How Your Pre-Schooler Learns

by Thomas Armstrong, Ph.D.


Every pre-schooler is an active learner. Your pre-schooler has a lot to be excited about with fantasy playing, nonstop monologues, social interactions, physical activity, and creative concerns taking up a large part of every day.

Make sure that she has the opportunity to really enjoy this precious time in her life by not forcing her too soon into academic work that's more appropriate to the elementary school years, and by providing her with resources that allow her experiences of competence and mastery. Suggestions include old clothes for dress up play, building materials, art supplies, a tape recorder, musical instruments, outdoor equipment, and a creative space for fantasy play (such as a playhouse).

Preschoolers need lots of time to explore their ideas about the world, so take care not to overly structure their days. Expose them to wonderful children's literature. Tell them stories. Sing to them, and share your enthusiasm and creativity in all things great and small. Answer their probing questions, and, above all, let them share their thoughts, products, and vitality with you without judgment and criticism.

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Last modified: Oct 24, 1995