Idea 4: Helping hands
Whilst you can’t always get them to put their toys away, children are often willing to help out around the home; helping with younger brothers or sisters, taking care of pets and setting the table are all things young children will enjoy doing.
Play a game to help make sure “helping hands” are not dirty hands.
Helping Hands board game
This is a fun “Snakes and Ladders” style game. Roll the dice and see if you can be the first to reach the end of the game!
You’ll need a dice and counters for all players and a print off of the Helping hands board game (PDF) (care note: remind your child not to put the counter in their mouths!)
Place all counters on the hands square at the top of the game.
Take it in turns to throw the die and count the spots
Then move along the appropriate number of places.
Take your time and talk about each of the pictures – what do they show? Why is handwashing is important? When is handwashing important before or after what’s shown in the picture? The winner is the player who lands on the last square first!
Flash cards
Print off and cut out the eight coloured illustrations showing different handwashing occasions (going to the toilet / playing with pets / eating / painting. Use the pictures to talk about when hands should be washed – BEFORE or AFTER?