Great Books Kids Love

Encouraging preschool age children to attend school on a weekly basis will aid their development of social skills dramatically. Having other children under the age of five to play with helps them to develop at a more rapid pace. The extra movement and activity will stimulate their cognitive functions and they will imitate their peers. After the imitation stage a child develops initiative and that is nurtured in the preschool environment.

Although some children may benefit from watching a graphic LCD, most prefer to get involved in physical activities. Hands on learning experiences keep children engaged and developing at their own pace. Cognitive development in particular flourishes with communication and connection with others.

Sensations of sound will focus a child’s attention directly to whatever instrument is making the music. Music to a preschooler can be the clashing of pots and pans, splashing water and foot stomping on the pavement. They respond well to real instruments and can be taught to respect them as a thing of value. Playing a dreadnought acoustic guitar to accompany their percussion – triangles, shakers and drums – will lead them on to have a genuine experience.

An appropriate selection of songs can be prepared beforehand to make taking part easier. Children have a little patience, but in a rich learning environment they will not sit for long with nothing to do. Experiences can be planned well enough ahead to be sure the timing is set for an overlap of activities which will give children the knowledge that they have the right to choose for themselves what they want to be involved in. As they are all positive activities aimed at helping the child develop, no harm can be done whichever choice is made.

The rooms for children to explore can have a multitude of exciting things ready and waiting for them to come and play. Blocks set up to appeal to the construction instincts of a preschooler will be dived upon by both boys and girls wanting to create. Towers and bridges and build ‘em up and knock ‘em down is a lot of fun. Their fine motor skills are helping develop the tiny muscles in their hands, they are focusing and coordinating eye and hand movement. Play-dough is another favorite activity that can be home made. Non toxic materials should be used as young children learn through putting everything in their mouth. Eating the play-dough and paints are a normal exploratory function of a preschooler.

Cut and paste, the old fashioned way without a computer, is an old favorite that has a variety of benefits for the child. Developing fine motor skills, expressing a sense of self, individuality and creative expression all happen at the arts and crafts table. To keep a set of scrapbooking tools on hand is a clever way for adults to get children engaged in play. Pre-cut magazine pictures, glue, a pair of children’s scissors, scraps of material and practically anything from the home can be a source of intelligent child’s play.

Assistance may be given to help the child if they are becoming frustrated but all attempts made by the child should be verbally praised. Sooner or later they will be able to do it for themselves, whatever they are trying to do. A child will grow and learn from every experience they have.