What does learning look like in a
Play-Based, Developmetentally Appropriate preschool classroom?
A preschool classroom should NOT look like an elementary school classroom. The best preschools are play-based and child-led. Preschool aged children learn BEST through PLAY! Play is the method, learning is the outcome. More and more research shows that children do better in school in the long run when their preschool curriculum is play-based, rather than a more academic, teacher-directed curriculum. Focus on academics is only a short-term benefit for preschool children. Preschool is the time to learn social and emotional skills so they are ready to learn those academic skills later on. Most kindergarten teachers will tell you what they really value is the opportunity to teach kids when they show up at school prepared and ready to learn. It's not so much that the teachers value that the kindergartner can read or write. They value that the children enjoy learning, have a set of experiences that got them used to a classroom setting, and have had many social skill development opportunities. All activities are intentionally planned and also include developmentally appropriate language and literacy opportunities embedded in every activity.
What you'll see at Let's Learn Preschool:
The Let's Learn Preschool curriculum is based upon the belief that young children learn best in a safe, nurturing environment that provides opportunities for children to learn and develop through activities that are age appropriate.
I believe that preschool age is the formative developmental time for children. This program provides a rich environment that promotes children’s active exploration in all areas of development: physical, emotional, social and cognitive.
Curriculum is integrated into the classroom through a thematic approach whereby learning activities are concrete, real, and relevant. Learning is an interactive process between the teachers and the children. The environment and activities are age appropriate and consider the different needs, interests, and developmental levels of individual children.
Children have opportunities to develop their social skills by playing and working with other children; making choices and encountering consequences; and negotiating social conflicts using appropriate language.
Learning to function in a classroom environment is also a preschool focus. Students need to learn to follow directions, work and clean together, listen and participate, and sit during lessons.
Large and fine motor skills need to be developed and strengthened at this age. Many varied activities and opportunities are available for daily muscle strengthening.
Learning should be fun and active with music, movement and enthusiasm!
