The preschool years are critical years for learning. In a pre-k setting, children learn through play and organized education. However, a child’s curiosity and eagerness to explore the world around them doesn’t stop at the end of the school day. This is why engaging in play at home is so critical, as it supports their growth in a familiar environment. Here are a few more reasons why learning through play is crucial for preschoolers at home.
Social and Emotional Growth
Home is the first social environment for a child. Playing at home, whether with family members or alone, helps preschoolers develop key social skills such as sharing, cooperation, and taking turns. These interactions also foster emotional intelligence by enabling little ones to express their feelings, empathize with others, and develop resilience through play scenarios that might not always go their way.
Language Skills
Interactive play enhances language development. When parents and siblings engage in play that involves dialogues, storytelling, or singing, they expose young learners to new vocabulary and language structures. This exposure is crucial for language acquisition and helps in sharpening communication skills. One easy implementation of this is by using a simple puppet show to entertain your little ones. Entertaining them this way can introduce new words and phrases in a fun and memorable context.
Family Bonding
Simply put, playing together strengthens family bonds. Shared play activities create joyful memories with the ones they’re closest to, and this bonding time becomes more vital as they spend more time away from family at school. The emotional support and stability of your little one are strengthened by simply having fun with their loved ones, which impacts the child’s overall development and self-esteem throughout their academic adventures.
Play-based learning at home also prepares pre-k students for the more structured educational environments they will encounter in school. Through play, they learn to focus, follow instructions, and complete tasks, which are essential skills for formal learning.
Children attending preschool are allowed to learn while having fun. According to NPR, children who attend pre-k classes graduate high school at a rate of 70%, which is six percentage points higher than those who do not attend pre-k. Turn to a top preschool in your area today!