Why Do I Wash My Hands? (Science in Action: Your Body)
Science in action Series
on Goodreads (18)
What’s inside...
The My Body series continues with books that educate children about hygiene, exercise, and health. These books are designed to be engaging and interactive, featuring photographs, illustrations, and activities to help children understand complex concepts. Each book includes clear text, activities, detailed diagrams of body systems, a colorful design, and additional resources such as a contents page, glossary, index, and notes for parents and teachers. The series answers questions like why soap is necessary, which part of the skin is waterproof, and how germs are transmitted between people. Perfect for early elementary students, this title in the My Body series explains the importance of handwashing in a simple, straightforward manner. Labeled diagrams illustrate body parts and processes, and activities give kids a chance to explore, to test themselves, and watch how their bodies react. Notes for parents and teachers are appended.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-6
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think washing hands is important before eating or after playing outside?
Can you name some of the germs mentioned in the book and what they can do to our bodies?
How does washing hands help us fight against germs?
What are some of the other ways we can keep our bodies clean and healthy besides washing our hands?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, demonstrate hand washing with your child to reinforce the learning.
Use a glitter experiment to show how easily germs can spread. Sprinkle some glitter on your child's hands and ask them to touch different objects around the house to see how the 'germs' spread.
Relate the book's content to recent events, like a flu season or current health advisories, to make the discussion more relevant and impactful.
Encourage your child to ask questions and express any concerns they have about germs and hygiene.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Personal Hygiene
Explanation: The book explains the scientific reasons behind hand washing, teaching children how it helps remove germs that can cause illnesses.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this knowledge by consistently washing their hands before meals, after using the bathroom, and after playing outside, helping them stay healthy.
Example Lesson: Understanding Germs and Health
Explanation: Through engaging illustrations and explanations, the book educates children about germs, how they spread, and their impact on health.
Real-World Application: This lesson aids children in becoming more aware of their environment and the importance of cleanliness to prevent sickness.
Example Lesson: Building Good Habits
Explanation: The book reinforces the habit of hand washing by connecting it with everyday activities where germs are likely to be transmitted.
Real-World Application: Children learn to integrate hand washing into their daily routine, promoting long-term healthy behaviors.