PL 4.03Hand Washing
The child washes hands at a hand-washing table using a pitcher, basin, soap, brush, and towel, then cleans up.
Presentation
- 1
Invite the child. Put on an apron and roll up your sleeves.
- 2
Fill the pitcher at the sink and carry it with two hands to the stand. Pour water into the basin up to the line.
- 3
Wet your hands in the basin. Pick up the soap, rub it between your palms, and put it back in the dish.
- 4
Rub the palms, backs of hands, between fingers, and each thumb, slowly. Rubbing between the fingers is the point of interest.
- 5
Scrub under the fingernails with the nail brush.
- 6
Rinse your hands in the basin, then dry them with the towel, finger by finger.
- 7
Carry the basin to the bucket and pour the water out. Wipe the basin and stand with the sponge.
- 8
Hang the towel to dry. Invite the child to wash their hands.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Wash hands at the sink using the same steps before snack and after the toilet
- Refill the pitcher and replace a wet towel with a dry one
- Wash a doll's hands or a younger child's hands on request
Control of error
Soap remaining on the hands, dirt under the nails, or water on the stand shows a step was missed.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Completes all steps in order without help
- Washes between fingers and under nails
- Leaves the station clean and ready for the next person
Guide note
From the first day, children wash at the sink; this formal presentation comes once wet pouring is secure.