These learning experiences are my favorite. Not only do my children learn valuable practical life skills to use in their adult life, I get a cleaner house in return! They really enjoy helping me make our own cleaning products. We turn this into a learning experience. First we read the back of an everyday store-bought cleaner, then we pick out a few of the ingredients on the back and research what they are and if they are hazardous. We talk about how we might could make safer cleaning products. I found some great make-your-own cleaning products at eartheasy and care2. They offer some great alternatives. I do have to say that my favorite is the cleaning wipes. I could not survive without them at this stage in my life. My children love mixing up the solution. We are also able to get some math (concept of one-half - cutting paper towels in 1/2; measurement using the teaspoon, etc.) and science (learning about essential oils and their properties) and history (origination of essential oils -- they love learning about how they used them in Egypt.) We also discuss the importance of labeling items correctly and I have one of the children label my container of cleaning solution with a warning and skull and cross bones. This way everyone knows that it is not ingestible. I love the fact that after this practical life lesson, I wind up with a whole new box and cleaning wipes and it is a great lesson that naturally leads up to doing a few jobs around the house!
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