We have all heard that children's play is their work, that when children play they are learning. So, what exactly are they learning? And how can we help them to learn? Does what we say to them while they are playing add to their learning or does it distract from their learning?
Let's go over four ways that we can help them with learning.
1. Help them express themselves in positive ways. While working with children, we have all seen cases when they don't get along. They might feel left out. They might both want the same toy. Something at home is making them sad.
- So, watch and observe what is going on.
- Help your child understand their feelings, acknowledge their feelings with them.
- Redirect them in a positive way so that they are following rules.
Let's say that two children want the same toy. Instead of barking out a command like "SHARE!” go through the steps above.
- Say,"You wanted that toy and someone else took it".
- Ask them,"How does that make you feel?" The child might say, "I am sad because you took that toy and I wanted it too."
- Then remind them of the rule of kindness, "Try asking if you can have a turn with that toy, please".
- GIVE PRAISE!
When you follow this process, you help the children LEARN to express themselves and to follow rules and to solve their own problems.
2. Ask good questions. Instead of asking yes and no questions or questions with a one-word answer, ask questions that children need to think about in order to answer them. For example,
- What would happen if...
- How many objects would it take to do something?
- Do you think another child should do this?
- Tell me a story about something?
- How did you know that?
3. Use new words that your children may not have heard before. Don't stick with simple, easy-to-understand vocabulary. After you use a new word, ask the children if they know what the word means. For example,
- Instead of good, say wonderful, excellent, and exceptional.
- Instead of pretty, say bonita, exquisite, beautiful.
- Instead of clean say sanitized, germ-free.
4. Plan activities that help with learning. I love role-playing. I often put a new box in the dramatic play area filled with items to promote role-playing. The children see that box and they know they are in for a surprise. They open it up and the learning experiences begin.
They make up roles and actions. They make up stories. They make up problems and solve problems. They interact with each other.
Other activities that encourage learning are whatever you plan for your discovery table, art activities and reading. I like to start reading a book and let them think of the ending. They are so creative.
If you are reading this post, you are probably involved with children on a daily basis. Hopefully, I have invigorated your thinking process. You will use some of my ideas and some of your own to make learning a new and exciting journey every day.
Mary Beth Collins is a former preschool teacher and high school teacher. She is the mother of 3 grown children and a granddaughter. Now she is developing a blog about everything preschool and has written a superior preschool curriculum.
You can see her blog and sign up for a free report on starting a preschool.
Visit at http://www.startingapreschool.net
Thanks, Mary Beth Collins
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