Incorporating music into learning about hand-washing can be entertaining and can keep children's attention. Sing, whistle or hum a song or tune along with children as they wash their hands. You can teach them to continue the song and hand-washing for a certain period of time, such as for the length of time it takes to sing the alphabet song. Also try changing the lyrics of a favorite song to words that revolve around hand-washing.
Hand-washing does not have to be routine or boring when you make it into a game. Siblings or classmates can have a contest to see who can remember to wash their hands most regularly. An adult can make up a colorful chart onto which a child can place a star or check mark every time he washes his hands. Include a box in the chart for each time the child should wash his hands --- before each meal, after using the bathroom, after playing outside and any other times that are relevant to your routine. Children can also, with the assistance of parents or teachers, make up a board game or other type of game --- the sillier the better --- that is all about hand-washing.
Kids can write entertaining skits and perform them for their classmates, friends or parents. Puppet shows can be great fun, too. The topics can revolve around hand-washing --- for example, a skit could include a child character who washes his hands every time he is supposed to do so, and another child character who is not conscientious about washing his hands and gets sick all the time. If the children are younger or otherwise unable to write drama scripts, parents or teachers can write them.
Children can write essays, poems or stories about hand-washing, then read them aloud to classmates, friends, teachers and parents. Adults can encourage kids to get creative, illustrating their stories if they would like to do so. They can even help kids get these creative works published in newspapers or magazines. You can also make up a colorful poster or picture to display in every bathroom. This could include a numbered list of step-by-step instructions on hand-washing, or a checklist so that kids can review the poster and make sure they wash their hands properly. For kids who cannot read yet, you can depict the instructions through pictures.