What Children Learn Between Activities: The Hidden Learning Moments in a Preschool Day
When parents think about learning in a preschool and daycare environment, they usually think about activities such as reading stories, painting, music, or math. Although these activities are important, some of the most important learning occurs between these activities. In today’s modern preschool and daycare environment, learning goes beyond the pages of a book. Children learn through experiences, interactions, and moments in their day that help them develop emotionally, socially, and intellectually. These moments of learning are very important in preparing children for school and life.
Let’s look into a few hidden learning at a preschool
Learning Happens All Day, Not Just During Class Time
A typical day at preschool is full of transitions, such as arrival at school, clean-up from play activities, preparation for snack time, and then the transition from indoors to outdoors. Although these transitions appear to be very ordinary, they are actually very essential for the development of life skills in children. It is during these times of transition that children are able to learn about following routines, understanding the concept of responsibility, developing their listening skills, and adjusting effortlessly to change. Modern-day approaches to early childhood education understand that learning happens throughout the day and not just in the classroom.
Building Social Skills Naturally
Preschool and daycare settings offer children the opportunity to be around others on a daily basis. Between activities, children will engage in conversations, share toys, take turns, and resolve small disputes. These activities allow children to develop effective communication skills, learn concepts of cooperation and teamwork, and develop a sense of empathy and kindness. They also help children feel confident in a social setting. These are essential skills for success in the classroom.
Developing Independence Through Daily Routines
Activities such as hand washing, toy organisation, wearing shoes, or packing their bags are some of the simple daily activities that promote independence in children from a very young age. Rather than doing things for them, teachers support children in their learning process, giving them the confidence to perform tasks on their own. By doing the simple daily activities, children learn valuable self-care skills, enhance decision-making capabilities, learn the concept of responsibility, and boost their self-confidence. A good preschool and daycare setting encourages children to do things by themselves while providing support whenever needed.
The Role of Modern Teaching and Technology
Contemporary preschools and daycare facilities integrate traditional play-based learning with cutting-edge learning tools to improve the development of children. The teachers can apply technology-based learning materials, smart classroom methods, and monitoring systems to monitor the development of the children. Technology adds to the learning process, but it does not substitute for play, creativity, and human interaction. A combination of these methods enables the children to develop effective social skills and basic awareness of technology use.
BELIEF: Children learn more than you think through play/activities.
The best preschools are those that incorporate learning with play activities because they realise that development happens throughout the day and that every small moment is an opportunity for learning and growth.
A high-quality learning environment is organised, promotes independence, and positive social interactions among children. For parents who are interested in learning more about how young toddlers develop different learning styles, valuable information can be found at the 4 Types of Learning Methods in Early Childhood. Additional information about preschools and early education strategies can be found at Elzee Preschool and Daycare. It also provides a safe and nurturing environment where children feel encouraged to explore, grow, and learn new things.
