Dusting Shelves

Dusting teaches children to care for materials and their environment while developing systematic cleaning habits.

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

Objectives

• Learn dusting technique
• Develop organizational skills
• Build care for materials

Materials

• Dusting cloth or duster
• Shelf to dust
• Basket for removed items

Instructions

1. Remove items from shelf to basket. 2. Dust top of shelf first. 3. Wipe in one direction. 4. Dust front edge. 5. Wipe sides. 6. Clean items before replacing. 7. Arrange items neatly on shelf.

Educator tip

Teach to remove items rather than dust around them. Show how to shake or wash dusting cloths.

Assessment

Child dusts shelf completely and replaces items neatly.

More from Practical Life

• Vacuuming
• Emptying Trash
• Scrubbing with a Brush
• Polishing Wood
• Polishing Metal
• Arranging Flowers
• Watering Plants
• Caring for a Pet