes you a hero.
Introduce the session, welcome the students and set a supportive tone. Mention that today they'll learn cool hygiene skills to keep themselves healthy and strong.
What is Hygiene?
Hygiene means taking care of your body: washing hands, covering coughs, and more. Let's think of hygiene as a superpower!
Engage students with a discussion on what hygiene means. Use the interactive hygiene story to illustrate scenarios.
Interactive Hygiene Story
Imagine you're a Hygiene Hero saving the day by fighting germs! Interactive Hygiene Story
Introduce the interactive story. Explain scenarios where practicing hygiene is like a superhero action. Ask students to share short experiences.
Skills in Action
Let's practice: hand washing, covering coughs, and more! Follow the steps on the Hygiene Skill Cards: Hygiene Skill Cards
Show the Hygiene Skill Cards. Step by step demonstrate hand washing and covering coughs. Encourage hands-on practice.
Recap & Empowerment
What did we learn? Share one hygiene habit you want to practice every day. Remember, you are a Hygiene Hero!
Recap the main points. Ask each student to choose one hygiene habit they will use daily. End with motivational remarks.

Activity
Interactive Hygiene Story
Welcome, Hygiene Heroes! In this activity, you will join a storytelling adventure where you become a superhero fighting germs. Follow the story, listen carefully to the challenges, and share your ideas on how to overcome them.
Story Introduction
Imagine a town where germs are causing lots of trouble. Our hero, Sam the Super Sanitizer, receives a special call to help. Sam is excited but also a little nervous. Just like you, Sam sometimes feels uncertain about what to do when faced with a challenge.
Part 1: The Challenge
Story Segment:
Sam arrives in the town and sees children playing, but some of them are not washing their hands before eating. The germs have started causing sneezes and coughs, making everyone feel unwell. What do you think Sam should do first?
Teacher Prompt: Ask the students, "What is one thing you do to keep germs away?" Encourage a few volunteers to share. Write down the ideas on the board if possible.
Part 2: Brainstorming Solutions
Now, it's your turn to help Sam! Think about the steps you take when you wash your hands or cover your mouth when you cough. Your ideas might help save the day!
Guiding Questions:
- How can we make washing our hands fun and easy?
- What steps should Sam and his friends follow to make sure they are clean?
- What can we say to remind each other to stay healthy?
Write or draw your responses on a piece of paper or share them verbally. Each idea is important in our mission against germs!
Part 3: The Resolution
Story Segment:
Based on your cool ideas, Sam and the children start washing their hands, using soap and water, and covering their mouths when they cough or sneeze. Slowly, the town begins to feel better as the germs are pushed away!
Teacher Prompt: Ask the students, "How did it make you feel when you helped Sam save the day?" Discuss the importance of working together and taking small steps to stay healthy.
Part 4: Reflection and Sharing
Now that the story is finished, take a moment to think about what you learned:
- What is one hygiene habit you think is super important?
- How can you be a Hygiene Hero every day?
Teacher Activity: Allow a few moments for students to share their thoughts. Encourage them to draw a picture of themselves as a Hygiene Hero or write down one thing they'll do to stay healthy.
Conclusion
You did an amazing job helping Sam and the children fight off the germs. Remember, every time you wash your hands or cover your cough, you're becoming a real-life Hygiene Hero! Keep using your super skills and stay healthy.
Great job, Heroes!


Activity
Hygiene Skill Cards
Welcome to the Hygiene Skill Cards activity! These cards will guide you through the steps for important hygiene practices. Follow along during our practice session and use these cards as a reference each time you need a reminder on how to stay healthy.
Card 1: Hand Washing
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Wet your hands with clean, running water.
- Apply soap and lather well by rubbing your hands together.
- Scrub all parts of your hands, including between your fingers and under your nails, for at least 20 seconds.
- Rinse your hands thoroughly under clean, running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
Remember: Singing "Happy Birthday" twice can help you keep track of time while scrubbing!
Card 2: Covering Coughs and Sneezes
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
- If you don’t have a tissue, use the inside of your elbow, not your hands.
- Always throw used tissues in the trash immediately.
- After coughing or sneezing, wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Card 3: General Cleanliness
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Keep your personal items (like toothbrushes and towels) clean and separate from those of others.
- Change your clothes and bed sheets regularly.
- Clean surfaces you touch every day (like desks, doorknobs, and phones) using disinfecting wipes.
Teacher Note:
These cards are an essential tool to help you remember the steps for good hygiene. Practice them together as a class, and know that each step you follow is a step towards being a Hygiene Hero!
Great job following the steps and staying healthy!

