Handwashing Works is a free, downloadable, comprehensive resource for PreK through 2nd grade educators to use when delivering handwashing education in their schools. First launched in 2018 with a lesson plan and colorful, engaging materials to conduct the activity in the classroom, Handwashing Works teaches students the five steps to follow for effective handwashing and when they should wash their hands.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the increased need for remote learning content, all Handwashing Works materials have been updated to allow for a complete virtual instructive experience.

Essity is now partnering with We Are Teachers, a national online community that provides inspiring and innovative resources forPreK-12 educators to improve the in-school, virtual or home-based classroom experience. This will Increase Handwashing Works’ availability nationwide as schools look for additional virtual learning resources. In addition to offering Handwashing Works through We Are Teachers, Essity has also made it available on Teachers Pay Teachers, the world's most popular online marketplace for original educational resources, as a free download.

“Handwashing Works helps to establish and reinforce proper handwashing habits among young children in a fun and engaging way. Hand hygiene is more important now than ever as keeping hands clean has shown to be a major contributor to helping keep people healthy,“ says Amy Bellcourt, Vice President of Communications at Essity. “The COVID-19 pandemic has created numerous obstacles for schools, and as the school year begins Essity has adapted our hand washing educational materials to work in whatever format a student is using to learn – in-person or remote. We want to support educators so they have the resources to teach this important lesson in how to decrease the spread of germs. It is never too early to learn proper handwashing!”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted on August 19, 2020, “Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses, like flu, this fall and winter is more important than ever.” Being prepared for the 2020-21 flu season, in addition to mitigating the health risks of COVID-19, is more critical than ever, and proper handwashing ꟷ at home, at school and at work ꟷ is an important component of this.

Handwashing Works 2020 Virtual Kit includes:

  • Lesson Plan (appropriate for ages PreK − 2nd Grade)
  • Virtual Learning Powerpoint and PDF with Teacher Prompts
  • Seek and Find “When to Wash” Coloring Pages
  • A variety of Handwashing Worksheets (word search, maze, matching activity, writing prompt)
  • Tork Ella’s Handwashing Adventure App (now available on iPhone, Android and iPad)
  • Handwashing Steps Printable Version
  • Handwashing Works Certificate

Click Here to learn more: handwashingworks.com