Hygiene might not sound like the most exciting topic… but what if we told you it could be fun, messy, and totally hands-on (literally)? These Germ Activities for Preschoolers contain 23 unique ideas and a set of printable worksheets that sneak in learning while the kids explore the world of germs. We’re talking math, literacy, fine motor skills, and science all wrapped up in soap bubbles and splashes!
Related: Dental Activities for Preschoolers
What are Germs?
Before diving into the fun, let’s start with the basics. Kids are naturally curious, so this is a great time to spark a little discussion.
Here’s a super simple way to explain it:
Germs (also called microbes) are teeny-tiny living things that are so small we can’t see them without a microscope. Some germs are good and help our bodies, but others can make us sick. That’s why we wash our hands, brush our teeth, and keep things clean, to stop the bad germs from causing trouble!”
Here’s a sneak peek at some of the fun you can have while learning about hygiene:
Engaging activities that target age-appropriate skills. From math activities to games and pattern recognition.
There’s also CVC words, and letter sounds.
Plus there are vocabulary words, math pages and hand-washing sequencing activities.
Get the Activity Pack Here
Germ Activities
There are so many activities to pick from! Try using different centres to keep it interesting. Let’s break it down:
Literacy Activities
1. Vocabulary Chart – Learn the vocabulary words and germ colors. Place the vocabulary word cards in a sensory bin and trace the words as you find them. Cards can also be used for a memory-matching game.
2. Mini Reader – Read the book, color the pictures and then complete the worksheet.
3. Missing Alphabet Letter – Use a letter tile, magnetic letter, or included paper letters to fill in the missing letters.
4. Dirty and Healthy Hygiene Habits – Read the prompt, look at the picture, and then clip the happy or sad face.
5. Riddles – Read the riddles and match the correct vocabulary word.
6. CVC Words – Clip the word that is in the soap container. We have included a worksheet that can also be used.
7. Pop the Bubbles – Turn the soap card. Identify the picture and then add a bingo chip to the letter sound.
8. Germ Letters – Hide letter cards in a sensory bin, then find them and trace the corresponding numbers. Germ letters can also be placed in alphabetical order. Cards can also be used as a memory-matching game by printing out two copies.
9. Sight Words – Read the sight word card, then build it with letter tiles or magnets and write it. We included a worksheet to be used as well.
Math Activities
10. Germ Smash Counting – Count the germs on the cards then find the matching number. Place a ball of playdough on the number then smash it with your finger. You can also tape pipe cleaners to the cards and thread the same number of beads through.
11. Ten Frame Mats – Trace the number in numerical form as well as the word. Then place small pom poms on the hand to represent the number and fill in the ten frame.
12. Addition and Subtraction – Use the addition and subtraction cards to place germs on the hand. Add and subtract according to the equation cards. Then fill in the answer.
13. Number Counting Cards – Count the germs on the cards then write in the number. You can also draw germs using a dry erase marker on a laminated hand page and use tissue or water in a spray bottle with a tissue to clean off the germs
14. Number Matching Puzzles – Cut out the number puzzles and match the pieces.
Sequencing Activities
15. Wash Your Hands Sequencing – Place the handwashing sequencing routine near your sink. Then discuss the steps. Use the color copy or worksheet to place the activity in the correct sequence.
16. Pattern Breakers – Identify the pattern breakers and make an X. For the Germ Patterns find the pattern piece that would be next in the pattern. You can also match these according to colors by using pom poms.
Fine Motor Activities
17. Tissue Box Craft – Color the pictures, then cut out the tissue box and tissues on the dashed lines. Fold the “tissues” on the solid line and glue to the box.
18. Germ Tracing Pages – Trace the germs to the hand sanitizer on the dashed lines.
19. Germ I Spy – Hide the germ cards around the room or use the In the classroom page to find the hidden germs then tick them off.
20. Hole Punch Activity – Cut the germ strips, then use a hole punch to punch out the middle of each circle.
21. Name Craft – Cut out the pieces then glue the hands to the top of the name piece. Write your name and how many letters it includes. Then write the letters in the germ bubbles and place them under the soap bubbles.
22. Germ Number Craft – Each page has a different number of germs. Cut them out, glue them to the hand and write how many germs are on the hands.
23. Dishwashing Liquid and Pepper Science – Use the instructions to do the dish soap and pepper science experiment. For older students, use the included recording sheet pages.
Tip of the Day
Make hygiene part of the kids’ daily routine, including their playtime. As soon as they understand why we do basic hygienic habits and have fun doing it, they’re more likely to stick with it!
Worksheets
These are easy to prep and use with your learners. All you need to do is print them out, and they’re ready to be enjoyed!
Get the Activity Pack Here
Check out my recommended 20 Germ Books for Kids to help the kids understand it better, or for something to read during story time!
There’s also more Germ Crafts and Activities if you’d like to do more crafts or keep the theme running.
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