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Sparkling Clean?

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Lesson Plan

Sparkling Clean? Lesson Plan

Students will learn and practice essential hygiene habits—handwashing, tooth brushing, and staying tidy—through songs, demonstrations, and a hands-on germ-detection activity.

Teaching hygiene promotes health, prevents illness, and builds life skills and confidence for kindergarteners as they learn to care for themselves.

Audience

Kindergarten

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Engaging songs, demonstrations, and a hands-on glitter activity.

Materials

Handwashing Chart, Tooth Brushing Poster, Glitter Germ Activity Kit Instructions, Sparkling Teeth Song Lyrics, Paper and Crayons, Disposable Bowls with Warm Water, Small Mirrors, and Towels

Prep

Prepare Teaching Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction and Song

5 minutes

  • Gather students in a circle and introduce the topic of staying clean.
  • Play Sparkling Teeth Song Lyrics and invite everyone to sing along and dance.
  • Ask students why they think keeping clean is important and record a few responses.

Step 2

Handwashing Demonstration

7 minutes

  • Show Handwashing Chart and review each step aloud.
  • Demonstrate proper technique: wet, lather (20 seconds), rinse, and dry.
  • Have students form a line and practice at the handwashing station.
  • Offer guidance and praise for correct steps.

Step 3

Tooth Brushing Practice

7 minutes

  • Display Tooth Brushing Poster and discuss why we brush teeth.
  • Demonstrate brushing motions using a model or your own teeth in a mirror.
  • Distribute small mirrors and let each child mimic brushing in the mirror.
  • Circulate to offer tips and reinforce circular brushing.

Step 4

Germ Detection Activity

7 minutes

  • Explain how germs spread through touch.
  • Choose one volunteer, sprinkle glitter on their hands, then have them shake hands with peers.
  • Observe how glitter (germs) moves from child to child.
  • Guide everyone back to the sink to wash off glitter, reinforcing steps from Handwashing Chart.

Step 5

Wrap-Up and Reflection

4 minutes

  • Lead a brief discussion: What did we learn about staying clean?
  • Ask a few students to share their favorite activity and why.
  • Encourage children to practice handwashing and tooth brushing at home each day.
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Slide Deck

Sparkling Clean?

Welcome to our lesson on hygiene! Today we'll learn how to keep our hands, teeth, and bodies sparkling clean through songs, demonstrations, and fun activities.

  • Greet students and introduce the topic of hygiene.
  • Explain that being clean keeps us healthy and happy.
  • Tell students they will sing, practice washing, brushing, and explore how germs spread.

Sparkling Teeth Song

Let’s sing our Sparkling Teeth Song together!

“Sparkling, sparkling teeth so bright,
Brush them morning, noon, and night…”

  • Cue Sparkling Teeth Song Lyrics audio or display the lyrics.
  • Encourage students to stand, sing, and dance along.
  • Ask why brushing makes our teeth sparkle.

Handwashing Steps

  1. Wet hands with warm water
  2. Apply soap and lather for 20 seconds
  3. Rinse well under running water
  4. Dry with a clean towel
  • Show Handwashing Chart and review each step aloud.
  • Demonstrate proper technique at the sink.
  • Ask students to repeat the steps as you go.
  • Invite small groups to practice at the handwashing station.

Tooth Brushing Steps

  1. Put a pea-size drop of toothpaste on your brush
  2. Brush in gentle circles on all tooth surfaces
  3. Spend about 2 minutes brushing (top, bottom, front, back)
  4. Spit out foam and rinse your mouth
  • Display Tooth Brushing Poster.
  • Model brushing motions using a mirror.
  • Distribute small mirrors and let students practice circular brushing.
  • Circulate to offer tips and reinforce gentle circles.

Germ Detection Activity

  1. One friend gets a bit of glitter on their hands
  2. Shake hands with 3–4 classmates
  3. Observe how the glitter (germs) travels
  4. Wash hands thoroughly to remove all glitter
  • Explain that glitter will act like “germs.”
  • Prepare using Glitter Germ Activity Kit Instructions.
  • Sprinkle a little glitter on one volunteer’s hands.
  • Have them shake hands with a few classmates and watch the spread.
  • Guide everyone back to the sink to wash off the glitter.

Wrap-Up and Reflection

What did we learn about staying clean?

• Why do we wash our hands?
• How do we brush our teeth?

Share your favorite part of today’s lesson!

  • Lead a brief discussion: What did we learn today?
  • Ask: Why is handwashing important? How do we brush our teeth?
  • Invite students to share their favorite activity and why.
  • Encourage them to practice these habits at home every day.
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Activity

Handwashing Chart

Help kids remember the four simple steps to clean hands! Display this chart by the sink or on the classroom wall.

StepWhat to DoIcon
1Wet your hands with warm water💧
2Apply soap and lather for at least 20 seconds🧼
3Rinse your hands well under running water🚿
4Dry your hands with a clean towel or paper towel🧻

Tips:

  • Sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice while you lather to keep time.
  • Make sure to scrub between fingers and under nails.
  • Always use a fresh towel or let hands air-dry if towels are shared.
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lenny

Activity

Tooth Brushing Poster

Help kids remember how to brush their teeth the right way! Display this poster near the sink or in the bathroom:

StepWhat to DoIcon
1Put a pea-size drop of fluoride toothpaste on your brush🪥
2Brush in gentle circles on all tooth surfaces (front, back, top)🔄
3Gently brush your tongue to keep your breath fresh😛
4Brush for 2 minutes (use a timer or sing our Sparkling Teeth Song)
5Spit out the foam and rinse your mouth and your brush with water💦

Tips for Sparkling Teeth:

  • Change your toothbrush every 3 months or when bristles look worn.
  • Don’t forget to visit the dentist regularly.
  • Ask an adult to help you floss between teeth.

Keep brushing morning and night to keep your smile bright!


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lenny

Activity

Glitter Germ Activity Kit Instructions

Use this fun demonstration to show how easily “germs” (glitter) spread when we touch others—and why handwashing is so important!

Materials Needed

  • Non-toxic, washable glitter or glitter gel
  • Small disposable container or tray per volunteer
  • Hand wipes or paper towels for quick cleanup
  • Handwashing station with soap, water, and towels (see Handwashing Chart)
  • Mirror (optional)

Preparation (5 minutes)

  1. Pour a small pinch of glitter into each container.
  2. Position containers and supplies near the handwashing sink.
  3. Remind students not to rub their eyes or touch their faces during the activity.

Activity Steps (7 minutes)

  1. Choose one student as the “Germ Carrier.” Give them a container of glitter and ask them to gently rub it onto both hands.
  2. Have the Germ Carrier shake hands or high-five 3–4 classmates.
  3. Invite the group to observe and point out where glitter appears on hands, wrists, table surfaces, or other spots.
  4. Discuss:
    • Where did the glitter spread?
    • How do we think real germs travel when we touch things?
  5. Guide everyone back to the sink to wash off the glitter, following each step on the Handwashing Chart.
  6. Confirm all glitter is gone—check under fingernails and between fingers.

Cleanup and Safety

  • Wipe tables and trays with damp paper towels.
  • Encourage students to keep work areas tidy.
  • Collect any stray glitter with a damp wipe or vacuum.

Reflection Questions

After washing up, ask students to share:

  • How did the glitter (germs) move from one person to another?


  • Why is it important to wash our hands every time we touch something “dirty”?


  • What will you tell your family to help them remember to wash their hands?


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Script

Sparkling Clean? Script

Introduction and Song (5 minutes)

Teacher (smiling, clapping hands to get attention): “Good morning, Sparkling Stars! Today we’re going to learn all about staying clean and healthy. Who here likes clean hands and happy teeth?”


Teacher: “I see lots of hands up! To start, let’s wake up our smiles and singing voices with our special song. Let’s stand up and sing together!”

(Play Sparkling Teeth Song Lyrics audio or display lyrics on the screen.)

Teacher (encouraging motions): “Great job! Can you wiggle your toothbrush arms like this? ... Fantastic!”

Teacher (leading a discussion): “Why do you think we brush our teeth? Turn to your partner and whisper one reason—then share with the class.”


Teacher: “Thank you for sharing! Brushing keeps our teeth shiny and our smiles healthy.”


Handwashing Demonstration (7 minutes)

Teacher (gesturing to chart): “Next, let’s talk about washing our hands the right way. Look at our Handwashing Chart. I’ll read each step, and you’ll help me act them out!”

Teacher: “Step 1: Wet your hands with warm water. Can everyone pretend to turn on the tap?”

(Pause for students to pretend.)

Teacher: “Step 2: Apply soap and lather for 20 seconds. Let’s count together slowly: 1-2-3... all the way to 20!”

(Count out loud with hand motions.)

Teacher: “Step 3: Rinse well under running water. Step 4: Dry with a clean towel. Now, I need three volunteers to come practice at our handwashing station!”


(Three students wash hands with teacher guidance, praise for correct steps.)

Teacher: “Wonderful—look at those sparkling clean hands!”


Tooth Brushing Practice (7 minutes)

Teacher (holding mirror and toothbrush): “Let’s move on to brushing our teeth. Here’s our Tooth Brushing Poster. Let’s read the steps together.”

Teacher: “Step 1: Put a pea-size drop of toothpaste on your brush. Step 2: Brush in gentle circles on all surfaces. Watch me first.”

(Model brushing in a mirror.)

Teacher: “Now it’s your turn! Everyone grab a mirror and pretend to brush with me in the air. Remember: gentle circles!”

Teacher (circulating, offering tips): “Great circles, Maya! Ooh, nice two-minute brush, Theo! Who can tell me why we brush for two minutes?”


Teacher: “Brushing two minutes helps clean every tooth. Super job, everyone!”


Germ Detection Activity (7 minutes)

Teacher (holding a small container of glitter): “Now we’re scientists! Glitter will be our pretend germs. Who wants to be the Germ Carrier?”

(Select volunteer, sprinkle glitter on their hands.)

Teacher: “Okay, Germ Carrier, please shake hands or high-five three friends. Let’s watch how the glitter moves!”

(Students interact.)

Teacher: “Who sees glitter on your hands or wrists? Raise your hand and point to where the ‘germs’ traveled.”

Teacher (leading discussion): “Why do you think real germs travel that way? What happens if we don’t wash them off?”


Teacher: “Time to wash off our glitter germs. Follow each step from our Handwashing Chart exactly—let’s make those germs disappear!”


Wrap-Up and Reflection (4 minutes)

Teacher (sitting in circle): “Fantastic work today! Let’s share what we learned. Who can tell me one thing about washing hands?”

Teacher (praising responses): “Yes, Jesus! We wash to get rid of germs. Great answer!”

Teacher: “Now, who will share their favorite part of the lesson and why?”

Teacher: “Remember, you can practice these steps every day at home—morning and night for brushing, before meals for handwashing!”


Teacher (closing): “Thank you for being such sparkling learners. Stay clean and stay healthy!”

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lenny

Game

Sparkling Teeth Song Lyrics

Sing and move along with our fun, bubbly tune about brushing your teeth!

Lyrics

  1. Sparkling, sparkling teeth so bright,
    Brush them morning, noon, and night.
  2. Up and down and all around,
    Gently scrub without a sound.
  3. Sparkling, sparkling smile so wide,
    Keep your teeth clean deep inside.
  4. Rinse and spit and rinse again,
    Show the world your brightest grin!

Motion Cues

• Verse 1 “Sparkling, sparkling teeth so bright”: Wiggle your “toothbrush arms” (raise both arms and shake gently).
• “Brush them morning, noon, and night”: Pretend to hold a toothbrush and move it left to right across your front teeth.
• Verse 2 “Up and down and all around”: Move your hands up and down, then in little circles at waist level.
• “Gently scrub without a sound”: Place index finger over lips for a “shh” gesture.
• Verse 3 “Sparkling, sparkling smile so wide”: Stretch your arms out to the sides and grin widely.
• “Keep your teeth clean deep inside”: Point to your mouth, then pretend to brush the back molars.
• Verse 4 “Rinse and spit and rinse again”: Mimic rinsing by swirling your hand near your mouth, then cup your hand to “spit,” and swirl again.
• “Show the world your brightest grin!”: Turn to face different directions (front, left, right) and flash your biggest smile.

Keep the beat steady, and encourage kids to sing loudly and move joyfully!

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