Presentation

  1. 1

    Invite the child and carry the dusting basket to a low shelf.

  2. 2

    Run a finger along the shelf and show the dust on your fingertip. Seeing the dust is the point of interest.

  3. 3

    Lift each object off the section and place it on the floor or a mat beside you, in the same order.

  4. 4

    Wipe the shelf from left to right with the cloth, then from back to front, gathering dust to the front edge.

  5. 5

    Hold the dustpan under the edge and brush the dust into it.

  6. 6

    Return each object to its place. Run a finger along the shelf again to check.

  7. 7

    Shake the cloth over the trash can or outdoors. Return the basket.

  8. 8

    Invite the child to dust the next section.

Extensions, easiest to hardest

  1. Dust objects (plants' leaves, sensorial material) with a soft brush
  2. Dust a whole shelf unit section by section
  3. Dust as a daily classroom job

Control of error

A finger run along the shelf shows remaining dust.

Ready to move on when the child…

  • Dusts a section and returns every object to its place
  • Checks the surface with a finger without being reminded
  • Chooses dusting when the shelf is dusty

Try “pink tower”, “tummy”, “diaper”, “grace and courtesy”, or “October”.