Practice Putting Things Away

1. 1

   After a day of play, things may be scattered around the room. Begin the cleanup by helping your child learn where each object belongs.

2. 2

   Put things away together and name each destination: “The car goes in the toy bin. The cup goes on the table. The blanket goes in the closet.”

3. 3

   If your child carries the blanket without knowing where to put it, walk to the closet together and explain, “The blanket goes with these thick clothes because they all keep us warm.”

4. 4

   When an object reaches the right place, respond right away: “Yes, that’s its home!” Then choose the next item together.

5. 5

   At other times of day, ask your child to bring you a familiar object. These small exchanges help them learn what things are called and where to find them.

What to notice

• Puts an object in the right place after hearing where it belongs and why Attending and Understanding
• Returns a familiar object, such as a toy or cup, to its usual place Memory

Tips

• Give each object your child puts away a consistent “home.”
• Clean up beside your child instead of directing from across the room. Your company can make it easier and more comfortable for them to join in.

Developmental benefits

• Language: Talking about each object, where it belongs, and why during cleanup helps your child connect familiar words with locations and routines.
• Cognitive: Remembering where familiar objects belong gives your child practice using past experience to put things away and find them again.