Did you know that cleanup time can be fun? At a preschool, it is not only fun but important. There are many benefits of cleanup time. It teaches children a wide variety of life skills and is an important part of child development. Clean-up time encourages young children to take ownership of their space and participate in a goal-driven activity. Rather than living in clutter, children enjoy the satisfaction of a clean space. 

5 Benefits of Cleanup Time at Preschool

There are many benefits to having cleanup time in a preschool classroom. These benefits of cleanup time teach children everything from healthy habits to teamwork. We have outlined five of the many reasons that children benefit from cleanup time at preschool. Cleanup time teaches the following 5 skills:

1. Cleanliness and Organization
2. Healthy Habits
3. Teamwork 
4. Responsibility 
5. Good Behavior 

1) Cleanliness and Organization

A preschool classroom can get messy quickly, but cleanup time teaches children the process of cleaning in a fun way and then allows them to enjoy their work. It also makes children aware of the space, if they get something out, they will understand that they will have to put it away later.

At any good preschool, each toy has its own designated spot. This gives children structure and confidence in the classroom. It also teaches organization because every toy belongs in a specific location. Preschoolers enjoy putting a toy where it belongs. 

2) Healthy Habits

If children only grow up in a messy environment, they will never understand the satisfaction that comes from cleanliness. Starting this in early childhood ensures that a child interprets the differences between chaotic and clean. By living in a clean environment, kids will start to develop a desire for cleanliness. Even if they may not show it in their teens, one day they will appreciate healthy habits that began in preschool.

3) Teamwork

Teamwork is a unique part of the cleanup time at preschool and is just one benefit of enrolling your child in preschool. When cleaning with others, particularly with a cleanup song, is fun! It teaches children how to work collaboratively toward a goal. Children learn how to work together and communicate better with their peers. These are skills that begin at preschool but will likely impact them in their future career where teamwork is essential.

4) Responsibility

Cleaning encourages children to take responsibility for their space and toys. This may even cause kids to desire a clean space. They may even initiate it themselves. Taking care of the classroom also promotes ownership which helps them feel a sense of belonging. 

Encouraging children to maintain cleanliness fosters a sense of duty towards shared spaces that, like teamwork, nurtures a community-minded approach. By instilling a sense of responsibility through cleanup time, preschoolers learn the importance of caring for their environment and respecting others.

5) Good Behavior

Cleanup time can be the baseline for building good behavior. Among the positive behaviors already mentioned, cleanup time also teaches children self-control, self-confidence, social skills, curiosity, communication skills, and more. Additionally, participating in cleanup time cultivates patience, perseverance, and a positive attitude, laying a solid foundation for future successful behavior. Through these experiences, children develop character traits that contribute to their overall well-being and mental growth. 

Tips for Encouraging Cleanup Time at Home

While cleanup time may primarily be a daycare and preschool activity, it can also be done at home. In integrating cleanup time, consider the following tips for a successful cleaning time.

1. Be Consistent: Having a daily routine gives children confidence and security. So try integrating cleanup time after play time or some other everyday activity. 
2. Be an Example: Demonstrating healthy habits is an excellent and effective way to teach your kids. If you want them to be clean, show them how to be clean yourself. 
3. Play a Song: Clean-up songs are something we use all the time in the classroom. Try playing the same clean-up song each day when it is time to clean up. This will help get children into the cleaning mood – and you too!

Consider Preschool for Your Child

Preschools like Lighthouse School understand the value and importance of cleanup time. We desire to provide the best environment for each child to learn, grow, and develop their skills.

Interested in enrolling your child in preschool? Schedule a tour of our school in Willis, Texas to meet our teachers and see how we’re committed to teaching life skills every child needs.