Montessori Childrens House
of the west coast

Yes, cleaning can actually be deeply engaging.

Posted on Friday, October 10, 2008

When working with your child in the classroom in the morning, you probably noticed an array of child sized cleaning supplies: brooms, dustpans, mops, dusters, window washing equipment and polishing supplies.  As with everything in the Montessori environment, these materials have a specific purpose beyond just their obvious function.

Activities with these materials belong to the area of Practical Life, one of the five curriculum areas of the Montessori classroom.  A special subgroup of activities within Practical Life is called “Care of the Environment”. These simple activities of cleaning, polishing and caring for plants and animals allow young children to participate in the maintenance of the environment and perform tasks that they often see the adults in their life perform each and every day. Children love to clean and go about it with great enthusiasm and purpose!

Activities that are often “chores” for us build in the child confidence in their abilities and allow them to feel like they are contributing members of their family and their community at school. These activities also develop coordination of movement, both large and small, and a keen sense of order and sequence as the child follows the step by step process built into the activity (an early preparation for mathematics).  Caring for the environment builds love and respect for that environment along with a sense of ownership.  Cleaning and putting materials away on the shelf make children aware of the beauty and order in their environment.  Taking care of the animals and plants also serves to make them familiar with the needs and habits of plants and animals and by caring for them they in turn learn to love and appreciate them.  This is the beginning of global environmentalism.

Many of these activities can be successful when created at home too.  Child sized cleaning equipment is not expensive and can be purchased through local hardware stores or through Montessori Services (you will receive their catalogue soon).  Window cleaning exercises can be made with a simple spray bottle filled with water and vinegar, a rag and a squeegee, all in a handy “carry all”.  A small bucket with fresh water and a sponge in the kitchen allows a child to clean table tops and counters.  Having a central location where these cleaning supplies can be found allows your child can get to them when the need arises and therefore develops independence.  If you are cleaning the house, make it a family occasion.  Of course these jobs should be age appropriate and the supplies should be non-toxic.  MCH teachers will be more than happy to give you ideas.  Happy cleaning!!!!!