Drying Dishes

Drying dishes teaches children to complete tasks fully and care for materials properly.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Practical Life
• Learning area: Care of Environment
• Level: Ages 3-5

Objectives

• Complete dish cleaning cycle
• Develop thoroughness
• Build teamwork

Materials

• Clean dish towels
• Drying rack with wet dishes
• Storage locations

Instructions

1. Select clean, dry towel. 2. Pick up item from rack. 3. Dry inside thoroughly. 4. Dry outside completely. 5. Check for remaining water. 6. Stack in storage location. 7. Continue with all items. 8. Hang wet towel to dry.

Educator tip

Show how to check for water spots. Teach storage locations so children can put items away.

Assessment

Child dries dishes completely and stores appropriately.

More from Practical Life

• Sorting Recycling
• Composting Food Scraps
• Spreading with a Knife
• Cutting Soft Foods with a Knife
• Peeling Vegetables with a Peeler
• Grating Cheese
• Squeezing Citrus
• Making a Simple Salad