Staff at high-quality programs for child care and pre-schools understand how young children develop and grow. The staff at high-quality preschools and child care programs understand the particular ways that young children develop and learn. Go here?
Children learn emotional self-control and social skills in real time. Children learn from their own experiences, and teachers who are good at teaching them how to control frustration or anger should make sure they take the time for these “teachable” moments. They do not automatically resolve conflicts between children; they know when to step in and help them solve their issues. While not shaming the child, they help her see how her behavior can affect another child.
Teachers encourage young children to get involved in “real” work by allowing them to participate in classroom activities, such as setting the tables at snack time, or feeding the hamster. Children should wash their hands, put their personal belongings into their “cubby”, and put their toys away before starting a new task.
Children of preschool age benefit from a “language-rich environment”. The vocabulary of a preschooler grows between the ages three and five. Her sentences are longer and more complex. Teachers stretch children’s language skills through conversational questions, and by introducing new words during science, snack, and other activities. Children can sing, act out stories, or talk about favorite read aloud books.
The cognitive skills of a young child are enhanced by engaging her in a variety of activities that require her to be attentive, ask questions and test her ideas. Teachers create activities based on children’s ideas and interests to encourage curiosity and learning. Teachers can turn a simple chance event into a fun learning experience. For example, a child discovering a snail while playing in the playground.
Children in preschool have a vivid imagination and enjoy pretend play. Teachers are well aware that young kids often do not know the difference between reality and fiction. Sometimes, this can result in fear of monsters hiding under the mattress. But imagination can also be a great tool to help children learn. The imaginative play area of a good preschool is stocked well with costumes, props, and small household items, such as sinks, stoves and cupboards. In this area, preschoolers can progress from solo play to group play and then to more complex play.
Pre-math and literacy skills are becoming increasingly important to young children. Teachers can help prepare the children for the academic demands that kindergarten will bring by offering a variety of activities and games to develop pre-math skills and literacy.
Discussing a story that is read aloud with children can improve their language skills, both in terms of listening and comprehension. Children may ask their teacher for assistance in writing the first letter of their name when they play with magnetic letters.