If you’ve ever wondered “what do kids learn in preschool?” getting a straightforward answer doesn’t have to be vague or complex. Here are some of the top 7 skills children learn in preschool according to Smart Parent Advice’s article “What Do Kids Learn in Preschool” and Scholastic’s article “The Ultimate Guide to Preschool“.
1. Language
Language skills involve both listening and speaking. Language skills can be built by:
- Using new words
- Telling stories
- Reading and discussing stories
- Labeling items in multiple languages
- Asking open ended questions that promote thinking
- Playing games that involve listening and following simple directions (Ex: Red Light Green Light and Simon Says)
2. Reading & Writing
Reading & writing skills involve recognizing sounds, listening to stories, and spelling simple words. Reading & writing skills can be built by:
- Learning the alphabet
- Identifying letters and words in books
- Learning songs and rhymes
- Pointing out the differences in how letters look, and their sounds
- Listening to stories and talking about them
- Providing play materials that encourage writing (Ex: chalk, tracing boards, flashcards)
- Reading & writing their own name
3. Social-Emotional Learning
Social-Emotional Learning skills involve recognizing and understanding feelings, learning how to resolve conflicts, and building self-esteem. Social-Emotional Learning skills can be built by:
- Recognizing different emotions (Ex: have a feelings check-in chart)
- Practicing using “please” and “thank you”
- Helping clean up together
- Playing sharing games
- Role playing with puppets
4. Math
Math skills cover more than solving equations. Developing math skills involves learning numbers and recognizing patterns. Math skills can be built by:
- Learning about numbers
- Practicing counting (Ex: counting stairs as you climb them, make a counting book)
- Measuring objects
- Recognizing shapes & patterns (Ex: playing I Spy)
- Sorting, categorizing, and comparing objects
5. Science
Science skills involve being curious. Children are often interested in the outside world and everything that comes with it. Science skills can be built by:
- Exploring outside
- Asking “why” questions
- Learning about the weather
- Growing a plant
- Making basic recipes
6. Physical Education
Physical Education involves developing gross & fine motor skills, rhythm and coordination, balance, and strength training. Physical Education skills can be built by:
- Running & jumping
- Playing games (Ex: Following the Leader and Duck, Duck, Goose)
- Playing catch
- Playing with puzzles
- Cutting out paper shapes
- Playing with sand, water, and other sensory elements.
7. Creative Arts
Creative Arts skills involve all things artistic. While many skills from the other sections can fall under this category, there are some that are exclusive to the creative arts. Creative art skills can be built by:
- Drawing & Painting
- Dancing
- Playing pretend
- Playing with PlayDough
About eLuma
eLuma’s vision is to help millions of students and their families by creating easy access to affordable, high-quality therapy and support.
We do this by providing K-12 schools and districts with the best online speech therapy, school psychology, mental health, and occupational therapy services as well as sharing additional insights and resources that can supplement professional help.