The Importance of Play at Preschool

Preschool prepares your child for elementary school, but how does play time help your child learn. Here are several reasons why play is an important aspect of the preschool curriculum.

Before age 2, children tend to play by themselves with little interaction with others. But after age 2, preschool age, children’s play becomes more of a learning activity filled with interaction.

Soon after starting preschool, kids begin to seek out other children with similar interests and they begin to interact with them. And as language skills continue to develop you begin to see elements of cooperative play.

Between 4 and 5 years of age, the level of play becomes even more elaborate. Children make creative play scenes, they take turns, and they begin to work together toward mutual goals.

For younger children 2 to 4 years old, you can encourage play at home by setting up a space for your child and a friend and helping them find the words to express their questions or needs. As children get older play becomes natural and they need less help to socialize.

Ask about play when choosing a preschool

When you tour potential preschools for your child ask for their philosophy about play. Preschoolers need opportunities to play, prepared spaces for them to explore and responsive teachers to support their learning. Such a setting prepares children not only to become students who will work with others cooperatively and approach learning with excitement.




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