2.5y–4.2y8 minSelf-careToiletingMealtime
Soap Superpowers: Why We Wash
A playful handwashing routine where you talks with your child about why washing hands matters, then practices the steps with a short song and growing independence.
What you'll need
Essentials
- soap and running water
- a towel (or paper towel) at your child’s reach
Nice to have
- a step stool (if needed and safe)
- a timer or a simple handwashing song you both know
Movement level: false
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneWashes and dries hands through the steps, promptedBody· 2y–3.5y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneWashes and dries hands independentlyBody· 2.5y–3.3y· core
- MilestoneUnderstands healthy daily habitsMind· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneFollows instructions with several steps or actionsMind· 3.3y–4y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneBegins self-care independenceBody· 22mo–3y· stretch
- MilestoneExplains causesMind· 3.8y–4.6y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneAnswers simple open questionsMind· 2.3y–3.3y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneReenacts familiar experiencesMind· 2.2y–3.8y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneTwo-channelled attention – can listen and do for short span.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneStays focused during activityMind· 2.5y–3y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneListens to others one to one or in small groups, when conversation interests them.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Step 1
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Talk with children about the importance of hand-washing.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)