There has been a long-time debate in Early Childhood Education (ECE) about whether direct instruction or free play has more benefits for children's learning and development.

In recent years a shift toward “play-based learning” is gaining increasing support. It is an approach that combines the benefits of play and traditional teaching, particularly in an Early Childhood Education setting. "Play-based learning" is like an umbrella that holds together all similar educational approaches, including guided play.

According to a study Can guidance during play enhance children’s learning and development in educational contexts? guided play has three fundamental characteristics that provide an optimal learning experience for children in ECE.

Top3 Elements for Guided Play

One of the best, cheapest, and most effective ways to keep children healthy, is to teach them how to wash hands properly. Children need to learn to take care of their hygiene from early on. Washing hands frequently is one of the best habits a child can learn - and this habit will never be out of fashion whatever the age or season!

When children should wash their hands?

Here are some situations when it is recommended to wash hands. Children should wash their hands always when...

• arriving to daycare
• coming home
• before eating
• after being to the toilet
• after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• hands are visibly dirty

These are some simple guidelines that stop germs from spreading for example from bus to daycare or from supermarket to home. And of course, adults should follow all these guidelines as well.

Soap, soap, more soap!

First of all, the most important thing when washing hands is soap! Without bubbles, the germs are not going to vanish that easily.

It is not that important, whether the water is cold or hot - the main focus should be on the soapy water.

Also, even hand sanitizer does not kill all kinds of bacteria and viruses, for example, certain diarrhea-causing viruses. Therefore soap is the key! When hands are washed efficiently with soap, it is highly effective at killing most germs and pathogens.

All About Me -lesson plan sample

How to wash your hands properly?