Learning through play is what parents and guardians of young children learn when they first attend a preschool. Apart from the great social opportunity it is an intelligent way of promoting education. Children learn through having fun, following their interests and feel they are an important part of the little community. The social advantage is the varying degrees of development individual children go through.
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.
Listening experiences can be planned for the child’s maximum enjoyment by including movement and musical instruments. Home made shakers are easy to create with an old plastic sauce bottle and a few small rocks or pebbles. So are clappers and cymbals, which can be made from sticks found in the garden and saucepan lids from the kitchen. Playing along to dreadnought acoustic guitar, children will be delighted with the noise and they should be praised for their participation occasionally.
To make them feel like they are part of a social group, have music organised for them to play along with. Songs suitable for preschoolers include nursery rhymes, some modern pop music (this will have to be screened) and classical. About fifteen minutes to half an hour depending on the interest demonstrated by the child, is enough to have the children become involved in the experience. Musical activities are appreciated by children no matter how young.
Toys that are colorful and have a few movable parts, such as an activity board are appropriate educational tools for them to learn fine motor skills. Soft sponge balls that can be squeezed are helping to develop the muscles of the hands. Children under the age of five have not yet chosen for themselves if they are left or right handed so adults should allow them to use both.
Another much loved pastime of children is to use scrapbooking tools and materials to create their masterpieces. Loads of praise should be piled onto the child who cuts and pastes and draws and colors. Works of art need to be placed where they can be seen so the child knows they are appreciated. The child’s self esteem rises with the knowledge their work has a place of importance in the family home – as they do.
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.
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