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Learning to Use the Bathroom

Anita teaches four-year-old Rahul to use the bathroom on his own — turning on the geyser for warm water, using the Indian toilet, and washing up afterwards.

Anita (mother), Rahul

Key words and phrases

bathrooma room used for bathing and using the toiletRahul learned to use the bathroom by himself.
geysera device that heats water for bathingTurn on the geyser for warm water.
Indian toileta floor-level toilet used in a squatting positionSome homes have an Indian toilet instead of a Western one.
commodea Western-style toilet with a raised seatThe commode is easier for young children to use.
tapa device that controls the flow of waterTurn off the tap after washing your hands.
muga small container used to pour water while bathingUse the mug to pour water over yourself.
wash your handsto clean your hands with soap and waterAlways wash your hands after using the toilet.
slipperysmooth and likely to cause slippingBe careful, the bathroom floor is slippery.
potty trainingteaching a young child to use the toilet independentlyPotty training usually starts around age two or three.
independentable to do something without helpHe feels proud of being independent in the bathroom now.
soapa substance used with water to clean the bodyRub the soap on your hands before rinsing.
bucketa round container used to hold water for bathingFill the bucket with warm water before you bathe.
flushto clean a toilet by releasing a rush of waterDon't forget to flush after using the toilet.
toilet papersoft paper used for cleaning after using the toiletWe keep toilet paper next to the commode.
towela piece of cloth used for drying the bodyDry yourself with the towel after bathing.
toothbrusha small brush used for cleaning teethRahul keeps his toothbrush on the shelf.
dirtynot clean; covered with unwanted marks or germsYour hands look dirty, go wash them.
cleanfree from dirt or germsKeep the bathroom clean after you finish.
batheto wash the whole body with waterRahul likes to bathe on his own now.
rinseto wash something with clean water to remove soap or dirtRinse your hands well after using soap.

Useful sentences

Dialogue

AnitaRahul, let's turn on the geyser first so the water gets warm.

RahulOkay, Mumma. Can I use the mug myself today?

AnitaYes, but be careful, the floor gets slippery.

RahulI'm done! I washed my hands too.

AnitaWonderful! You're becoming so independent now.

RahulCan I do this by myself every day?

AnitaOf course! Just remember to flush and rinse your hands well.

RahulWhere do you keep the extra soap and toilet paper?

AnitaThey're in the cupboard, right next to your towel.

RahulOkay, Mumma. I'll brush my teeth and bathe all by myself now.

Common mistakes

Quick quiz

1. What is a "geyser"?

2. Teaching a young child to use the toilet independently is called ___.

3. Complete: "Be careful, the bathroom floor is ___."

4. What do you use to dry your body after bathing?

5. What should you do to a toilet after using it?

6. Complete: "Rub the ___ on your hands before rinsing."

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