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Let's Tidy Up!

Tidy up, tidy up, put it away!
Block in the box, put it away! [Put away the block.]

Tidy up, tidy up, put it away!
Book on the shelf, put it away! [Put away the book.]

Tidy up, tidy up, put it away!
Doll in the bed, put it away! [Lay down the doll.]

Tidy up, tidy up, all done today!

  • Colorful cartoon blocks in box Blocks in the box
  • Colorful cartoon book Book on the shelf
  • Colorful cartoon doll Doll in the bed
kids-education.com - Let's Put the Toys Away

Notes for adults

Age 1 · 5 min · Easy

Sing a short, repetitive song while your child helps put away blocks, a book and a doll. The pictures show where each one goes.

Learning objectives

  • Point to a picture or object named by an adult.
  • Take part in at least one tidy-up action, with help if needed.
  • Listen and join in with the repeated song through gestures, sounds or attention.

What you need

  • Printed song page with pictures
  • One or two large blocks
  • An open box
  • A children's book and a low, sturdy shelf
  • A large doll and a toy bed or soft place for it to rest

Safety notes

An adult should supervise closely throughout. Use blocks and toys too large to fit in your child's mouth, with no small or loose parts. Keep the box open and use a low, sturdy shelf.

How to do it

  1. Place the toys and their storage spots within your child's reach.
  2. Show your child the page. Point to each picture and name what you see.
  3. Sing the song slowly to a simple tune you make up.
  4. Put a block in the box as you sing the first verse.
  5. Invite your child to put away the book and doll, offering help if needed.
  6. Look at the toys together and sing the last line.

Teaching suggestions

  • Use short phrases, such as “The block goes in the box!”
  • Pointing and watching count as participation; your child does not have to carry anything.
  • If needed, move the toy close to its place and put it away together.
  • Sing the song again during other tidy-up times, without rushing.

Variations

  • Make it easier: Sing just the block verse and put one block away together.
  • Add a challenge: Show a picture and pause to see whether your child finds the matching toy.
  • Try another verse: Make up a verse about another toy and the place where it belongs.

Talk about it

  • Where is the block?
  • What can we put in the box?
  • Where can the doll rest?

What to look for

  • Notice whether your child looks at or points to a named picture or object.
  • Notice whether your child takes part in a tidy-up action, even with help.
  • Watch for attention, gestures or sounds during the song.