Lockdown Day 13 – Washing Windows
Time to do some housework again today!
* WINDOW WASHING *
With the little (or lot) bits of rain that we have had across the country during the past 13 days, it is certainly evident in our homes that the windows could do with a clean!
This is a lovely gross and fine motor skills activity for children that can provide hours of entertainment.
PREPARATION
- Mix up a homemade window washing solution in a spray bottle. A simple solution of half white vinegar, half water with a few drops of pleasantly scented essential oil (lavender smells lovely) works well and is safe for young children to use.
- Remember to engage the child in mixing up the quantities – measuring, pouring and the control of fine motor skills can be practiced here.
- Set up a window-cleaning bucket that the child can easily carry from window to window. Into this bucket, place the spray bottle of homemade window cleaner, a squeegee (if you have one) or a washcloth, and a drying cloth.
GROUND RULES
Before you let the child loose on the windows, set some ground rules as boundaries. Here are some ideas that you can agree on:
- Which windows need to be cleaned. Perhaps you could mark these windows somehow to remind the child what has been agreed on?
- What may be sprayed! You may wish to set some clear boundaries here before starting to avoid the computer, TV or cat being ‘cleaned’ in the process!
PRESENTATION
1. Invite the child to clean the windows.
2. Ask the child to bring the bucket over to the first window.
3. Take the spray bottle from the bucket and show the child how this works (if s/he has not used a spray bottle before). If the child is already familiar with the spray bottle, remind the child to aim the spray bottle at the window!
4. Spray the necessary amount of cleaner at the window – you will need to decide on the amount given the size of the windowpane you are cleaning.
5. Place the spray bottle back into the bucket.
6. Take the squeegee in your dominant hand and show the child how to clean the window in vertical lines from the top to the bottom, firstly with the sponge part.
7. Use the reverse side with the rubber blade and again in vertical movements, from top to bottom, clean off the water to leave a clean window.
8. Put the squeegee back into the bucket.
9. Use the drying cloth to wipe off any bits of water or any streaks.
10. If you do not have a squeegee, you will need to show the child how to use a washcloth before drying the window with the drying cloth.
11. Return the drying cloth to the bucket and move to the next window.
12. Invite the child to continue cleaning the remaining windows that you have identified.
When all the windows have been cleaned (or when the child announces that s/he has had enough!), ask the child to wash out the drying (and washing) cloth and peg this on the line to dry, ready for the next window washing day.
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Have fun!