Stimulate Your Child’s Mind – 7 Key Learning Activities for Children
As preschool educators and parents it is very important to 
stimulate kids minds while the children are having fun. In my opinion the best times of learning when the children are more like sponges is when they are engrossed in the activity, not even realizing they are learning!
It is very important for those who work with preschoolers to choose a preschool learning activity carefully. Teaching preschoolers is a rewarding experience and young children’s minds are like sponges.
Those who teach children, or should I say “stimulate kids minds” especially preschoolers, experience one of the finest joys that life has to offer.
If you have ever watched a young child’s eyes widen in amazement as they see a new creature emerge before their sight – as with a science-based preschool learning activity, then you understand the true rewards of teaching children. It is a very rewarding responsibility.
Choosing the best preschool learning activity for young children will enhance their skills, prepare them for kindergarten, and help them develop important emergent skills. Some skills that are critical to early childhood development include:
• Language Arts/ Literacy -Some simple Language activities may include listening games, rhyming, and following oral directions. The ability to read is an essential skill for learning, and if a child loves reading, she will become more skilled at it.
• Mathematics – Mathematical preschool activities may include counting, estimating, reading books that focus on numbers, and using items such as toy cash registers and number based puzzles. You don’t have to be a mathematician to help your children learn maths!
• Science -It is important to teach children how to draw conclusion, ask questions, and observe the world that they live in. It is important to incorporate various science activities and preschool science experiments into your days.
• Social Studies/ Character Building – In this day and age, global travel and global communications require that we and our children have an appreciation of people from different countries and cultures.
• Music Appreciation – It is important for preschool educators to ensure that children have circle time where they learn new songs, whether it’s old folk songs, or “popular” preschool songs. Kids learn through repitition and this is very important. It is a subject that is not bound by age-groups but can be enjoyed by everyone.
- Arts and Crafts – Activities in this area are numerous. Any art or craft for children that involve pasting or cutting is always a hit. This is essential in fine motor skills development.
- Proper nutrition and Physical Exercise – Activities should promote safety, hygiene skills, and health through proper nutrition.With childhood obesity on the rise it is very important to keep our kids active and teach them the basics of the importance of good nutrition.
As an educator it is important to ensure that any preschool learning activities that you select will enhance the child’s understanding and awareness of these core skills and developmental areas.
Posted in Preschool Lesson Plans, Preschool Lesson Plans
September 24th, 2009 at 8:49 am
I love your suggestions. I would add that kids learn a lot through play. Playing with construction type toys like Legos builds math skills while playing with role playing toys like doctor kits develops imagination and creativity. Joining a playgroup develops social skills. Board games and card games develop math and reading skills as well as attention skills and sportsmanship.
Renee, author of
http://www.thesmarterpreschooler.com