Toilet hygiene and proper use of the toilet for Primary 1

Class: Primary 1
Term: Third Term
Week: 1
Age: 6 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Physical & Health Education
Curriculum Theme: Health Education
Focal competence: Practising proper habits that ensure cleanliness, health and dignity when using toilet facilities
Key competencies/values: Respect
Skills:

• Proper hand washing

Previous Lesson: Third Term Physical Health Education Examination
Topic: Toilet Hygiene
Subject Matter: Meaning of toilet hygiene, proper use of the toilet

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• Explain the meaning of toilet hygiene.
• State proper ways of using a toilet.

Affective Domain

• Show respect for toilet facilities and the health of others.

Psychomotor Domain

• Demonstrate appropriate toilet-use routines through role-play.
• Use a toilet correctly.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• Physical and Health Education for Primary 1, Pupil’s Book
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Clean toilet/handwashing demonstration materials
• Soap, clean water and towel/tissue
• Appropriate sportswear
• First-aid provision
• Pictures showing correct and incorrect toilet use
• Picture cards for sequencing toilet routine

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important because it teaches young pupils essential habits for personal cleanliness and public health. Understanding and practicing proper toilet hygiene helps prevent the spread of germs and diseases, contributing to a healthier school and home environment. It also instills a sense of responsibility and respect for shared facilities.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of personal cleanliness and the importance of washing hands after playing.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Toilet Hygiene

Meaning of Toilet Hygiene

Toilet hygiene means keeping the toilet clean and using it in a way that keeps us healthy and prevents the spread of germs. It is about being clean before, during, and after using the toilet.

Proper Ways of Using the Toilet

Using the toilet properly helps everyone stay healthy. Here are the correct steps:

1. Use the toilet correctly: Sit properly on the toilet seat or squat correctly over the squatting plate.
2. Clean oneself properly after toilet use: Use toilet paper or water to clean yourself from front to back.
3. Flush or cover waste as appropriate: After use, flush the toilet immediately to wash away waste. If it is a pit latrine, cover the waste with sand or ash.
4. Keep the toilet area clean: Avoid splashing water or waste outside the toilet. Leave the toilet clean for the next person.
5. Wash hands immediately after use: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean running water after using the toilet.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Role-play, Observation

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Engagement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them what they do after eating or drinking a lot of water. The teacher then introduces the topic of toilet hygiene, explaining that it is about keeping clean when using the toilet.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction.

Learning Point: Introduction to toilet use

Step 2: Meaning of Toilet Hygiene

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Visual Aid

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of toilet hygiene using simple language and pictures. The teacher shows pictures of clean and dirty toilets and asks pupils which one they prefer to use and why.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the pictures, answer questions, and listen to the explanation of toilet hygiene.

Learning Point: Toilet hygiene meaning

Step 3: Correct Use of the Toilet

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Instruction

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains and demonstrates, using a model or pictures, the correct way to sit or squat on the toilet. The teacher emphasizes proper cleaning techniques after use (front to back).

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration and listen to the instructions on correct toilet use and cleaning.

Learning Point: Correct toilet use

Step 4: Flushing and Keeping the Area Clean

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Reinforcement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the importance of flushing the toilet after use or covering waste in a pit latrine. The teacher also discusses keeping the toilet area clean by avoiding splashes.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and understand the importance of flushing and keeping the toilet area clean.

Learning Point: Flushing and cleanliness

Step 5: Importance of Hand Washing

Time: 6 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practical

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the proper steps for washing hands with soap and water immediately after toilet use. The teacher emphasizes the need to wash hands thoroughly to remove germs.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the handwashing demonstration and practice the steps in the air.

Learning Point: Handwashing steps

Step 6: Role-play/Sequencing Activity

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Role-play

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher provides picture cards showing the steps of proper toilet use and handwashing. The teacher guides pupils to sequence the cards correctly or to role-play the routine without unsafe exposure.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils sequence the picture cards or participate in role-playing the correct toilet-use routine.

Learning Point: Toilet routine demonstration

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. What is toilet hygiene?
2. Mention two proper ways of using a toilet.
3. What should you do immediately after using the toilet?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Understanding toilet hygiene

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to copy the essential Board Summary notes on toilet hygiene and proper use into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson points

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes

Teaching Skill: Reinforcement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly summarizes the importance of toilet hygiene for good health and encourages pupils to always practice what they have learned. The teacher reminds them to always wash their hands.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and promise to practice good toilet hygiene.

Learning Point: Importance of hygiene

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework
Instruction: Draw pictures or write down the steps for proper toilet use and handwashing.

1. Draw yourself using the toilet correctly.
2. Draw yourself flushing the toilet.
3. Draw yourself washing your hands with soap and water.

Lesson Keywords

• Toilet – A place where we pass out waste from our body.
• Hygiene – Keeping clean to stay healthy.
• Flush – To pour water to wash away waste in the toilet.
• Germs – Tiny things that can make us sick.
• Wash hands – Cleaning hands with soap and water.

Differentiation

Support for weaker learners: Provide pre-sequenced picture cards for toilet routines and offer one-on-one guidance during role-play. Use simplified language and repeat key instructions.
Extension for faster learners: Encourage them to explain to a peer why toilet hygiene is important or to draw a poster illustrating the steps of proper toilet use and handwashing.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further understanding, search on YouTube for: Primary 1 toilet hygiene for kids

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Before the lesson, ensure you have all demonstration materials ready, including pictures or a model of a toilet, soap, and clean water for handwashing. Arrange the classroom to allow for easy viewing of demonstrations and safe role-play activities. Start by engaging pupils with questions about daily routines to link to the topic. Clearly explain the meaning of toilet hygiene and demonstrate each step of proper toilet use and handwashing without any unsafe exposure. Guide the pupils through the sequencing card activity or role-play, providing positive reinforcement. Allow pupils to copy the Board Summary notes after the main teaching points have been covered and assessed. Pay attention to individual pupil participation and understanding, offering support or extension as needed. Emphasize the practical application of these habits in their daily lives.