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From Our Educators
Does Your Playroom Look Like Your Junk Drawer?

Debra Hasbrook, M.Ed.

Debra Hasbrook, M.Ed.
Debra Hasbrook, M.Ed.
10/9/2014 

You know the one I mean. The drawer in which you toss an item because you are not sure where it goes, or you’re in a hurry. Many mobile infant and toddler classrooms resemble this drawer, because that is what they do. Pick it up here, and drop it over there. Its ok, it’s developmentally appropriate. However there is a learning opportunity here that we often miss when we become frustrated with the ongoing clutter.

Mobile infants and toddlers are not yet aware of the difference between work and play. This is a great time to introduce cleaning up as a game. Instead of becoming annoyed and quickly putting items back where they belong, begin teaching children responsibility and accountability by including them in the cleanup. I would do this many times throughout the day, not just before lunch or going outside when time is limited.  As you begin the cleanup don’t fuss at the children, instead start singing the clean-up song you use in class. When you start singing and look like you are having fun, the children will naturally want to play too. Even if they are not actively helping they are watching and learning. This is now a game.
As you sing and collect items you can ask the children, “Where did the balls go? Let’s find them.” (Keep singing!) When you put the first ball in the container, the children will see this and more than likely put the rest of the balls there too. What do they learn? They learn classification, sorting, matching, following directions, working as a community, and a feeling of accomplishment. 

Make sure you acknowledge their hard work when each task is completed. I have found saying “Hurray for you!” lifting my hands in the air and clapping is a great motivator. They love this. For each item use the same process, one thing at a time. Continue to clean with the children until it is all done. Who knows, you just might have fun too!