Playing — Healthy Habits (Hygiene)

For children aged 6 — simple ways to stay clean and safe when you play. These tips are easy to do at home, at school, or at the playground in Kenya.

Why hygiene matters

When you keep clean, you stay healthy and can play more. Clean hands and clean toys stop germs from making you ill. Ask an adult if you are not sure.

Wash your hands — when and how

• When to wash: before you eat 🍽️, after you play 🧸, after using the toilet 🚽, and after sneezing or coughing 🤧.
• Use soap and clean water (tap, jerrycan, or basin) — soap helps kill germs 🧼💧.

Tip: Sing the ABC song (or count to 20) while scrubbing — that makes your hands clean enough!

Good hygiene while playing

• Wear shoes or sandals when playing outside — this protects your feet from cuts and jiggers. 👟
• Keep nails short and clean — long nails can hold dirt and germs.
• Cover cuts or scrapes with a clean cloth or plaster and tell an adult. 🩹
• Don’t put toys, stones or dirty hands in your mouth. If a toy is dirty, wash it with soap and water.
• Use a clean cup and bottle for drinking. Do not share cups without washing them first.
• Throw rubbish in a dustbin — keep play areas clean. 🗑️

If you play near water or mud

Avoid deep, dirty puddles or standing water. If you get very dirty, change into clean clothes and wash well. Ask an adult for clean water or help.

Rhyme to remember

Wash, wash, scrub and play,
Clean hands keep germs away.
Shoes on feet, toys are tidy,
Ask mama or teacher — be safe and happy!

When to tell an adult

• If you have a deep cut, feel sick, or see a very dirty place — tell your parent, teacher, or caregiver.
• If you find sharp objects or broken glass while playing — do not touch them. Ask an adult to remove them safely.

These simple habits help you enjoy playing and stay well. Share them with your friends at school and at home!