- Involve the children: Instead of just instructing the children to clean up, involve them in the process. Assign specific tasks to each child or pair them up to work together. For example, one child can be responsible for putting away the blocks while another child puts away the books. This will give the children a sense of responsibility and ownership over the cleaning process.
- Use positive language: Instead of just telling the children what not to do (e.g., “Stop playing with the toys and clean up”), use positive language to encourage them. For example, say “Let’s work together to tidy up the room so that we can play in a clean and organized space.”
- Make it a game: Cleaning up can be more fun if it’s turned into a game. Set a timer and see how quickly the children can clean up, or challenge them to put away as many toys as possible in a certain amount of time. Offer small rewards or praise for a job well done.
- Provide visual cues: Use pictures or labels to help children remember where things belong. For example, label shelves or bins with pictures of the toys that belong in them. This will make it easier for the children to know where to put things away.
- Use music: Playing upbeat and fun music during clean-up time can make it more enjoyable for the children. Create a clean-up time playlist with songs that the children enjoy and that have a good rhythm for working.
Rhyme that could be used during clean-up time –
Let us all clean the room, let us all pick up the toys
We’ll work together, girls and boys
When we’re done, the room will shine
And we’ll feel so proud, it will be just fine.
