To do: Show your child how to scrub clothes by hand, then hang to dry outside.
Time: 30 minutes
Materials: Clothes or wash cloths, scrub brush, bucket and soapy water, drying line outside
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“Care of the Environment” tasks like washing clothes are especially fun when you can take them outside! This spring and summer, prepare a space for your child to wash then hang clothes outside to dry.

For washing you’ll need:
– A bucket and scrub brush or board
– Small bar soap or liquid soap
– Cloths or small dish towels to wash

As a part of your child’s outdoor play space, set up a washing and drying station. Show your child where they can fill up their bucket with water, then demonstrate how to scrub the clothes with soap. Rinse out the clothes using fresh water, then squeeze the excess water out.

Now the fun part! Prepare a drying line by stringing a length of heavy duty twine wherever possible in your outdoor space. Alternatively, purchase a child sized drying rack!

Demonstrate hanging your clothes to dry. If possible, use clothespins to secure the laundry for additional fine motor practice! And as defense against the wind.

Tell your child you’ll check back in a few hours to see if your clothes are dry. Then you’ll fold them and put them in a cupboard or drawer where they belong!

This type of outdoor “care of the environment” tasks are great practical life skill builders for children of all ages. Younger children can help with tasks like scrubbing, using big muscles, and older children can fold and put away!

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