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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