This morning a group of children and I set off to clean the House Area in the West Wing. With some warm soapy water, rinsing water and some towels, we got to work. We washed dishes, pots and pans. We dusted, swept, and even gave the babies a sponge bath. It was a very busy morning that left us feeling a bit tired but very satisfied about our contribution to making the classroom environment beautiful.
Teacher Cynthia: What did you think about us cleaning the House Area today?
Jelani: It was so long! It was hard.
Cooper: It was hard but I want to do it again. I want to clean the table. You clean because it is important that schools have to be clean and shiny.
Jelani: Yeah, we want shiny. I want to clean the table, too.
Amalia: I washed the dishes. It was fun!
Luca: You scrub them hard to get the dirt off. I was sweeping and I moved the thing with the dishes. I want to do it again. I like cleaning.
Matan: I liked cleaning the babies. I was wearing gloves.
Evera: I was very good with the baby. I cleaned the head.
As important as it is to model caring for our spaces, involving the children empowers them to connect with our school on a different level. We plan to make this a regular practice and foresee the children continuing to develop their awareness of their own contributions to their community.
-Teacher Cynthia