**Lesson Plan: Healthy Habits for Toddlers - Topic: Toilet and Hygiene**
**Objective:**
Toddlers will learn the importance of toileting hygiene, including proper handwashing techniques and understanding when to use the toilet.
**Materials Needed:**
- Picture books on toileting habits (e.g., "Potty" by Leslie Patricelli)
- Child-friendly toilet or potty chair
- Handwashing station with soap and water
- Chart paper and markers
- Stickers for rewards
- Visual aids (pictures of steps to use the toilet and wash hands)
**Duration:**
30 minutes
**Introduction (5 minutes):**
1. **Greeting and Circle Time:** Gather the children in a circle and greet them warmly.
2. **Introduction to Topic:** Introduce the topic by discussing what a toilet is and why we use it. Show a picture of a toilet and potty chair.
3. **Story Time:** Read a short picture book about potty training and using the toilet.
**Main Activity (20 minutes):**
**1. Demonstration (5 minutes):**
- Show the children the child-friendly toilet or potty chair.
- Explain the steps of using the toilet:
1. Pulling down pants.
2. Sitting on the toilet or potty chair.
3. Wiping properly (with the guidance of an adult where necessary).
4. Flushing the toilet.
5. Washing hands thoroughly.
**2. Role Play and Practice (10 minutes):**
- Divide the children into small groups.
- Role-play the steps of using the toilet, with each child getting a turn to practice.
- Emphasize proper hygiene methods, including wiping and handwashing.
**3. Handwashing Demonstration (5 minutes):**
- Show children how to wash their hands properly:
1. Wet hands with water.
2. Apply soap.
3. Rub hands together to make bubbles, making sure to clean between fingers, under nails, and up to wrists.
4. Rinse hands thoroughly under running water.
5. Dry hands with a clean towel or air dryer.
- Allow toddlers to practice washing their hands at the handwashing station.
**Closing Activity (5 minutes):**
**1. Recap:**
- Gather children back in a circle.
- Recap the steps of using the toilet and the importance of washing hands.
**2. Positive Reinforcement:**
- Praise children for their participation and practice.
- Hand out stickers as rewards for good participation and effort.
**3. Song Time:**
- End with a fun “Toilet and Handwashing” song to reinforce the learned concepts. (e.g., to the tune of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star"):
“Wash, wash, wash your hands,
Make them nice and clean.
Rub them here, rub them there,
Rub them in between.
Wash, wash, wash your hands,
Make them nice and clean.”
**Assessment:**
- Observe the children during role play and practice.
- Provide gentle reminders and assistance as needed.
- Reinforce correct techniques and praise efforts to encourage continued practice.
**Follow-Up:**
- Send a handout to parents with tips on how to reinforce toileting and handwashing practices at home.
- Introduce a “Potty Chart” with stickers for children to track their progress during the week.
**Note:**
Always maintain a positive and patient attitude. Ensure that toileting experiences are stress-free and supportive to promote a sense of accomplishment and confidence in toddlers.