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Preschool Prep Series
How to Hit the Ground Running
By Tara Swords
At school, Haley learned a bit about the days of the week. Her mother, Kay, helped her combine her love of school with the things she had learned there
"Haley loved her preschool class so much, she willed herself well whenever she got the slightest bit sick," Kay says. "She learned her days of the week with me. She would say, 'Today is Monday, tomorrow is Tuesday -- PRESCHOOL DAY! The next day is Wednesday, the next day is Thursday -- PRESCHOOL DAY! Then Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and then Tuesday -- PRESCHOOL DAY!'"
Most preschools will concentrate on the use of tools such as pencils, crayons, glue and scissors -- all things you can help your child with at home. Children will also learn large motor tasks: skipping, jumping, climbing and running. In fact, don't be worried if you pick up your child from preschool to find that the only thing he's done all day is play; experts say engaging in quality play is how kids learn
"An adult will be there to help children learn how to play, and learn how to use play in order to learn," says Myers-Walls. "For example, the adult will be watching and saying, 'Look, you just stacked three blocks.' That's not saying, 'Here's the number three. Learn the number three.' They'll say, 'Oh look, it fell over. Why do you think that happened?'" Myers-Walls says that's the same way parents should approach learning at home
Because preschool is often the first in many years of education, it's a critical point in development. By understanding what your child can and can't do and concentrating on the former, you will help him cultivate a life-long love of learning that is just taking hold
"[Haley] is really looking forward to going back for her second year of preschool this fall," Kay says. "She has come out of her little shell a little. Of course, I am relieved and happy that she did so well.