The children have to wash their hands often throughout the day - before eating, after eating, after using the toilet etc. When they wash their hands, some children often open the tap to the maximum water flow and watch the water washing away the bubbles instead of actively rubbing their hands to wash them clean. Therefore, to educate the children on the importance of water, we turned off the taps and used water from a bucket to show the children exactly how much water they use altogether!
(The children exclaimed “no water is coming out!” as they turned on the tap)
The children took turns helping each other wash their hands by scooping water from the bucket using a bowl. It was a novel experience for them and they focused on rubbing their hands to wash them clean and check for any residual bubbles, thereby reinforcing the way to wash their hands clean.
When everyone had had their turn, the children gathered around to see how much water they had used just to wash their hands. Many of them agreed that so much water was used! Ever since, many of the children have remembered to not turn the tap to the fullest, and verbally remind each other not to waste water. Great job, everyone!
