Handwashing Chart

The other day, I received an email from a reader requesting our Wake-Up Time pocket cards and our Daily Rhythm fridge cards.  Since she had written, "...my 3 1/2 year old will be thrilled to have her picture laminated as part of her chart," I sent her our Handwashing Chart as well.  Then, it occurred to me that I have yet to share that chart here.  So, here it is:

We made this chart in 2009, hung it in the space on our bathroom wall between the sink and the medicine cabinet mirror and have been using it successfully since.  Not only do my children refer to it still at times, but it often catches the eye of others who come to the house.

Some friends have asked what the musical notes indicate.  They remind us that we need to spend time to carefully wash our hands.  A popular song to recite while washing is the ABC's.  We also use two or three rounds of our simple handwashing song:

We wash the fronts.

We wash the backs.

We wash them in between.

That is how we keep our hands clean!

(*In between refers to in between the fingers, of course.)

If you'd like to use this chart with your own children, please feel free to print it out.  You can use it as is, or simply pop your own chidlren's photos over those of mine.  To print,  simply click on the image of the chart above and a full-size printable picture should pop up.  If that does not work, or if you want a Publisher version emailed, please leave a comment.

As a courtesy, if you use our Handwashing Chart, or an adaptation there of, on your own blog or printed resource, please give credit where credit is due.  Also, please feel free to pass the link to this post along to anyone else you feel might like the chart.

CONNECTIONS:

• Montessori:  This visual chart helps children with Care of Self -- a practical life skill.
• Charlotte Mason:  Not only is handwashing a Habit worth developing, it is an important skill for young ones to learn after all that nature study and outdoor time!
• Special Needs:  Many children with special needs benefit from visual schedules and social stories, such as the one presented in this simple chart.