Wash Your Hands, Mr Panda
#6 of 8 in Mr Panda Series
on Goodreads (51)
What’s inside...
In 'Wash Your Hands, Mr Panda', children are taught about the importance of hygiene through the adventures of Mr Panda and his animal friends. The book promotes proper hand washing, sneeze catching, and other good hygiene practices with a lighthearted tone and gentle humor, making it an essential resource for educating young readers about staying clean and healthy, especially in a Coronavirus/Covid 19 world.
Character compass
Mr. Panda
Lemur
Discussion points
What do you think Mr. Panda would say is the most important reason to wash our hands?
How did the characters feel when Mr. Panda reminded them to wash their hands? Can you show me those expressions?
What are some moments when you remember to wash your hands?
Why do you think it is important for everyone to keep their hands clean, just like Mr. Panda teaches?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, use a gentle and curious tone to encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about hygiene.
Relate the scenarios in the book to your child’s daily routine, asking them to recall instances when they wash their hands.
Use the illustrations in the book to point out non-verbal cues, such as expressions and gestures, that show how the characters feel about cleanliness.
Praise your child’s responses to reinforce the importance of hygiene, making them feel proud of their knowledge and practices.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Personal Hygiene
Explanation: Mr. Panda teaches other animals the importance of washing hands in a humorous and gentle way, highlighting when and why it's necessary.
Real-World Application: Children learn to adopt good hygiene practices such as washing hands before eating, after playing, or when they come home, keeping them healthy and preventing the spread of germs.
Example Lesson: Patience and Helping Others
Explanation: The story shows Mr. Panda patiently teaching each animal how to properly wash their hands, despite their initial reluctance or mistakes.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be patient and helpful with others in learning new skills or habits, fostering a supportive environment at home or in school.
Example Lesson: Following Instructions
Explanation: Each character in the book learns to follow Mr. Panda’s instructions on hygiene, demonstrating the importance of listening and adhering to guidelines.
Real-World Application: Children understand the value of listening to parents, teachers, and caregivers for instructions that keep them safe and healthy.
Example Lesson: Responsibility for Personal Actions
Explanation: The narrative encourages taking personal responsibility, as the characters learn that their actions, like washing hands, impact not just themselves but everyone around them.
Real-World Application: Kids learn that their responsible actions contribute to the well-being of their family and friends, promoting a sense of community care.
Example Lesson: Fun in Learning New Habits
Explanation: Mr. Panda turns the routine task of hand washing into a fun and enjoyable activity, making it more appealing to the animals (and readers).
Real-World Application: This teaches children that incorporating fun into daily routines, like singing while washing hands, can make necessary habits more enjoyable and memorable.