Public health is at the core of Louisville Water’s mission. That mission extends beyond producing and delivering high-quality drinking water to nearly a million people every day. Louisville Water educators visit classrooms across the area every week, teaching students about where our water comes from and the treatment process as well as the health benefits of water. One of the ways we use water to stay healthy is by washing our hands.
“I think this is probably one of the most important lessons we teach children. We want to make sure they’re going to be healthy and safe, and not sick,” said Susan Sampson, one of Louisville Water’s longtime educators.
Global Handwashing Day is celebrated every year on October 15. It’s fitting that Sampson visited Bloom Elementary last week to show groups of first graders the right way to wash their hands with our Clean Hands Up! program.
“Wet our hands. Pump the soap,” the class repeated.
Practice makes perfect as Sampson and the class recited the steps of where the kids should use soap and water- in between the fingers, the tops of their hands, under those fingernails, and don’t forget the thumbs!
“You have to wash your hands for 20 seconds,” shouted one little boy.
Sampson used glow-in-the-dark lotion on the students’ hands so they could lather up and wash them, following those steps. Then it was time to bring out the blacklight and inspect their techniques.
“They love to see the pretend germs under the light,” she shared.
Overall, the class passed the test. Sampson pointed out a spot here or there where the children might need to scrub a little harder. When the bell rung for the next lesson, the class lined up and grabbed a worksheet with their clean hands.
“I think they can teach others because we have a handout that goes home that shows them how to wash their hands.” Sampson said, “We encourage them to go home and share with their family.”
After all, handwashing is a skill they’ll use every day.
“It is definitely a life lesson.”
Below: Check out this video where Tapper makes handwashing fun for your little ones!