Preventing germs from flying through the air or onto other people is the first step in stopping the spread of disease as a result of coughing and sneezing. Help preschoolers understand this important fact by hosting activities that make covering one’s mouth an automatic response to an impending cough or sneeze. For example, play a song for your class that features a repetitive element, such as a cowbell or shout. Instruct the class to cover their mouths and noses each time they hear this element, pretending they need to cough or sneeze. Children will enjoy the activity and it will help them internalize this healthful habit.
Once preschoolers have learned the basics of the spread of disease and are consistently covering their mouths every time they cough or sneeze, introduce to them the best materials to use to block the spread of germs. For example, play a game in which preschoolers enact their most realistic coughs and sneezes while covering their mouths with tissue. Even if children are not sick, they will have fun performing this activity while learning how to safely cough and sneeze.
Coughing or sneezing into a sleeve is the best way to prevent the spread of disease when a tissue is not present. Teach children that the fabric of their clothing will trap the germs expelled from their mouths and prevent them from infecting other people. Introduce this fact through engaging activities and soon preschoolers will automatically sneeze and cough into their sleeves. For example, every time anyone coughs or sneezes throughout the day, ask the entire class to bury their faces in their sleeves. This will help the person who coughed or sneezed remember to mimic this action, and soon it will be second nature to the entire class.
Washing your hands after you sneeze or cough is just as important as preventing germs from flying into the air. Help children make a habit of washing their hands frequently and thoroughly by introducing the habit through an enjoyable activity. For example, purchase colorful, sweet smelling or interestingly shaped soap to place in your school bathroom or classroom sink. Conduct hand washing lessons with children in which you explain that they must scrub all over their hands, including their fingernails, for at least 25 seconds using hot water to kill all germs. Interesting soap will make preschoolers eager to wash their hands using the techniques you teach them, and soon this activity will become a lifelong habit.