Keeping Germs Away PSHE lesson plan
A primary PSHE lesson for Years 1 and 2 that helps UK teachers introduce hygiene habits and germ awareness through a structured, ready-to-teach lesson. Pupils learn to recognise everyday situations where germs can spread, understand why simple hygiene habits matter, and practise safe, practical routines such as handwashing and covering coughs.
Keeping Safe & First Aid
Snapshot
Keeping Germs Away
The lesson gives teachers a structured way to introduce hygiene habits and germ awareness using simple, age-appropriate routines pupils can practise straight away.
Prep time:
5 to 10 minutes
Lesson length:
45 to 50 minutes
Key Focus
Recognising how germs spread and practising simple hygiene routines
Lesson Format
Teacher-led discussion and structured activities
What pupils will learn
By the end of the lesson, students will be supported to:
Recognise
recognise everyday situations where germs can spread, such as coughing, sneezing or touching shared objects
recognise simple moments when a hygiene routine is needed, such as before eating or after using the toilet
recognise that staying clean is part of looking after their own health
Understand
understand why handwashing and other simple habits help reduce the spread of germs
understand that hygiene routines are something everyone can practise, not just when they feel unwell
Practise
practise simple handwashing steps
practise covering their mouth or nose when coughing or sneezing
practise talking about hygiene habits using simple, everyday language
Who this lesson is for?
This lesson is designed for younger primary pupils in Years 1 and 2 who are beginning to learn about hygiene, personal care and everyday health routines.
It is suitable for:
primary PSHE lessons
relationships and health education
pastoral care, circle time or form time
personal care and independence skill building
early keeping safe and first aid awareness work
Suitability should be based on more than age alone. Teachers should consider the lesson focus, pupil maturity, cohort needs, classroom culture, existing discussion norms and available support pathways.
Best used when
Use this lesson when students need clear, practical language for recognising unkind behaviour and knowing what to do next.
Introducing hygiene routines Use when pupils are learning simple hygiene habits for the first time, such as handwashing steps.
Building classroom culture Use when reinforcing everyday health routines like washing hands before eating or after using the toilet.
Supporting personal care and independence Use when pupils are developing self care skills for school and home routines.
Practising safe hygiene habits Use when pupils need time to rehearse steps such as handwashing or covering a cough.
Preparing for transition Use when pupils are moving into new routines, such as a new class, and need clear hygiene expectations.
Creating a structured PSHE discussion Use when you want a calm, teacher-led discussion about health and hygiene.
The lesson can be used proactively with the whole class. It does not need to follow a specific incident.
Why this lesson matters
Pupils benefit from clear, practical language for staying clean and knowing what simple hygiene routines look like in everyday school life. Keeping safe and healthy is not only about responding when someone feels unwell. It also involves teaching pupils early how to recognise everyday hygiene habits, such as handwashing, that help them look after themselves and others. This lesson supports a practical, skills based approach to hygiene, helping pupils build confidence with simple routines they can use at school and at home.
How this lesson supports wellbeing
This lesson supports student wellbeing by building practical social and emotional skills students can use in everyday school life. It helps students develop:
Capability How the lesson supports it
Personal care skills Pupils practise simple hygiene routines such as handwashing.
Health awareness Pupils recognise how everyday habits help keep them well.
Independence Pupils build confidence managing their own hygiene routines.
Responsibility Pupils understand that looking after themselves also helps protect others.
Communication Pupils practise using simple language to talk about hygiene habits.
Safety awareness Pupils recognise everyday situations where hygiene routines matter.
For teachers and school leaders, the lesson contributes to broader wellbeing, respectful relationships, child safety and pastoral care goals in Australian primary schools.
Teaching notes & Delivery Considerations
This lesson includes content about unkind behaviour, exclusion and asking adults for help. It should be taught with calm, clear discussion norms.
Before teaching
Check practical setup, such as access to a sink or hand sanitiser if pupils will practise handwashing steps
Remind pupils not to name classmates when discussing hygiene habits
Frame the discussion around everyday routines rather than personal judgement of individual pupils
Identify how pupils in your class currently manage hygiene routines so examples feel familiar
During delivery
Use simple, familiar examples such as washing hands before eating or after using the toilet
Give pupils time to practise steps such as handwashing or covering a cough
Use calm, matter of fact language rather than framing germs as frightening
Allow pupils to respond through discussion, drawing or simple demonstration depending on confidence
Supporting safe discussion
Keep the focus on shared routines rather than individual pupils' habits at home
Avoid comments about appearance, cleanliness or family circumstances
Encourage privacy when pupils talk about their own routines, without asking them to share personal details
Adaptation options
Use simple visual steps for pupils who need extra support with sequencing
Slow the pace for pupils who need more time to practise physical steps like handwashing
Extend discussion for pupils ready to talk about why hygiene habits matter for the whole class
Be prepared to follow your school's safeguarding procedures and speak with the designated safeguarding lead if a pupil discloses harm or says they feel unsafe.
