We’ve all had those days when a fantastic lesson ends, and suddenly the room feels like it’s been hit by a whirlwind of paper scraps and stray glue sticks (why are the caps always missing?) It’s easy to feel like the momentum we just built has vanished in the clutter. Here are 3 classroom clean up games that students will actually look forward to.
Since transitions are the “glue” that holds a school day together, how we handle the “in-between” moments, like cleaning up after a centers rotation or a big science project, sets the tone for everything that follows. Instead of the usual frantic countdown, what if we could turn that tidy-up time into a high-energy, “gamified” challenge that students actually look forward to winning?
Clean Up Games to Try in Your Classroom
In a perfect world, saying “it’s time to clean up” would be enough, but we all know that this usually ends in three kids working while twenty-seven wander. (It’s nice to hear you aren’t alone at least, right?)
So, without further ado, here are 3 fun clean-up games to try in your classroom before the year ends!
Strategy 1: The Secret Scrap
The secret scrap game is always my go-to clean-up strategy. All you have to do is choose a “secret” piece of trash and tell students whoever finds it gets a small prize.
The prizes can be simple (sticker, “smelly” hand sanitizer, or a point), but it always motivates my class to find the mystery piece of garbage. I remind them that they can not ask if they found the item and that the winner (and the magic scrap) will be announced after the room is completely clean.
Strategy 2: The Clean-Up Playlist
Another fun and simple clean-up game is “The Clean-Up Playlist”. All you have to do is choose a fun, high-energy song and have your class try to beat it (aka finish cleaning up before the song is over).
Students can dance and sing while cleaning, which helps them forget they are doing a non-preferred task. If they beat the song, I like to “reward” to be a dance party of their choosing. Sometimes I will choose a “mystery” cleaner (someone who goes above and beyond) to choose the party song.
Strategy 3: The Statue Challenge
If you have just finished a table activity, the Statue Challenge is the perfect clean-up game. Simply set an unknown timer and let students know when it goes off; they have to freeze. From here, the cleanest table group gets a “table point.”
Tables can earn points throughout the week for various activities, and then the winning table can receive a prize at the end of the week. This game not only incentivizes a clean classroom but also emphasizes the importance of teamwork.
Freebie! Desk Check Clean Up List
For your students who need a visual reminder, I’ve created a FREE desk check clean-up list. It can be laminated and taped onto your student’s desk, or used as a bookmark for when they just need a quick double-check.
Do you have any fun classroom clean up games to share? I’d love to hear your ideas to add to my toolbox. Let me know in the comments below.
Managing Transitions in the Classroom: More Helpful Posts
If you found this post helpful in tightening up a stressful transition in your classroom, here are others that may come in handy!
5 Creative Ways to Keep Your Class Quiet in the Hall
12 Whole Group Management Strategies to Use this Year
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