The early years of childhood are a fast-paced experience of growth. Through physical, cognitive, and emotional development, children learn fast. Preschool is an excellent opportunity to hone these skills, which will serve them academically for years to come. One important aspect of preschool learning involves play. Believe it or not, it’s not just a way to pass time, but it helps facilitate motor skills, critical thinking abilities, and more.
For parents choosing to send their kids to preschool, the staff at Providence Children’s Academy recommends the following ideas for preschool games and activities to do at home that will reinforce what they are learning in the classroom.
Game 1: Red Light, Green Light
Though too young to drive, this classic game helps children understand and learn to follow instructions.
It’s best played in an open space, such as a backyard or cleared living room. Set up a clear “start” and “finish” line. Children move forward at the command of “green light,” and stop immediately when they hear “red light” from the designated “traffic light” (that’s you, the adult). If anyone is still moving after “red light,” they return to the “start” line. The first person to make it to the finish line is the winner.
Game 2: DIY Sensory Bins
This simple activity involves a clear plastic bin or a box, and items you likely already have in your kitchen: rice, beans, water beads, or even sand. Fill the container with these items, and include small toys or objects for further exploration. Ask your child to describe the textures they feel as they dig and scoop.
Game 3: Matching
Draw pictures on index cards or find a free printable template online and lay them face down on the floor or a table. Have your child try to flip two at a time to find the matching pairs by memory. Continue this until all the matching pairs have been found. Mix them up and play the game again.
Game 4: Treasure Hunt
Kids love treasure hunts. Use their toys, snacks, or anything you can think of to hide around the house. Create a map with clues to help your child know where to look! Be sure to celebrate each discovery.
Game 5: DIY Art Station
Set up a place for kids to be creative with paint, crayons, paper, and other craft supplies you have. You can follow simple prompts, such as drawing their favorite animal or self-portrait, or let their imaginations run wild by creating their own masterpieces. Display the finished art somewhere they can see it.
How Kids Learn Through Play
A great deal of brain development happens through playtime. Children use all five senses as they explore the world around them. By using their imaginations and pretending, they learn how to solve simple problems, discover cause and effect, and build on their memory skills. Coordination also happens through physical activities, as well as muscle development and balance. This can be accomplished through skipping, climbing, jumping, or catching balls in the yard.
Playing with their hands, whether through using Play-Doh, doing puzzles, cutting paper (with child-safe scissors and adult supervision), or drawing, they work on fine motor skills by engaging these small muscles.
Emotional development also occurs through playtime as children socialize, follow directions, and build confidence. While it’s never fun to lose a game, this is a way for children to build resilience. Further, language skills grow through interacting with others and explaining what they are doing.
Tips For Playing Preschool Games At Home
Children are already gifted at playtime. However, as the parent, you may want to rotate the games now and then to keep the activities fresh rather than monotonous. South Florida weather is beautiful, but plan on some activities that are safe for indoors during periods of inclement weather, too.
The ideal learning game is fun, but also somewhat challenging. It’s encouraged to help children expand their limits in areas like sharing, teamwork, and social skills. As time goes on, your child’s interests will become clear, and creating games around those will be rewarding for both of you. Be sure to celebrate accomplishments, such as winning a game or completing an obstacle.
Setting clear rules and boundaries is helpful for children who are still growing. You don’t need any fancy new toys to make playtime fun: couch or chair cushions, cardboard boxes, or chairs are perfect for children to grow their imaginations. You will be amazed to see what ideas they come up with!
How Private Preschools Help Children Learn
Private preschools offer a safe and structured environment for children to learn new skills and grow. Smaller class sizes, compared to public schools, allow for more individualized attention from teachers. This not only helps cultivate stronger friendships but also allows for more attention in correcting any problem areas that may arise.
With access to enriched classroom activities from our trained educators, children will develop all the skills that are necessary to succeed the following year in kindergarten – and throughout their academic career.
Find The Right Preschool In South Florida
Parents naturally want the best for their children, which is why they choose Providence Children’s Academy for preschool, summer camp, and more. We stand out from other educational facilities by offering a hands-on, curriculum-based method of learning that incorporates what kids do best: play! Our students experience demonstrable growth in motor skills, language, and creativity from this style of learning. As a family-owned and operated facility, we care about the well-being and development of children and want them to succeed as much as you do.
Build confidence, curiosity, and lifelong skills. For questions about enrolling your child or to schedule a tour, call today at 954-570-6914.