How to Pick Activities for a Preschooler

Trying to pick the best activities for your preschooler can be tough. On one hand, you want to encourage his free spirit, creativity and spontaneity, while on the other hand you want to stimulate cognitive growth, teach basic academics and encourage group participation. It is important to understand your personal parenting style along with your child̵7;s one-of-a-kind personality to find the best activities to help him grow and learn. Learning can be entertaining and effective at the same time.

Instructions

    • 1

      Determine if you want to have structured play time or free play for your child̵7;s activity. Consider lessons in painting or language for a more structured learning experience or let your child explore an indoor gym or neighborhood playground for a free-play experience.

    • 2

      Provide imaginative play opportunities for your preschooler on a daily basis. Give him the opportunity to play dress-up, kitchen and house on his own, with you or with other children. Set up play areas in your home for building with blocks, exploring picture and interactive books, and creating with various art supplies.

    • 3

      Guide your child through academic-based activities to help him learn and grow intellectually. Sit down together to work on coloring worksheets and to identify shapes. Count items as you go throughout your day. Say, ̶0;How many cars are in front of the post office?̶1; or ̶0;Let̵7;s see how many granola bars are in this box.̶1; Get your preschooler ready for kindergarten with these types of activities.

    • 4

      Engage your preschooler in activities that support physical development. Play follow-the-leader in the back yard, jump on a chalk hopscotch game on the sidewalk or practice cutting out shapes using scissors. Practice going up and down steps with alternating feet with your child, show him how to brush his teeth and let him play with modeling clay to strengthen hand muscles and fine motor skills that will come in handy in kindergarten.

    • 5

      Select activities that you can do together with your preschooler to help develop communication skills and build a close relationship with your child. Look at the clouds and talk about what you see, go on a scavenger hunt or bake cookies on a rainy afternoon. Plan activities that will allow you to connect with your child and help him develop self-confidence.

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