If you’re like most CTE or CNA instructors, the beginning of your year (or class) starts with a whirlwind of ice-breakers, policy reviews, team-building games, and syllabus walkthroughs.
These first few days are important—but once the name tags are made and the classroom expectations are clear, it’s time to dive into the do this first first lesson.
Whether your program follows a state-approved task list or a textbook’s chapter order, I’ve found that starting with this one core lesson makes everything else flow smoother all year long—for new and returning students.
This “pre-curriculum” lesson focuses on three essential skills:
- Proper Handwashing
- Handling Linens Correctly
- Identifying Commonly Used Equipment
Let’s break it down, activity by activity:
1. Handwashing for Beginners
Before we move on to other skills, we have to be able to wash our hands —correctly and thoroughly.
Using “Glo-Germ”
To make this more engaging (and eye-opening), I start by “planting” Glo-Germ powder or lotion (click the picture of the hands below to view on Amazon) on a few commonly touched surfaces before students arrive.
Think doorknobs, chairs, desktops, faucet handles—anywhere real germs would lurk.
Then we turn the lights down and the students line up to be scanned by a black light to see how the “germ” traveled in the classroom.
Pro Tip: Glitter works too! Just be prepared to catch glimpses of glitter for months.
YouTube Activity
Next, the students are ready to see how germs spread in a health care environment.
I love showing Youtube “Infection Control Break the Chain”.
Click the picture below to view.
While the students are viewing the YouTube, I have them find all the points of “spread” they can and write them down on notebook paper.
Then, we back up the video to the beginning and review as a class.
Huge impact!
Use Google Slides
Now, it’s time to dive a little deeper with a short Google Slide Presentation on Hand Hygiene for CNAs and PCTs that includes the steps for effective handwashing AND the use of hand sanitizer.
The slides are included in my “Beginning of Year Bundle” available in my online store.
Click the picture below to view.
Peer-Led Practice Chain
Last, it’s time for actual practice.
Here’s how it works:
- I demonstrate proper technique to the first 4 students (or however many sinks we have).
- Those 4 then teach and supervise the next group.
- and so on
Once all students have practiced, I officially test them off one by one.
This peer-modeling strategy helps build accountability and reinforces teamwork right out of the gate.
2. Handling Linen: Fold, Identify, Repeat
Once handwashing is mastered, we move on to linen handling—another critical foundational skill.
Because often times new students think “linen” is referring to table napkins or pants, I always like to introduce ALL the different pieces of linen and their purposes.
Use Google Slides Again
I always felt students needed a visual about linen. Where to keep them.
Where NOT to keep them. How they should be transported. What is each piece called and what is it used for?
Another set of Google Slides also included in my “Beginning of Year Bundle” does exactly this.
Click the picture below to view.
Table-Top Linen Activity
The next topic reviewed in my first real lesson is linen handling.
Here’s how the linen activity flows:
- Students break into teams with an even number of students (for partner folding).
- They rotate through numbered tables that have piles of unfolded linen. Example, table 1 may have fitted sheets, bath towels and draw sheets. Table 2 may have top sheets, bed spreads and bath blankets. The number of tables depends on what linen you have available in your classroom.
- At each table, students:
- Identify each linen piece on notebook paper.
- Write its name and purpose on notebook paper.
- Fold it correctly.
- Before rotating, they mix the linen up again for the next team.
This hands-on activity is always a favorite, and it really helps solidify linen recognition and handling early.
3. Common Equipment Identification
“Write the Room” Activity
If I haven’t already used the following activity as an ice-breaker (which I often do), I would use it at this point.
It’s time to get familiar with the equipment students will see constantly throughout the year.
On one day, I use a “Write the Room” activity which is also included in my “Beginning of Year Bundle” and pictured below:
- First, students walk around the classroom where I’ve posted pictures of commonly used equipment.
Pro tip: Don’t post them in order to give a “scavenger hunt” feel.
- Next, they record what they think is the name of each item on notebook paper.
- Last, I reveal the real names and pass around a few key items for students to observe closely.
Identify the Real Equipment Activity
On day two, to test recall, I set up the same pieces of equipment physically around the room numbered (I use sticky notes).
Using notebook paper again, students walk around the room and write the matching equipment name next to the correct number.
I set a 20-second timer for each rotation to keep it moving and high energy.
This method builds recognition skills and boosts confidence before the heavy theory begins.
Why This Lesson First?
Starting with these three areas—handwashing, linen handling, and equipment ID—gives students an early sense of success.
These are skills everyone can learn and demonstrate quickly.
They also set a professional tone and help eliminate overwhelm before launching into legal/ethical, infection control, or more complex skill content.
Plus, once these skills are in place, everything else just flows better.
Want to Save Time?
While each activity can be created by you from scratch, I’ve bundled my favorite first lesson materials in a set designed specifically for CNA, PCT, and Health Science programs.
Click the picture below for the details.
The Real First Lesson Complete!
Don’t feel pressured to follow your curriculum word-for-word from day one.
Laying a strong foundation gives you and your students the confidence to tackle the year ahead with skill and efficiency.
What’s your favorite way to start the year in your CNA or Health Science classroom?
Share it in the comments below!
Need engaging resources for your program? Click the picture below to shop!
I will surely try this for all six classes I have. I appreciate all of your great ideas and items to purchase. I hope someday you will sell a year long MNA/CNA course plan. :-)
Thank you so much for the kind words!
The thought is in my head to create a year long curriculum!