Choosing Preschool Activites

Assorted preschool activities are an essential part of any preschool lesson plan

. Activities may include games, crafts, sing alongs or hand plays, coloring, or even free time on the play ground. In fact, preschool children enjoy and learn from any action that allows them to interact with their environment and express themselves freely.

Activities such as games, particularly when many children play together, encourage good communication and social skills. Young children learn to interact with others their own age, follow directions, obey rules, and if taught properly they will get important training in how to handle their feelings when the game doesnt go their way. Not all games are win or lose, but all games have specific rules that govern the way they are played, and perhaps one of the most important lessons a child learns is that to play a game successfully you cant break the rules, no matter what you feel like doing. In the game Duck, Duck, Goose, for example, all children except one must remain seated until they are picked. This teaches several important lessons, including how to sit still, pay attention (so they know when they are chosen), respond properly (by chasing the child that picks them), and continue the process with the next round. Try teaching the game to a group of young children and you will find out very quickly that what seems very simple to adult can be overwhelmingly difficult for a toddler.

Preschool lessons using crafts, whether done with a group of children or just a single preschooler, impart many of the skills children need to succeed throughout their school years. Crafts for preschoolers should not be complicated or difficult to make, and fancy or expensive supplies are not necessary. Small children are still learning basic skills, such as coloring and drawing, cutting, folding, pasting and gluing; all of which can be done using easily available materials. Crafts encourage children to sit still while they concentrate on a single activity and when they complete the project they have a great sense of achievement in what they have accomplished. If the craft generates an item they can play with, like a mask or crown, they will be thrilled to show it to all their friends. A gift made for a parent or friend is particularly valuable as it expresses the childs affection and encourages them to be kind to toward others. Making crafts also encourages children to be productive, which will help them all the way through their lives.

Sing alongs and hand plays are wonderful for teaching a multitude of skills. Even very small babies and toddlers begin learning language and counting skills with hand plays like Pat-a-cake and 10 Little Indians. There are literally hundreds of rhymes available, and you probably already know several by heart. Use them to get childrens attention, teach counting and math skills, encourage good habits, help improve comprehension, and most of all, just to have fun!

No matter what you choose to do, remember to pick activities that are safe and suitable to for the age group you are working with, give them plenty of time to learn and grow, and know that you are investing in their futures!

by: Sara Ann Roberts

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