Is your little one off to school soon? If so, you're probably curious about their curriculum (and how they’ll handle being away from you!)

Don't worry — it's all perfectly natural. 

In fact, studies have shown that more parental involvement leads to better grades for children — regardless of income or background. So, you're off to a good start!

We rounded up some of the activities and lessons your child will learn in preschool. 

 

Colors and shapes

Some of the first lessons that preschoolers focus on are the names of colors, shapes, and body parts.

Building this vocabulary will help them communicate with teachers and students. And, these basics will come in handy during kindergarten when shapes and colors will be used frequently to explain other concepts like simple math.

You can help them learn at home with online classes or asking your child frequent questions associated with colors, shapes, and common household objects. Asking your little one to identify these items will also prepare them for memory recall tasks — like using flashcards later in their education. 

Not up to a ton of extra effort? No worries. This extra "homework" is easily turned into a game where your child locates specific items or colors within their environment. This simple version of "I spy" can keep little ones busy for hours and give their vocabulary a big boost.

These fundamental lessons will also help your child get ready to enjoy art and painting classes, as well as other crafts and DIY projects. 

 

Letters and sounds

As part of their preschool curriculum, children will learn to recognize and name letters. During this year, preschool children also master the connection between each letter and the sound that it makes.

By the end of the year, your child should be able to identify their own first name and write it out. They may also learn other meaningful and important words like mom and dad, and learn the names of objects that they commonly encounter.

You can reinforce sound and letter learning by using visual tools like letter refrigerator magnets. Or, audio reminders like the "ABC song". 

A love for language, books, and reading begins at home. And, this is the ideal age to begin incorporating more and more books into your child's life. In fact, studies have shown that reading to children is essential to their growth and development.

This is an age when your little one is also likely to follow the example they see at home. Show your love for books by reading in front of them, reinforcing healthy activities and alternatives to screen time. You can also pick up interactive pop-up and picture books to help your child stay active and interested during reading time.

 

Numbers and counting

Learning the numerals 0 through 9 is a large part of the preschool curriculum. And such a big moment!

Counting is a multiple-part skill that starts with memorizing the numbers and their order. Once this basic understanding has been established, preschoolers go on to associate each number with its value. Then, they are prepared to attempt basic counting — the cornerstone of arithmetic.

For many children, mastering numbers and counting is a greater challenge than other lessons like shapes, letters, and sounds. But, this is the foundation for STEM education — the four disciplines that students typically need to focus the most on. 

Because math is such a challenging subject, it's absolutely essential that you make time to practice numbers at home with your child every day. Start with simple identification of numerals and placing them in order. Then, move on to counting when they're ready.

Simple games like counting the number of stairs you walk up together can make a big difference. It's also essential to help your child associate numbers with quantity — which can be accomplished by counting small objects like beans, coins, or tiny toys. 

 

Artistic introduction

There's no arguing the importance of play when it comes to your child's development. And, the same is true of artistic pursuits like painting and crafts, and eventually music.

During preschool, children are introduced to basic art supplies and principles. This helps them get ready to flex those creative muscles in kindergarten.

By the end of this year, children should be able to use pencils, crayons, and markers, as well as other art supplies like glue and paint. And, they'll even learn to cut with safety scissors.

Not only do these skills promote creativity, but they also help children develop better hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. As these abilities sharpen, children will begin to draw and color beyond basic scribbles. 

It's essential to offer young learners access to the basics for drawing, like jumbo crayons and markers or sidewalk chalk. You can also introduce texture play toys like Play-Doh and kneadable foam.

Other artistic and athletic pursuits can be introduced at this age as well. Music classes, martial arts, and even coding or computing can be taught to preschoolers — or at least their fundamentals. 

 

Other essential lessons to learn in preschool 

In addition to your child's curriculum, there is a wide variety of valuable and less obvious lessons they will learn in preschool. 

These include vital skills for social interaction, like sharing and cooperation, teamwork, taking turns, and participation in group activities. And, they'll have all year to practice following basic instructions and communicating their wants and needs.

That way, when it comes time for kindergarten, your little one will be totally prepared to learn and grow alongside their peers. 

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