Lather Up For Good Health

Expert Advice

Hand washing prevents the spread of infection and promotes good health. Experts at the American Public Health Association have suggestions for making proper hand washing easy-to-teach and fun-to-learn.

• Start early.

  Research shows that children as young as three can grasp the importance and techniques of proper hand washing.

• Make hand washing fun!

  Play games and sing songs while lathering up. Give kids a monogrammed towel for drying. You can find more good ideas in the Resources area of this page.

• Skip the bar.

  Liquid soaps are easier for little ones to use. Let children choose their own soap with a favorite character or scent. Softsoap® BRAND offers foaming formulas made just for kids.

• Lead by example

  Children imitate what they see, so wash your own hands regularly and model good behavior. Early hand washing education may lead to better hygiene as adults.

Resources to Print

• Hand Washing Tips for Adults to Share
• When to Wash Poster (Pre-K — 1st Grade)*
• When to Wash Poster (2nd — 3rd Grade)*
• Hand Washing Checklist & Bookmark
• Hand Washing Mobile*
• Hand Washing Chart (2nd — 3rd Grade)
  English | Spanish
• Lesson Plans (Pre-K — 1st Grade)
• Lesson Plans (2nd — 3rd Grade)

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