3 Activities to Teach Children About Germs

As students make their return to school so do their germs. Young students have learned over the past year that hand washing and general hygiene are important aspects of life. If your students forgot their classroom hygiene rules over the summer months, check out these active ways to re-learn.

Germ Stickers

First, start by verbally teaching your students the concept of microscopic germs. The fact that germs are there but not viewable to the naked eye may be a tad confusing. During this activity give your students a sheet of stickers or small pieces of tape. Allow your students some free time to read, dance, play with each other, or draw, even move about to the gym or cafeteria. While this free time is occurring prompt them to leave a mark (sticker or tape) whenever they touch another object or individual. Quickly they will realize that they are spreading germs everywhere they go!

Germ Spreader

There are many ways to show that germs are spread from person to person. For this activity, you want to cover your hands with glitter, washable paint, or flour. Shake hands with each student and have your students work on social skills by giving handshakes, sharing their items, or playing with others. At the end of the activity, your students will be able to see that germs easily spread from person to person.

The great thing about this activity is that it is two-fold. After getting the glitter, paint, or flour on your student’s hands it is a great time to exemplify the importance of hand-washing. Encourage your students to wash their hands for the CDC-recommended 20 seconds or until the substance is visibly gone.

Hygiene Active Vocab

To help with vocabulary and get your students up and active, try some hygiene charades. As a small activity between lessons, get your students out of their seats, put some vocab on the board and have your students act the action out. You can get as detailed as you want! Some common vocab is: