They finally get things JUST RIGHT…and it’s cleanup time. That’s what happens to preschoolers! Often they build elaborate structures from blocks or set up a particularly complex game in dramatic play.

Imagine how frustrating it would be to spend an hour creating something, and before you could enjoy it, you had to take it apart. We use our magic glasses to search for any toys that need to be put away. We have them take out their magic toy glasses. Reward them with a sticker, a special coveted job like line leader, or they get to choose the game the students play next. When that item gets put away, make a huge celebration and declare that the child who put that item away is the “Super Cleaner” of the day. Little learners LOVE anything “magic.” So why not incorporate some magic into the cleanup routine? Several different teachers suggest announcing that they are secretly selecting a “magic” cleanup item. “Nayal, thank you for putting away the blocks so nicely!” encourages not only the child being addressed but also the other children in search of praise as well. It helps to praise students as they put things away. Of course, students love to hear that they are doing a good job. This breaks down the mess so that students are not overwhelmed looking at it all at once. Pamela B.Īnother tactic can be to form small piles and assign a different pile to each child. I give them one specific item, such as “cars” or “puppets” and let them focus on that one task. I’ve noticed that children who won’t help during clean-up time are often overwhelmed by the prospect. Instead, encourage them to clean up all the blocks of a specific color, the books in the library center, or everything in a small, specific area. Telling a child to “clean up” without more instruction might lead to blank stares and little action. I try to find a long song! Katherine H Be SpecificĪ giant mess can quickly become overwhelming to young students. We play a song and try to get everything tidied up before it finishes. Puppet Teacher – Have children take directions from a puppet instead of the teacher.Color Challenge: Every child gets a different color to clean up!.“I Spy” where the teacher gives clues to different items that need to be put away.“Surprise” a teacher that left the room by cleaning up quickly before they return.Tons of soft toys? Make a game of tossing them into a basket from a distance.Turn it into a race against a timer or song.Cleanup time symbolizes the end of the fun – but it doesn’t have to!

Tidy up song for early years