Your Child Will Learn
How to help clean up
Here’s What to Do
- Tell your child that you’re going to play a game of “Simon Says.” You’re going to be Simon, and whatever you say to clean up, your child needs to clean up.
- Find a stuffed animal to be the “Fake Simon.” Explain that when the stuffed animal says to do something, your child should not listen.
- Give your child specific instructions about what to pick up and where/how to put it away. Have “Fake Simon” give silly instructions about how to make the room messier.
- Incorporate “Simon Says Clean Up” into your daily routine (try after school or after dinner).
Put PEER Into Action
PAUSE
- Flicker the lights on and off or clap 3 times. This is your child’s signal to pause and listen.
ENGAGE
- “Simon says: put the crayon into the box. High five, you did it! Simon says: pick up the wooden blocks and put them in the white basket.”
- “Lion says: take all the stuffed animals out of your bed and throw them on the floor. Should we listen?”
ENCOURAGE
- “You’re such a good helper. I really appreciate how you’re helping to care for our things and our home.”
- Give your child high-fives or thumbs up when they follow a direction correctly, and ask them to roar like a lion when they make a mistake.
REFLECT
- “What other times could we play Simon Says Clean Up?”
Not Quite Ready
Just have “Simon” give one direction in each clean up session. Add on more cleaning steps as your child gains more stamina.
Ready for More
Change the directions to make it more challenging (like: pick up one big truck and one small truck).
As Your Child Masters This Skill
They will understand how to help clean up.
Time to Complete
15-20 minutes
Materials Needed
Whatever needs to be put away