In today’s world, creating a healthy and safe classroom environment is more important than ever. The health and safety of our students and educators have always been a top priority, but the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the need to be vigilant and take active measures to prevent the spread of illnesses. Maintaining clean and sanitized classrooms is a straightforward and highly rewarding process. In this article, writer Claudia Osterhagen from the essay writing service Buyessayfriend.com, as well as a dedicated mother, will share with you ten essential cleaning tips to ensure the well-being of every child under your care.
Empty & Disinfect Trashcans Daily
Each day brings new surprises, and we don’t always know what might end up in the classroom trash. By emptying and disinfecting trash cans daily, we can significantly reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission through this common contact point.
Limit Touching Doorknobs & Handles
It’s now clear that contaminated surfaces are a source of concern. Encourage students to ask for assistance when opening doors or cabinets to minimize the number of touches. Additionally, disinfect these high-touch areas multiple times a day, especially at the beginning and end of the school day.
Clean Desks & Tables Daily
Daily disinfection of tables and desks is crucial in preventing the spread of germs. Assign individual seating for students in classrooms with individual desks, and for group tables, consider assigning specific seats to promote social distancing and hygiene.
Pay Attention to Plastic Surfaces
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), COVID-19 germs can persist on plastic and stainless-steel surfaces for up to 72 hours. Regularly disinfect plastic chairs and surfaces in your classroom.
Develop a “Clean Toy” System
Toys can be shared by multiple children, so implementing a “clean toy” system is essential. If a child wants to play with a new toy, they should place the one they just used in a designated “played with” bin for the teacher to clean before it’s used by another child.
Make Sure Fabric Toys Are Washable
Whenever possible, choose machine-washable and dryer-safe fabric toys. Teachers should wash and dry these toys daily, ensuring they remain free from germs.
Limit Who Uses Whiteboards
Smart boards, whiteboards, and chalkboards should be disinfected daily, even if only teachers use them. Encourage students to minimize their use of styluses, markers, and chalk to reduce the risk of germ transmission.
Disinfect High-Touch Technology Often
Classroom technology such as computer mice, keyboards, and touchscreen devices should be thoroughly disinfected daily when used by students. Whenever possible, assign a computer to each student or disinfect devices before they are used by others.
Encourage Children to Bring Their Own Supplies
High-touch items like pencil sharpeners and shared art supplies can harbor germs. To mitigate this risk, request that parents send their children to school with their own pencils, crayons, markers, etc., thereby limiting the spread of germs.
Don’t Forget Your Carpets!
Although carpets cannot be technically disinfected, they can be cleaned. Given the potential for airborne and touch-based transmission, carpets require regular maintenance. Vacuum carpets daily using a HEPA filter to trap particles and prevent recirculation. If possible, have carpets professionally cleaned as frequently as your school allows. For smaller, machine-washable carpets, consider washing them weekly.
In conclusion, maintaining a clean and sanitized classroom is paramount to safeguarding the health and well-being of both students and educators. By implementing these ten cleaning tips, you’ll not only create a safer environment but also instill a sense of responsibility and hygiene in your students that can last a lifetime. Together, we can ensure a bright and healthy future for all.