Learning Methods for Preschool Children

There are a few concepts that are naturally vital for any preschool-aged child as they take part in preschool classes and programs, and the element of learning is always near the top of this list. Children in this age range tend to learn in a few basic ways, and knowing these simple learning methods can be extremely helpful for parents, educators and other caregivers alike.

At First Steps Childcare & Preschool, we're happy to offer a variety of quality, affordable child care center services for families around Salt Lake City, ranging from daycare and infant/toddler services to preschool classes and more. We're always cognizant of both common and less common learning methods for any of our children, including preschool-aged kids. Here are some of the most notable learning methods and how various caregivers should be considering them in daily life, though of course this is far from an exhaustive list.

Importance of Play

One of the most well-known learning methods for preschool-aged and other young children, and with good reason, is the concept of learning through play. Children are naturally curious and inquisitive, and they want to touch, feel and explore everything around them – this is a vital part of their development, so it's important for caregivers to encourage play in all its forms.

Some may be purely physical, some may involve creative activities or even imaginative storytelling; any form of play can contribute to a child's cognitive development and should be encouraged whenever possible.

Social Interaction

Another key area of learning for young children, including those in preschool, is social interaction with peers and adults. This not only helps them develop essential social skills like sharing, taking turns and cooperating, but it also aids in problem-solving abilities. It's important for caregivers to provide opportunities for social interaction in a safe and supervised setting.

For instance, at First Steps Childcare & Preschool, we have dedicated play areas and organized group activities that allow children to interact and learn from one another.

Sensory Experiences

Children of this age are also constantly learning through their senses. They enjoy touching, tasting, smelling, hearing and seeing everything in their environment – again, a natural curiosity that should be encouraged.

Caregivers should provide a diverse range of sensory experiences for children, whether through messy play, music and movement activities or nature exploration. This helps develop their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and overall cognitive abilities.

Structured Learning Activities

While free play is essential for children's development, structured learning activities also have their place in preschool education. These can include group activities such as circle time, where children gather to hear a story or engage in a discussion, or individual projects like puzzles and building blocks.

Caregivers should strike a balance between structured and unstructured activities to ensure that children have opportunities for both self-directed learning and guided instruction. This approach helps foster independence, critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities.

Story Time

Another major part of preschool education is storytelling and reading aloud. This helps develop children's listening and comprehension skills, expands their vocabulary and encourages imagination and creativity. Story time also provides a wonderful opportunity for social interaction, as children can discuss the story with one another or ask questions to the caregiver.

When it comes to choosing stories or books for preschoolers, caregivers should consider age-appropriate content, engaging illustrations and diverse characters and themes. This will not only keep children interested but also promote inclusivity and diversity awareness.

Repeated Activities

Within many of the areas we've gone over to this point, it's important to note that repetition is key for young learners. Children may be exposed to a certain concept multiple times before they truly grasp and retain it. This is especially true when it comes to early literacy, math and other academic skills.

Caregivers should provide plenty of opportunities for repeated activities and review concepts regularly to reinforce learning and understanding.

Preschool education is a crucial time for children, and understanding how they learn best is essential for their overall development. At First Steps Childcare & Preschool, we strive to create a nurturing environment that supports all of these learning methods and helps each child reach their full potential. We are committed to providing high-quality care and education for all children in our program and are always looking for ways to improve and evolve our approach. Contact us today to learn about any of our child care programs around SLC!