PL T3.05Dusting a Shelf
The child wipes an empty section of a low shelf or a low table with a dusting mitt or cloth.
Safety
- Dusting is done dry or with a cloth dampened with water only; no dusting spray or polish is used by or near the child.
- Feather dusters are not used, because feathers can come loose and be put in the mouth.
Presentation
- 1
Take the basket to an empty section of a low shelf. Run one finger along the shelf and show the dust on your fingertip. Seeing the dust is the point of interest.
- 2
Put on the mitt. Wipe the shelf slowly from one end to the other in long strokes.
- 3
Run your finger along the shelf again and show the clean fingertip. Say, 'Clean.'
- 4
Hand the child the mitt. Wait while they dust.
- 5
Shake the mitt over the trash or outdoors together, and put it back in the basket.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Dust a low table or the seat of a chair
- Dust a shelf section with one or two objects on it by lifting each object, wiping under it, and putting it back
- Dust the leaves of a sturdy plant with a soft brush
Control of error
A finger run along the shelf picks up any dust that is left.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Wipes the whole section, end to end
- Checks with a finger after dusting
- Returns the mitt to its basket
Guide note
The 3–6 version has the child take every object off the shelf and return it. For toddlers, start with an empty section so the work has one purpose.