22mo–3y10 minSelf-careFamily time
Wash, Rub, Rinse, Dry: Your Turn
A short handwashing routine game that pauses on each step so your child can try, accepts help for tricky parts, and practises asking for help instead of stopping.
What you'll need
Essentials
- sink (or a bowl of warm water)
- soap
- towel or washcloth
Nice to have
- step stool
- a short handwashing song or timer
- a mirror for wiping face
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 3-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· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneBegins self-care independenceBody· 22mo–3y· core
- MilestoneShows confidence in asking adults for help.Heart· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Steps 2, 3
- MilestoneParticipates in hygiene routinesBody· 15mo–2.3y· core
- MilestoneWashes and dries hands independentlyBody· 2.5y–3.3y· stretch
- MilestoneUnderstands simple questionsMind· 14mo–2.2y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneGestures wants or needsMind· 10mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 2
What it practices
- Beginning to be independent in self-care, but still often needs adult support.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Helps with clothing, e.g. puts on hat, unzips zipper on jacket, takes off unbuttoned shirt.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Clearly communicates their need for potty or toilet.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE) — construct-derived activity authored from enriched DM2012 construct