As we prepare our preschooler for kindergarten, recognizing shapes is one of the things to practice. Rather than using flash cards, I like to explore other hands on ways to get my preschooler working shape recognition. Using hands on and fun activities to get my preschooler to practice shapes is much more fun for the both of us. Using flash cards alone is repetitious and unengaging for this age group. They will really learn by being invested in what they are “learning”, while really having fun and playing with you.

One idea for shape recognition is to have your preschooler copy pictures of the shape. Hold out a picture of one of the 2-D shapes and then have your child use their pointer finger to draw it in a fun medium! Easy items to use are salt and a baking tray. By pouring some salt into a baking tray you have made a fun sensory item that your child can write in. Have your child look at the picture, draw the shape in the try, and then say the shape name out loud. Simple practice that will keep your kiddo busy learning by using common materials in your home.

Another idea to use at home is using the back yard as a tool. Using nature to make 2-D shapes is a fun way to include great textures while practicing shape recognition. Grass, leaves, sticks, rocks, and dirt are all great materials to have your child use to design the shapes. Call out a shape for them to create with their nature items and encourage them to be creative. Making mud and using a stick to draw the shapes in is also some messy fun!

Having a shape hunt at home is also a fun way to engage your child while learning without even realizing it. Using post-its and a marker, draw each shape on the post-its. Then hide the shapes in semi-tricky spots around your home. Call out one of the shapes for them to find and help your preschooler practice treasure hunting shapes for fun! As your kiddo begins to master their shapes, have them take turns by hiding the shapes and calling out the names for you to find.

These are just a few shape recognition activities that are easy to do at home. There are many more ideas online if more are needed. Shapes are a un thing to work on with preschoolers. Expanding the shape hunt to the grocery story is fun as they get older to practice their shapes. Shapes are everywhere and the practice is endless. Making fun games to play will help your child to recognize them in a entertaining and exciting way.

Ms. Whitney
Lead Pre-Kindergarten
Curriculum Coordinator

An immense amount of learning and development occurs during a child’s early years. It is not only in the physical aspect of their well being but also in their social, emotional and cognitive development. Because your little one continues to develop, sending them to preschool is an excellent decision. Young kids learn so many things in a high quality preschool. All this contributes to their future success.  These include their ABCs and 123’s, social skills, problem solving skills and more! Read on for essential things your child can learn from a good quality, Colorado Springs preschool.

Language, letters and sounds

In preschool, children spend most of their time working together with their classmates. Whether they are discussing an activity or playing, this contributes to their development. Preschool is also where children learn to identify and name all 26 letters of the alphabet. Although writing in a preschool classroom often appears as scribbles, children will be able to recognize their name and write it down. They will also learn how to identify other meaningful yet simple words such as mom and dad. As they develop a connection between letters and sounds, they will understand simple words.

Math basics

Teachers in preschool help kids recognize numbers and learn to count. As soon as the children are able to name the numbers and memorize their order, they learn counting. Developing their math skills doesn’t stop there. In a preschool setting, children use numbers everyday when they count objects around them. They will work with geometric shapes in their art projects. Simple graphics are also used by the preschool teachers to introduce math concepts.

Colors and shapes

Preschoolers will be exposed to various activities to learn about basic colors and shapes. Some of these activities include their art projects and coloring tasks. As soon as they are able to point out colors and shapes, the teachers turn it into a game to test their knowledge.

Socializing and sharing

Developing social skills at a young age is important for young children. It is necessary before stepping into kindergarten and elementary school. The good thing is that socialization is one of the things that your child will learn in a good quality Colorado Springs preschool. Kids are given plenty of opportunities to make friends and work with other kids. They will learn how to cooperate, work together, take turns and share things. They will also learn how to better express themselves and communicate their needs.

Cognitive and problem solving skills

A tremendous amount of cognitive development happens in a child’s preschool years. During this phase, children develop their ability to solve complex problems and make decisions. By sending your little one to a high quality preschool, they can further improve their cognitive skills. Their thinking and problem solving abilities are being honed in preschool. They are provided with more complex and challenging play. They are also given fun exercises that stretch a child’s thinking.

Science

Young kids are scientists by nature. They are always curious about the world and their surroundings. They always observe, experiment and ask questions. They are fascinated with the natural occurrences surrounding them. By sending your little one to a preschool, their interest and skills in science can be enhanced. Simple science experiments are performed in a preschool classroom. One of the examples includes the physical change of ice from solid to liquid in a warm room.

Thinking twice about sending your child to a preschool? Refer to this article and see how a high quality preschool education can benefit your little one. If you are searching for the best Colorado Springs preschool that tackles a child’s holistic development, you can always trust Young Scholars Academy.

Choosing the best school and toddler program for your little one can be as stressful as applying to college, but it doesn’t have to be. Yes, there are a lot of things to consider and these things can overwhelm you. As a parent, you want what’s best for your child, but how do you decide? Don’t panic, take a deep breath and remember that you are doing this for your little one. Here are some things to consider to help you in your decision making.

Figure out the personality and needs of the child

This should be a major factor in your decision. Every child is different and finding an environment for them to excel and embrace their needs is important. Here are some questions to think about:

• Does the child need a program that will focus more on their motor skills?
• Are they  aloof or shy and in need of extra care from the educators?
• Or are they advanced or behind in verbal skills needing challenges to improve?

It is expected that classrooms will have children with diverse personalities and learning capacities. However, a preschool environment is designed to be a comfortable setting for toddlers. It’s important to consider this so that you can set your child up for optimum learning. You can ask questions at each school that you are considering so that you’ll be sure that your child’s needs are met.

Check that  the school has proper credentials

There are so many private preschools available  that they make their own rules. To ensure that these schools are right for your child, ask if the teachers have ECE (Early Childhood Education) degrees and have CDA credentials. Also,ask  if the school is accredited. It’s also a plus if the classroom teachers and staff are certified in CPR and first aid.

Does  the school’s educational philosophy matches yours?

The bulk of a child’s brain development occurs in their first five years and this is the best time to expose your child to more learning. Teachers have different ways, approaches, and views on educating young minds. Some preschools are completely play-based, while others have lessons for letters and number to prepares kids for kindergarten. There are also schools that have discovery-based programs that don’t  only focus on drills and practice skills.

The structure is essential, but parents should also look for a school that gives children the opportunity to learn by choice. Parents should also consider the openness between the school and the family in choosing a toddler daycare. It is important that the school welcomes and encourages the family to stop by any time. The program should also include regular feedback on the child’s development in school. Open communication is important for staying  updated on your child’s progress.

What do you think will be best for your child? This all comes down to learning style and how you prepare them for school at home.

Discipline

A parent’s ultimate goal is to raise their children to be well behaved human beings with proper traits and discipline. While kids are young, it’s the perfect time to instill in them the values you want them to have. This is another important factor to consider in choosing the right preschool for your young one. Ask the school how they deal with child behavior. Ask them how they deal with conflict if it arises in the classroom. It’s important that you agree with the preschool’s disciplinary action and their approach to correcting children.

What is the school’s nutrition policy?

This is another factor to consider in you search. Children can be greatly influenced by their peers at this age. If other kids like to eat fruit, your child will probably also grow to love eating fruit. This goes both ways, too, and they may be negatively influenced. Ask the school if they provide healthy lunches and r snacks, or do you need to prepare their meals at home. If the school provides meals , ask them what they typically serve. Make sure to voice concerns if your child has food allergies, too.

Is the school convenient?

Does the preschool’s time fit into your schedule? Can you drop your child off at the neighborhood daycare or is on the  way to your office? Are you looking for a half-day program or do you prefer a full-day one? Generally, schools go for 5 days a week, depending on a child’s age and the school itself. Some programs allow extended pick up  times for those who have to work late.

Is it a Safe environment?

Last but not the least, safety is, of course, the number one thing you should look at when you are choosing a preschool. How does the school ensure a child’s safety? How do they keep track of the pickups after school? How do they respond to accidents when they happen? These are some basic things that you should ask if you are looking for a safe school environment.

Attending preschool or toddler daycare will prepare your child for kindergarten. So it is important to carefully choose the school they’ll attend. Consider all of the options and pick the one that  is best using the tips above to guide you.

There are many things parents worry about when it comes to a daycare, which is perfectly normal. As a parent, it is natural to be concerned about leaving your little one in someone else’s care. Some people also believe that young children are better off at home. However, if you’re worried about putting your child in a daycare, know that a good quality daycare program is beneficial to toddlers in many ways. Daycare can help with their mental, social, and emotional growth and development. Read on to find out the amazing benefits that a daycare can offer your child.

More opportunities to grow

A quality daycare program is important to a child’s future success. In a high-quality daycare, teachers and care providers are capable of dealing with toddlers’ tantrums and behavioral problems. At the same time, kids are also given plenty of opportunities to socialize and learn. The daycare environment gives them the affection and stimulation they need while growing up.

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