Has “clean-up” time in your classroom become a struggle? Center Time or Free Play may be fan favorites of your students but in the end, the supplies everywhere can leave everyone feeling overwhelmed. This Must-Try Classroom Clean Up Tip is sure to minimize the mess while still encouraging tons of learning fun!
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Must-Try Classroom Clean Up Tip
Often, a classroom mess can be a positive sign that hands-on learning fun is happening and kiddos are truly engaged. But clean up time? It can be a love/hate relationship. A mess that may be beneficial in the moment can sometimes take forever to clean up. But I have a simple solution!
Before we dive into our super easy and effective fix, let’s identify the problem. Many times the cause of this mess is one thing – TOO MANY materials.

For example, if a center requires building blocks, we do NOT need to put out a giant tub. Instead, use this tried and true rule of thumb… Put out just enough, and a few extra!
This doesn’t mean students never get more materials out – but they don’t need MORE until they can clean up a LITTLE!

Try this tip as your first step for making clean up faster and for GIANT messes (that are sometimes unavoidable), be sure to check out my favorite way to make classroom clean up “fast and fun!”
I hope this tip helps you to build a classroom clean up routine that allows you to stress less and spend more time enjoying the positive learning moments with your students!

Do you have a favorite clean up tip or routine for your classroom? I’d love to know!
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