Preschoolers are busy, curious little people. Sometimes their incessant questions can drive a mom to madness, and it’s hard not to laugh and/or yell when you discover they put a stick of gum into the computer, “just to see what would happen.” You can satisfy your preschooler’s curiosity by turning everyday moments into learning opportunities. Three and four year olds are easily engaged by playing counting games, making up rhymes or helping with simple tasks. Channel all that energetic curiosity by incorporating learning into your everyday routine with these tips.
Doing laundry:
- Sort clothes into piles according to color
- Sort and match socks
- Fold hand towels and washcloths
- Talk about the different textures of fabric
In the kitchen:
- Talk about the different food groups
- Make a list of similarly colored foods
- Let them sort and stack cans and boxes
- Give them simple chores like tearing lettuce or setting the table
- Count out silverware, apple slices, chocolate chips, etc.
At bedtime:
- Talk about the importance of healthy habits
- Discuss pictures in a book or let your preschooler make up a story
- Make up a silly rhyme about your bedtime routine
- Help him identify bedtime on a digital clock and regular clock
In the car:
- Identify left and right turns
- Play a game looking for certain items (a red truck, a yellow bus, etc.)
- Look for the letters in the alphabet on signs, billboards, license plates
- Discuss weather conditions and seasons
On a walk:
- Take turns playing Follow the Leader
- Instead of just walking, hop, skip, bounce, gallop and jump
- Demonstrate street safety by stopping at corners and looking both ways
At the grocery store:
- Look for different shapes and colors
- Count out fruits and veggies as you bag them
- Talk about healthy foods and “sometime” treats
- Let your preschooler check items off the list as you find them
- Look for examples of “few/many,” “high/low,” “crunchy/soft”
It is easy to turn everyday moments into learning opportunities with just a little practice. Look for ways to incorporate counting, identifying letters, colors and shapes, and letting your preschooler practice his motor skills. If all else fails, turn on the music, dance around the room and end with a hug. Teaching your preschooler how to have fun and be affectionate is just as important as ABC, 123.
by Maria Connor
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