How to Improve Adaptive Skills in Pre-K

Adaptive skills allow people to function in everyday life. They include caring for oneself, adapting to change, social skills and communication abilities. Gaining these skills is an important developmental task of preschoolers. Many simple daily activities can help preschoolers to hone their adaptive skills.

Things You'll Need

  • Art supplies
  • Dress-up supplies
  • Balls or other outdoor toys

Instructions

    • 1

      Encourage imaginative play. Theory of mind is the ability to put oneself in another person's shoes, which improves empathy, social skills and communication abilities. Make-believe play helps preschoolers develop a strong theory of mind. Encourage children to act out plays, tell stories about other people and to engage in role-playing. Providing a "dress-up trunk" with old clothes and costumes is a great way to encourage pretend play.

    • 2

      Provide children with art supplies. Young children tend to express feelings using art, so painting, drawing, coloring and sculpting can provide meaningful outlets. Art supplies also encourage improvements in sensory skills and in fine and gross motor skills, which can help better equip children to care for themselves.

    • 3

      Encourage children to brush their teeth and hair and offer them choices of foods to eat. Many parents are frustrated by the defiance of preschoolers, but self-sufficiency is easier for children who are allowed to have their own opinions and feelings. Encouraging independence allows children to develop a sense of self and teaches them self-sufficiency.

    • 4

      Provide children with lots of opportunities for outdoor play, which encourages the development of gross motor skills and provides opportunities for learning about animals and science. Try going on a scavenger hunt for animals, imitating the noises you hear outside together, throwing balls and playing on swings.

    • 5

      Answer children's questions fully and honestly. Parents are often frustrated by the drumbeat of "Why?" from preschoolers. This natural curiosity encourages independence, critical thinking and self-sufficiency. When parents answer questions honestly, children are more likely to continue learning. Moreover, when parents and children communicate effectively, children develop strong communication and social skills.

    • 6

      Turn off the television. Children who watch TV develop adaptive skills more slowly and have less opportunity for educational play and meaningful interaction.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Strategies to Help an Impulsive Child With Frustration
      Susan Stiffelman, marriage and family therapist and author of, "Parenting Without Power Struggles," acknowledged in a Huffington Post article that a child with impulse control issues acts younger than he really is because he hasnt yet achie
    • How to Ignore an Obnoxious Child
      As much as you love your child, he likely has his moments when he gets on your nerves. Instead of reacting negatively to your child’s obnoxious behavior, employ a different parenting technique that can help minimize the behavior you don’t
    • How to Prevent Child Tantrums in Public
      Toddlers are well-known for losing their tempers; its not called the "terrible twos" for nothing. However, even older children can be prone to the occasional tantrum. Tantrums at home are one thing, but those that happen in public are quite