Preschool Learning Activities

The World is Full of Learning

The world is full of preschool learning activities for your kids. Take a walk outside with a preschooler, and you'll see things in a different light. A simple anthill is a world of wonder to a child. Mole tunnels, butterflies, flowers, and pinecones are fascinating discoveries that a child wants to know more about. Talk to your preschooler about her world. Ask her questions. Tell her the names of new objects, animals, and insects. Show her how the world around her works. Each time you do this, you are helping her learn. The best part? It's fun for both of you. You can easily incorporate learning opportunities into daily activities without spending a fortune. Involve your preschooler in the following:

• Visit local parks.
• Take a walk around your yard or up the street.
• Plant a small garden, even if it is only in a couple of pots.
• Water your flowers.
• Go grocery shopping, and point out the shapes and colors of the items you are purchasing.
• Collect things like rocks, leaves, sticks, etc.

Formal Preschool Learning Activities

Other preschool learning activities can involve hands-on arts and crafts, cooking, decorating, playing games, exercising, and reading together. If your child attends a preschool, you might want to borrow a few ideas from the school's curriculum to use at home. For spur-of-the-moment crafts, collect objects such as:

• Milk jugs-Use these to make bird feeders, small gardens, watering cans, ball catchers, and piggy banks.
• Empty toilet paper and paper towel rolls-Use these for scrolls to decorate, shakers (fill with rocks and wrap with tissue paper), party streamers (attach streamers and paint), rain sticks (fill with rocks, seal shut, and decorate), and binoculars.
• Empty tissue boxes-Create trains, guitars, and penny banks. For instructions, visit NickJr.com.
• Butter bowls-Use for small planters, toy storage, etc.
• Shoe boxes-Use these as play blocks, favorite things box (cover with material and accessories), cars, trains, and other ideas.

Music is Fun

Music should be a big part of your preschooler's world! You can use music as fun preschool learning activities in many ways, such as the following:

• Chalkboard Music-Take a portable CD player outside. Put on some tunes, and let your child try to draw the music he hears. You do it, too.
• Musical Chairs-Even if it's just the two of you, you can still enjoy this fun game.
• Bubble Music-Set a bubble machine up outside, play some music, and let your preschooler dance in the bubbles.
• Scarves and Streamers-Use colorful scarves, pieces of material, streamers, and anything else you might have. Play some music, and dance using your streamers.

Outdoor Fun

Looking for ways to enjoy the outdoors with your toddler while creating learning opportunities? The following activities will get you started. Be sure and talk to your child about what you are doing. Look for ways to incorporate simple themes, such as colors, numbers, shapes, and letters.

• Fishing-Think your preschooler is too young to enjoy fishing? Think again! All you need is a pole, some fishing line, hooks, and a little bait. Visit a nearby creek or pond. Be sure to put a child flotation device on your preschooler, and watch her at all times.
• Hiking-Your preschooler's little legs may not carry him very far, but you may be surprised at how much energy he really has. Choose hiking areas that are easy for you and your kids to use. Carry plenty of water and a few snacks, and take frequent breaks as well.
• Swimming-Rubber and plastic pools are great for preschoolers to splash in. Check out your local recreation center or YMCA for information on swimming lessons, too.
• Festivals-There may be a myriad of festivals in your area that you've never checked out. Don't wait any longer! Look for arts and crafts, music and dance, and any other festivals that might be available for you and your kids to visit.
• Picnics-Let your preschooler help you choose and prepare the menu!

Online Resources

Finally, check out the following Websites for more preschool activities and ideas:

• Meddy Bemps
• Enchanted Learning
• Prechool Rainbow
• Time4Learning
• Preschool Learning Online