Lesson Plan
Hygiene Habit Framework
Students will learn and practice a structured morning and evening personal hygiene routine, building independence through checklists, role-play, and reflection.
Developing consistent self-care habits is crucial for students’ confidence, health, and independence. This lesson uses interactive routines and reflection to reinforce skills and support lifelong wellness.
Audience
4th Grade Special Education Group
Time
35 minutes
Approach
Interactive modeling, practice, and reflection
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Print or make available digital copies of Morning & Night Checklist, Self-Care Reflection Journal, and Hygiene Independence Scale.
- Gather hygiene props (toothbrush, soap, towel, comb) for Routine Role-Play Guide.
- Review the lesson flow and familiarize yourself with the checklist and rubric.
- Arrange small-group seating and role-play stations.
Step 1
Warm-Up
5 minutes
- Welcome students and review the day's goal: improving personal hygiene routines.
- Show a visual schedule of morning and evening steps on chart.
- Ask students to share one thing they already do each morning or night.
Step 2
Modeling & Guided Practice
15 minutes
- Introduce the Morning & Night Checklist and explain each item.
- Demonstrate or use a volunteer to model teeth-brushing, handwashing, and face-washing.
- Divide students into pairs; assign props per the Routine Role-Play Guide.
- Students practice morning or evening routines, using the checklist to guide actions.
- Monitor and prompt for correct sequence and techniques.
Step 3
Reflection
8 minutes
- Distribute the Self-Care Reflection Journal.
- Have students reflect on which routine they practiced and how they felt.
- Encourage drawing or writing one success and one next step.
- Invite volunteers to share positive experiences.
Step 4
Assessment
5 minutes
- Observe student performance using the Hygiene Independence Scale.
- Provide brief feedback focusing on independence, sequence, and hygiene quality.
Step 5
Closure
2 minutes
- Recap key hygiene steps and highlight improvements.
- Encourage students to use the checklist at home and bring feedback next session.
- Praise effort and reinforce daily practice.
use Lenny to create lessons.
No credit card needed
Worksheet
Morning & Night Checklist
Instructions: Check off each task when you complete it each day!
| Morning Routine ☀️ | Done | Night Routine 🌙 | Done |
|---|---|---|---|
| ☐ Brush your teeth | ☐ Brush your teeth | ||
| ☐ Wash your face | ☐ Wash your face | ||
| ☐ Comb your hair | ☐ Put on pajamas | ||
| ☐ Get dressed | ☐ Read a book | ||
| ☐ Eat breakfast | ☐ Prepare your backpack for school tomorrow | ||
| ☐ Pack your backpack | ☐ Go to bed on time |
Reflection Questions
- Which routine do you enjoy more (morning or night)? Why?
- One thing I want to remember to do tomorrow is:
Activity
Routine Role-Play Guide
Purpose: Practice your morning or evening routine with a partner to build confidence and independence.
Materials:
- Props: toothbrush, soap, towel, comb, pajamas, book, backpack
- Morning & Night Checklist
Setup (2 minutes)
- Pair up students.
- Assign roles: Actor (performs the routine) and Helper (checks off tasks and offers prompts).
- Give each pair the props and a checklist.
Role-Play Steps (10 minutes)
- Review the checklist together.
- Actor performs each step while Helper watches and marks tasks completed.
- Actor uses self-talk: “I will now brush my teeth.”
- Helper reminds if steps are missed and offers encouragement.
- Switch roles halfway so both students practice.
Script Prompts
- “Next, I need to __________.”
- “Can you help me remember to __________?”
- “I just finished _________. What’s next?”
Teacher Tips
- Praise correct sequences and independence.
- Model any steps that are tricky.
- Encourage Helpers to use positive, clear reminders.
Reflection Discussion (3 minutes)
- What part of the routine was easiest? Why?
- Which step felt most challenging? How can you improve next time?
- How did your partner help you during the activity?
Journal
Self-Care Reflection Journal
Use your words and drawings to reflect on your personal hygiene practice!
Date: ______________________
- Today, I practiced my ___ routine (morning/night) and I felt…
- The step I did best was… Why do you think you did well?
- The step I want to improve is… What can you do differently next time?
- One success I’m proud of today is…
- One goal I have for tomorrow’s routine is…
- Draw a picture of you practicing your routine. Show your favorite part or something new you tried:
Rubric
Hygiene Independence Scale
Use this rubric to assess each student’s performance during the assessment phase of the lesson. Rate each criterion on a 1–4 scale and total the scores for an overall independence level.
| Criterion | 4 – Independent | 3 – Minimal Assistance | 2 – Moderate Assistance | 1 – Full Assistance Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independence | Completes every step on their own, without prompts. | Completes most steps; needs only 1–2 gentle verbal cues. | Completes some steps; requires frequent verbal or visual prompts. | Cannot complete steps without direct teacher or peer guidance. |
| Sequence Accuracy | Always follows the correct order of tasks. | Makes minor order errors but self-corrects with a prompt. | Makes multiple order errors; corrects only when guided. | Steps done out of order; cannot follow sequence even with help. |
| Hygiene Quality | Uses thorough techniques (e.g., brushes all tooth surfaces, washes entire face) and maintains neatness. | Techniques are generally effective; small details may be missed. | Basic techniques used; some steps are incomplete or rushed. | Techniques are ineffective; key steps omitted or poorly performed. |
Scoring Guide:
• Total possible score: 12 points
• 10–12 = Meets independence goal; ready to practice more on their own
• 6–9 = Developing independence; target specific areas for additional support
• 3–5 = Needs guided practice and scaffolding in most areas
How to Use:
- Observe the student during their routine practice.
- For each criterion, circle the performance level that best describes the student’s behavior.
- Add the three scores for a total.
- Provide feedback highlighting strengths and next steps (e.g., “Great job brushing thoroughly! Let’s work on keeping steps in order tomorrow.”).