Why Must I Wash My Hands?
#3 in My body Series
on Goodreads (4)
What’s inside...
One of a series of titles aimed at Key Stage 1 readers which explain the importance of various aspects of looking after your body. There seems to be nothing kids like to ask more than 'Why?' The books in the Why Must I... series provide lively, friendly answers to why kids must take care of their health. Examining topics such as hand washing and exercise, the simple text and colorful illustrations of each book outline how and why children should look after themselves and what can happen if they don't.
Discussion points
Why do you think it's important to wash your hands?
What could happen if you don't wash your hands regularly?
How do you feel when you have clean hands after washing?
Can you think of times when it's especially important to wash your hands?
How can washing your hands help your friends and family stay healthy?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a calm and curious tone to encourage open communication.
Relate the questions to personal experiences, such as a time when they forgot to wash their hands.
Praise your child for providing thoughtful answers or for participating in the conversation.
Incorporate the questions into daily routines, especially before meals or after playing outside.
Encourage your child to demonstrate handwashing and discuss each step, reinforcing the practical aspects of the book’s message.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of personal hygiene
Explanation: The book uses engaging illustrations and easy-to-understand language to explain why washing hands is crucial for health, showcasing scenarios where germs are spread.
Real-World Application: Children will be reminded to wash their hands before meals, after using the bathroom, and when they come home from outside to prevent illnesses.
Example Lesson: Prevention of illness
Explanation: Through the story, the book outlines how germs are transferred from person to person and how effective handwashing can break the chain of infection.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to associate handwashing with staying healthy, thereby adopting habits that reduce their risk of catching colds, flu, and other infections.
Example Lesson: Responsibility for personal actions
Explanation: The narrative encourages children to take charge of their own health through regular handwashing, emphasizing it as an aspect of self-care.
Real-World Application: This lesson fosters a sense of responsibility as children realize that they have the power to influence their own health outcomes through simple actions like handwashing.
Example Lesson: Following instructions
Explanation: The book details the steps for proper handwashing, teaching children how to perform the task correctly.
Real-World Application: Children apply this lesson by following other multi-step instructions at home and in school, enhancing their ability to comprehend and implement directions.
Example Lesson: Importance of routines
Explanation: By integrating handwashing into daily routines, the book highlights how regular habits are formed and maintained.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of consistency and routine, which can be applied to other healthy habits like brushing teeth and bedtime routines.