Laundry: Polish Cloths

A new lesson in our learning environment awaits the children when school begins in September.  This is an activity that has been in the planning stages for quite some time.  Needless to say, I am thrilled it is finally on the shelf!  During my time overseas, I found and purchased the most perfect wash board while visiting a Montessori factory store in St. Petersburg.  The small size of the board is ideal for washing the small polish cloths used in our polishing lessons.  "Why laundry?"one may ask.  I invite you to read more about the importance of these types of lessons in the classroom HERE.

In a perfect world, we would have a proper washing table, but for now, we will set up the materials on the floor.  The child fills the pitcher with water, and pours it into the basin.  Another pitcher of water is poured into the bucket which will be used for rinsing.  As with other washing lessons such as Washing a Table or Washing the Easel, the child completing the task dries all materials and replaces the lesson with fresh towels.  This readies the activity for the next person. 

Once the polish cloths are clean, they can be hung to dry on the small wire rack.  A small basket of clothespins sits underneath.  

I am looking forward to introducing this lesson and observing how such an activity helps nurture in children a personal sense of accomplishment while building classroom community.