Going to preschool is a big adjustment for little people and it may take some children a whole lot longer than others to adjust to the routine of a structured day, learning to share both time and toys with others and navigate big emotions.
I think as a society more parents are slowly beginning to understand the importance of Early childhood education and the thousand and one hidden lessons behind what looks like play.
But what exactly is your child learning during a day that looks mostly like play?
I decided to show you…
- Story Time:
Just by listening and watching the teacher read your child is becoming familiar with basic literacy concepts, like reading left to right, and what words and letters are.
If you walk past the book corner, you may see preschoolers “reading” by turning the pages and narrating what they see — a great precursor to real reading.
- Puzzles:
Puzzle time is my favourite in any class. Children improve their fine motor skills, concentration, and hand-eye coordination when they play with puzzles.
Working independently also gives them practice problem solving. And their self esteem grows from creating an image and completing a task.
- Sand/water table:
Sand and water tables help teach science concepts like cause and effect and introduce early maths concepts.
Since there’s no right or wrong with these materials, children feel a sense of success when they play with them.
- Science projects:
The class pet or growing beans are great ways for children to observe living things and learn what they need to grow.
Other science tools like scales and magnifying glasses allow children to examine, experiment, predict, question, and problem-solve.
- Circle time:
Learning to sit patiently, saying good morning, and talking about the day’s events is a key part of your child’s day.
These are the foundation blocks to introducing new concepts , learning colours, taking turns and learning to listen.
This is a time where a teacher may introduce a serious topic like bullying or how to make friends.
- Art area:
Crayons, markers, safety scissors, glue, and paintbrushes are all great tools for mastering fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Children love to talk about their artwork — this gives them practice with language and self-expression.
- Block area:
Children gaining basic math skills when they counts blocks, identify their shapes, and compares their sizes.
Building houses, roads, and forts helps a child hone spatial skills that will be helpful for geometry and physics later on.
- Outdoor play:
It often looks like chaos, but all that activity helps children learn what their bodies can do.
Children need to move and experiment to master balance, improve coordination, and develop their muscles.
Group activities on the playground also teach cooperation
There’s a multitude of learning happening all day long and your children may be exhausted at the end of a long day of play.
