Simon Says 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:
- "Why is it important for us to play 'Simon says clean up?' How does it feel to take care of your space and things?"
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?
Have your child be "Simon" and "Fake Simon." They will practice identifying ways to care for (or neglect) their space and things.
As your child masters this skill...
They will participate in caring for their space and their things along side an adult.