My former coworkers and I always aimed to make our custodian’s job as easy as possible. A clean floor was a top priority, but finding time to sweep while keeping the focus on learning was a challenge. Enter Courtney Olson, a 1st grade teacher with a unique and effective solution. Her “Mystery Trash” hack keeps the classroom tidy and engages students in a fun, rewarding activity. This strategy cleans up the floors while fostering student responsibility and enthusiasm.
The hack: Mentally select three pieces of “Mystery Trash,” then reward the students who pick it up
Miss Olson’s “Mystery Trash” hack involves a simple yet clever game. She identifies three pieces of trash on the classroom floor as “mystery items.” Then, she announces to her students that it’s “Mystery Trash Time,” prompting them to clean up as much as possible in hopes of finding these designated items. The students who find the mystery items are rewarded with a sticker or a trip to the prize box!
How to implement the Mystery Trash hack
Here’s how any teacher can implement this hack in their classroom:
- Identify the trash: Miss Olson selects three pieces of trash on the floor before announcing the game.
- Announce the game: She then tells the students it’s “Mystery Trash Time,” explaining the rules briefly.
- Set a timer: The students are given 1 to 2 minutes to pick up as much trash as possible.
- Announce the winners: At the end of the cleanup, Miss Olson reveals who found the Mystery Trash and awards the prizes.
Benefits of the Mystery Trash hack
As a former 8th grade teacher, I wish I had known about this hack when I was teaching. I can see teenagers getting excited about this game too, not just younger kids! Here are the benefits we foresee for your classroom after utilizing this hack:
- Keeps the classroom clean: This activity leads to a cleaner classroom environment as students enthusiastically participate in the cleanup.
- Encourages participation: The incentive of a reward motivates students to actively participate.
- Teaches responsibility: Students learn the importance of maintaining a clean, organized space.
- Ends class productively and efficiently: Wrapping up lessons a few minutes before the bell can leave idle time. This hack is a perfect time-filler, ensuring the class ends on a productive note.
Ready to make your floors spotless?
While Miss Olson uses this “Mystery Trash” hack with her 1st graders, it’s a versatile tool that can be adapted for students from kindergarten through 2nd grade. The task’s simplicity and the reward element make it suitable for young learners who enjoy short, goal-oriented activities. This hack is yet another example of teacher ingenuity, in taking mundane tasks like cleaning up and turning them into exciting activities for their students. Your students might actually look forward to participating in this daily routine!
