(updated September 2020)
Global Handwashing Day is an annual advocacy event linked to sustainable development goals. The theme for 2019 is Clean Hands For All and a quick glance and the facts and figures below show why this event is relevant to everyone.
In 2013, I conducted hand washing workshops in small schools in South Belize while volunteering with TIDE, a conservation and and development organisation. The ‘glitter germs’ part of the lesson was the highlight for the children, their eyes sparkled like the pretend germs on the hands when it was their turn to be sprinkled! It’s a well used and memorable way to demonstrate how germs spread from unwashed hands whether it’s through holding glitter in your hand and pretending to cough or sneeze, shaking hands and giving high fives or passing around a ‘contaminated’ pencil and asking each child to write their name with it. The children I worked with loved the challenge to remove all the glitter germs against the clock using either a paper towel, a bowl of water or water and soap. We also sang songs, played card games and had a quiz.
You can download the updated lesson plan with links to resources from the Teachers Telling Tales shop on tes.com (free download), or Teachers Pay Teachers store (also free).
Handwashing 
Bug Off card games 
Handwashing Challenge 
Spreading Sparkles 
Glitter Germs 
Hands up for hygiene 
Rub-a-dub 
Sensory Soap 
Bye Bye Germs!
Glitter = Litter! What’s the Alternative?
Back in 2013, I hadn’t considered the impact of glitter on the environment. When articles came out to raising the alarm, I’m sure many other teachers and parents shared my sadness at the realisation that this ‘magical’ substance was no longer something we could use guilt-free. There were no eco-friendly options available. The activity can also be done using a plant sprayer and coloured water for the sneeze demonstration and flour or glo germ kits. Good news if you are a fan of the glitter though, many companies have since rushed in to fill the dark void with sparkly options! Be aware that not all are as eco-friendly as others, here’s a helpful infographic to check.
