Clean Up Monster
Play is all fun and games, but clean up can be a real monster. Here are 5 ways to make clean up more manageable and fun:
Make a leadership plan: "Let's make a plan. When we clean up in 3 minutes, will you be a dinosaur clean up leader or a Lego clean up leader?" This strategy communicates that clean up will happen in 3 minutes and gives children a choice of what to clean up (not if to clean up). My little learners are so proud to be leaders!
Make clean up part of play rather than the end of play: Cars and trucks can drive to the "repair shop" or "parking garage" AKA storage container. Paintbrushes can be washed in color order to "paint the rainbow" in the sink. People or character figurines can get clean in the bathtub (which can also make the transition to bath time easier and more fun!).
Make a "clean up monster": Any container or bag can turn into a clean up monster with a silly voice saying "Feed me (insert kind of toy)" with chomping "teeth" (edges of the container or top opening of the bag) that tickles little one's hands as they put things in the container. One of my favorite clean up monsters even burps sometimes and always says "Excuse me!"
Talk to the toys, not the children: Talking to toys is a great way to give children instructions without being directive. For example, "Dinosaur, I know you can stomp all the way to (insert storage container). Watch out for the tricky rocking chair!"
Designate a save place: Designate a place where children can save their creations in progress or pick up where they left off with a game. Battles over clean up are often about children wanting to protect their play.
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Rebecca A. Weiner, M.Ed. Is a dynamic educator who is passionate about helping young children with diverse abilities, their families, and their teachers connect, communicate, and learn with confidence. She specializes in play-based enrichment, parent coaching, developmental and inclusion support, and consulting in schools.