Developmentally Appropriate Practice
Raising a Preschooler
(3 to 5 Yrs.)
Chapter 2.9
Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin
Share on whatsapp
4-year-old Jacob is an active boy. Always running around and eager to explore his surroundings. He was pretty good with his motor-skills and cognitive skills too.
On a regular day, Jacob was trying his hand painting a card for his sister. An activity his mother was guiding him through with. She noticed he was having difficulty painting with one hand, while trying to hold the card with the other. So, she offered to hold the card for him.
What if her mother would have known that to perform an activity, using both hands simultaneously in a controlled manner was an important aspect of development during these years? So, instead of holding the paper for Jacob, she could have instead assisted him in holding it himself. Also, plan activities that could help him strengthen this skill! This is what early education is all about.
Let’s Reflect
Between ages three and five, learning accelerates at race-car speed, as your child is immersed in learning about himself and his environment; no wonder: these are peak years for learning! In fact, it might be hard to wrap your own mind around the zillion connections being built in your preschooler’s mind.
Let us take a closer look
By this age your child has developed varied strengths:
S/he might be good with identifying shapes, colors, alphabets, but might shy away from social interactions. Knowing your child’s abilities and providing him/her with thoughtfully planned activities and intentional guidance can help him/her overcome challenges and enhance skill sets.
Gains Astonishing adept in language skills
Engages in back-forth verbal conversation while in process of daily chores. Remember to always answer those “Why?” questions as best you can.
Parent: It looks like a cloudy day today.
Child: Yipppeee! It is going to rain
Parent: It should dear, look the clouds are dark grey in color.
Gains cognitive advancements…
…that enables him/her to represent the world through pretend play.
“A stick becomes a magic wand; cylindrical objects are flown as rockets and there goes a long list of creativity.
Is sensitized by feeling…
and therefore is vocal about emotions of both self and that of others.
“Child: Mama my friend is sad because he lost his toy in the park.”
Thrive through exploration
Be it sensory, role play, skills. Also, you are your child’s role model. Provide your child with her own set of kitchen tools along with various safe kitchen products. Cereals, vegies, ketchup, flour etc. and let their senses soar.
Researchers have found that caring especially counts in the preschool years. It is owing to the fact that the brain is growing and developing rapidly right now, and therefore, is extra sensitive and responsive to support and encouragement from parents.
Display your love through cuddles and kind words, to keep their spirit of learning high. Keep your cool during stressful situations—for e.g. reassuring your child that you will look at his drawing as soon as you are done with your current engagement, and then make sure you follow through.
Your child has come to an age where s/he has begun to solve problems occurring in his/her day-to-day life.
Let us take a look at your child’s increasing ability to understand his or her environment:
- Begins noticing properties of objects (smooth, short, hard, blue, slippery) and can even sort and describe them.
- Adept in counting of objects using one number for each item. Can even answer questions like “how many, more, less, enough”
- uses problem-solving skills during activities: Let’s use two cushions to reach the table -top!
- are interested in learning about their bodies and other living things in their environment, including pets and plants. What does a cat like to eat Dad?
- Takes immense joy in taking items apart and attempting to put them back together again.
- can group objects that go together, such as paint and brushes.
- use art materials to create their ideas, instead of just playing with the materials..
SHARE
Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on linkedin
LinkedIn
Share on whatsapp
WhatsApp
Last Chapter
Next chapter