Health Education

A set of interactive resources called ‘A Germ’s Journey’ has been developed between a microbiologist and educationalist to teach about germs and the consequences of hand washing, i.e. good health or bad health. These have been developed to engage children in a number of different activities to embed their learning about health and hygiene; a book, a website with games, downloadable colouring sheets and an optional hand washing activity appropriate for ages 3-7 years.

Hand washing has been shown to be the most effective measure in infection control to prevent cross contamination of disease in a number of research studies (Hugonnet & Pitte, 2000). With a 3rd of infections being preventable with good hand hygiene (Judah et al. 2009), however, young children often do not have the appropriate etiquette and knowledge in order to readily implement hand washing routines, therefore educational resources and interventions are often required in order for them to do so (Randle et al. 2013)

Pre-school children need to understand where germs come from and how they can be passed on to other children and friends/relatives and cause illness to them.

Faecal – oral route: this is the when faeces particles containing bacteria such as E. coli are introduced to the mouth, this is common in early years children due to inadequate toilet training, difficulties cleaning themselves, coupled with lack of hand washing and then putting their hands into their mouths or biting nails.

Microorganisms are microscopic organisms that can take the form of a bacteria, virus or fungi, they are found everywhere and can be useful in cheese, bread, insulin and vaccine production. However, it is the pathogenic bacteria (faecal coliforms such as Escherichia coli) that cause stomach aches, and viruses (Rhinoviruses and Influenza) that cause coughs and colds, that should be the focus of early years children's learning.

Due to germs (bacteria, viruses and fungi) being invisible to the naked eye, it is hard for primary age children to build links between microorganisms, poor hygiene practices and disease. Establishing the fundamental learning principles of behaviourism whereby children learn the sequence of ABC – antecedents, behaviour and consequences (Skinner 1953), the outlined knowledge can be instilled in children’s daily hygiene practices and understanding of disease.