Early Learning Blog
Supporting Independent Skills in Preschoolers
Jenna Ssemujju, RPS PreK Educator
Children are learning and growing each day. As they grow, some children want to do things for themselves and others want their parents or caregivers to continue to do things for them. As adults, we may tend to want to do things for them, to help them.
Independence is a skill we learn and practice in preschool and at home. It's a skill where your child is being active in their learning rather than passive. They get to learn how to work out the answers for themselves, rather than being told.
Do you remember learning how to ride a bicycle? Or learning how to play an instrument? You need practice, practice, practice! This is how independent skills are learned, too. You may hear your child say, “I can’t,” “Can you do it for me,” or “I’m tired.” This is normal, and with continued practice and encouragement, your child will build their confidence and independence.
Read More
Preschoolers at the Central Education Center already spend a lot of time outdoors during our school year, but now they have an Outdoor Learning Center to help them learn and explore!
The early childhood years from birth to age 5 are a time of rapid growth and learning. Early Childhood Screening is a quick and simple check of your child's development and school readiness skills.
The Family School Program is a multigenerational literacy program that provides children ages 0-5 and their caregivers (parents, guardians, grandparents, etc.) with access to an exciting world of learning and opportunity.
It can be tempting to hibernate in the winter, when the temperature drops and it seems like more work than it’s worth to get your child bundled up in enough snow gear to cover every inch of their skin. But research shows that it is worth the work!
While many children love to curl up on the laps of their favorite reader, some don’t like to slow down long enough to enjoy a nice story. Reading gives children a chance to expand their vocabulary and hear about concepts that they may not normally encounter—and they don’t have to sit still to hear it!
Sensory play can be a fun and educational way to engage your child in learning. This simple goop recipe can be easily made at home and used to foster learning in a number of ways. Here are some fun ways to engage your child with your homemade goop!
Taking the time to notice and join in with your children's interests is also a great way to support their learning as the school year begins again. Since there is no one way to learn, ask your child’s teacher for ways that you can support what goes on in the classroom at home using the activities that your child is naturally drawn to.
Independence is a skill we learn and practice in preschool and at home. It's a skill where your child is being active in their learning rather than passive. They get to learn how to work out the answers for themselves, rather than being told.