Hand Washing After Using the Toilet for Primary 1

Class: Primary 1
Term: Third Term
Week: 2
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: Toilet hygiene and proper use of the toilet
Topic: Toilet Hygiene: Hand Washing
Subject Matter: Washing the hands correctly after using the toilet

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• State why hands should be washed after using the toilet.
• Identify materials used for hand washing.

Psychomotor Domain

• Demonstrate correct hand washing after toilet use.
• Wash hands correctly after toilet use.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of hand washing for good health.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• Primary Physical and Health Education for Basic 1 by A.O. Olaitan et al.
• 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
• Towel/tissue
• Appropriate sportswear
• First-aid provision

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important because it teaches pupils a fundamental hygiene practice that prevents the spread of germs and diseases. Learning proper hand washing after toilet use helps children maintain personal cleanliness, promotes good health, and instills a sense of responsibility for their well-being from an early age.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should have basic knowledge of using the toilet and the concept of cleanliness.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Toilet Hygiene: Hand Washing

Why We Wash Hands After Using the Toilet

We wash our hands after using the toilet to remove germs that can make us sick. Germs are tiny things we cannot see, but they can spread easily from our hands to our mouths or to other people.

Materials Needed for Hand Washing

To wash our hands properly, we need:

1. Clean water
2. Soap (bar or liquid)
3. A clean towel or tissue for drying

Steps for Proper Hand Washing

Follow these steps to wash your hands correctly:

1. Wet: Wet your hands with clean, running water.
2. Lather: Apply soap and rub your hands together to make a good lather.
3. Rub Palms: Rub your palms together.
4. Rub Backs: Rub the back of each hand.
5. Fingers: Rub between your fingers.
6. Nails: Rub your fingernails against your palms.
7. Thoroughness: Continue rubbing for at least 20 seconds (sing “Happy Birthday” twice).
8. Rinse: Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
9. Dry: Dry your hands with a clean towel or tissue.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Observation

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them what they do after using the toilet. The teacher then introduces the topic of hand washing after toilet use.

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

Learning Point: Importance of toilet hygiene

Step 2: Discussion on Why We Wash Hands

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains why it is important to wash hands after using the toilet, mentioning germs and staying healthy. The teacher asks pupils to state reasons why they should wash their hands.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and state reasons for hand washing.

Learning Point: Reasons for hand washing

Step 3: Identifying Hand Washing Materials

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Identification

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays soap, water, and a towel. The teacher asks pupils to identify these materials and explains their use in hand washing.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify the materials and listen to the explanations.

Learning Point: Hand washing materials

Step 4: Teacher Demonstration of Hand Washing Steps

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the correct steps of hand washing using soap and water, explaining each step clearly and slowly (wet, lather, rub palms, backs, fingers, nails, rinse, dry).

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the teacher’s demonstration carefully.

Learning Point: Correct hand washing steps

Step 5: Guided Practice (Group Activity)

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Practice

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher divides pupils into small, supervised groups and guides them to practice the hand washing steps using the provided materials. The teacher corrects any errors.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils practice the hand washing steps in their groups under supervision.

Learning Point: Practical hand washing

Step 6: Reinforcement of Thoroughness

Time: 3 minutes

Teaching Skill: Reinforcement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher reminds pupils about the importance of rubbing their hands for at least 20 seconds and drying them properly. The teacher encourages them to make it a habit.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and repeat the importance of thorough washing.

Learning Point: Thoroughness in washing

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. Why should we wash our hands after using the toilet?
2. Name two things we need to wash our hands.
3. Show me how you would wash your hands properly.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Understanding hand washing

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 why and how to wash hands into their notebooks.

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

Learning Point: Recording lesson notes

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes

Teaching Skill: Consolidation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the importance of hand washing after toilet use and encourages pupils to practice it always to stay healthy.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and affirm their commitment to hand washing.

Learning Point: Hand washing habit

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Ask your parents or guardians to watch you wash your hands after using the toilet at home. Then, draw a picture of yourself washing your hands correctly.

1. Draw soap and water.
2. Show yourself rubbing your hands.
3. Show yourself drying your hands.

Lesson Keywords

• Hygiene – Keeping clean to stay healthy.
• Toilet – A place where we pass out waste from our body.
• Germs – Tiny things that can make us sick.
• Soap – What we use with water to clean our hands.
• Wash – To clean with water and often soap.

Differentiation

For slower learners, the teacher will provide more one-on-one guidance during the practical demonstration and practice, focusing on fewer steps at a time. Faster learners can be encouraged to explain the steps to their peers or demonstrate the process confidently.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further visual learning, search on YouTube for: Primary 1 hand washing after toilet

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Ensure all instructional materials, especially soap, clean water, and a towel, are readily available and set up in a suitable demonstration area before the lesson begins. Begin by engaging pupils in a discussion about toilet use and the need for cleanliness. Clearly demonstrate each step of hand washing, breaking it down into simple, memorable actions. Supervise pupils closely during their group practice to ensure they are performing the steps correctly and thoroughly, paying attention to the 20-second rule for rubbing hands. Encourage questions and provide positive reinforcement. Allow pupils to copy the Board Summary notes after the practical activities and evaluation to consolidate their learning. Emphasise that proper hand washing is a continuous habit for good health.