Washing Hands to Wash Germs Away
A bright classroom bathroom where Atlas the friendly guide holds a bar of soap and demonstrates handwashing steps to a group of children standing at a row of small sinks, bubbles floating in the air all around them.
- Identify what germs are and explain that they are too tiny to see.
- Explain how germs can travel from hands into our bodies and make us sick.
- Identify the two things needed to wash germs off hands: soap and water.
- Describe the steps for washing hands properly, including scrubbing for at least 20 seconds.
- Predict when it is most important to wash your hands each day.
Key terms
- germs
- Tiny things too small to see that can get into your body and make you sick.
- soap
- A cleaner that loosens germs from your skin so water can rinse them away.
- scrub
- To rub your hands together firmly so the soap reaches every part of them.
- spread
- When germs move from one place or person to another, like from hands to faces.
How Germs Get You Sick
Germs are far too small to see, but they are all around us — on doorknobs, toys, and even your own hands after you play. By themselves on your skin they usually cannot hurt you. The trouble starts when you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth, because that gives germs a doorway into your body. Once inside, they can grow and lead to colds or tummy aches, which is why clean hands matter so much.
Why Soap Works So Well
Plain water alone slides right past many germs, but soap is a real germ-fighter. Soap grabs onto the greasy coating around germs and breaks them apart, lifting them up off your skin. Then the running water can rinse all of it down the drain. Scrubbing for about 20 seconds — the time it takes to sing the ABCs — gives the soap enough time to reach every finger and do its job well.
Worked examples
Show the correct steps for washing your hands.
- Wet your hands with clean running water.
- Add soap and scrub the fronts, backs, and between fingers for about 20 seconds.
- Rinse all the soap off, then dry your hands with a clean towel.
Answer: Wet, scrub with soap for 20 seconds, rinse, and dry — that removes the germs.
Activity
Sort each item into the right group: does it help wash germs away, or does it not help?
Practice
Explain why scrubbing for 20 seconds helps remove more germs.
List three times during the day when you should wash your hands.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Rinsing with only water cleans germs off.Water alone is not enough; you need soap to break apart and lift the germs.
- A quick splash washes your hands well enough.You should scrub with soap for about 20 seconds so the soap can remove germs.
Check your understanding
What do you need to wash germs off your hands?
Why is it important to scrub your hands for about 20 seconds?
Mia just sneezed into her hands. What should she do next?
Recap
Germs are tiny things you cannot see that can make you sick if they get inside your body. Washing with soap and water is one of the best ways to stay healthy. Wet your hands, scrub with soap for about 20 seconds, rinse, and dry — especially before eating and after sneezing or playing.
Reflect
When during your day do you think washing your hands matters the most?