Presentation

  1. 1

    Invite the child. Take the broom, dustpan, and brush from their hooks.

  2. 2

    Scatter a small handful of paper scraps on the floor near the taped square.

  3. 3

    Hold the broom with one hand near the top and one hand halfway down.

  4. 4

    Sweep with short strokes toward the square, keeping the broom low. Pushing everything inside the tape is the point of interest.

  5. 5

    Kneel, hold the dustpan at the edge of the square, and brush the pile into it.

  6. 6

    Carry the dustpan level to the trash and empty it.

  7. 7

    Hang the broom, dustpan, and brush on their hooks.

  8. 8

    Invite the child to sweep.

Extensions, easiest to hardest

  1. Sweep without the taped square
  2. Sweep under a table after snack
  3. Sweep the outdoor path or entryway

Control of error

Pieces left outside the taped square are visible; debris left on the floor after the dustpan shows a step to repeat.

Ready to move on when the child…

  • Sweeps all pieces into the square
  • Collects the pile with the dustpan without scattering it
  • Sweeps up spills (sand, crumbs) without being asked

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