Activities For Preschoolers

There are so many fun things you can do at home with your preschooler that will enhance his or her growth and development. Helping your child learn while developing a lasting bond with one another is something that can be done on a daily basis. Don't worry, it's not going to be hard work on your part-it will be fun for both of you! Here are some ideas to get you started on the road to creating a great learning environment for your child.

Play with play dough together. You can buy it, but it is also very fun to make your own. (Making the play dough could be a great learning experience on it's own.) Let your child squeeze it, roll it, sculpt it, smash it, pound it, cut it-you get the idea! Just let them play, and in the process they will be exploring their senses, expressing themselves artistically, showing creativity, and possibly getting out some frustration!

Tell your child stories. They love to hear stories about people they know. Tell them stories about you when you were a kid, stories about their grandparents and other relatives, and especially stories about themselves. Preschoolers love to hear about themselves! (A favorite is usually a story about the day they were born.) Telling stories orally enhances a child's listening skills, increases their attention span, and develops abstract thinking.

Do dishes together. And I don't mean load the dishwasher. Show your child how to fill the sink with warm soapy water and actually wash the dishes. Preschoolers love water play, and they absolutely love to do meaningful work. So, washing dishes is the perfect combination because it is fun, and they feel like a productive member of the household. You might even be surprised at how well they can complete this task.

Play board games together. Candyland, Chutes and Ladders, Memory, and Hi-Ho! Cherrio are a few basic games that young children can learn to play. Playing board games teaches children how to take turns, follow directions, play fairly, and win/lose gracefully.

Read books together. Read with expression-make if fun! Read a wide variety of books: picture books, biographies, nonfiction, nursery rhymes, and books with repeating phrases. Soon, your child will be able to "read" many of the books to you!

Go for a walk, and let your child lead the way. Follow your child, and go at his or her pace. If they want to stop to look at something, then stop. If they want to run, then run. Just let your child be in control of this adventure. Kids can learn a lot on their own if they are given freedom to explore.

Observe what your preschooler is interested in by listening when he or she talks and plays. The recurring themes you hear are the things that their sponge-like minds are ready to learn about. Use this information to plan other activities around your child's interests, and you will be well on your way to creating even more meaningful activities that will promote your child's growth and development.