How Do I Choose the Best Activities for Preschool Children?

Preschool is an integral stage in a child’s life and is usually his or her first time in a classroom setting being instructed by a teacher. Many parents want to supplement the instruction received in the classroom with a variety of before- and after-school activities. When searching for activities for preschool children, you can find a variety of options by talking to his or her teacher, by asking the child to express his or her interests, by introducing fun into normal household activities, and by checking on programs in your local area.

When searching for activities for preschool children, a good place to begin is right at the preschool with the classroom teacher. Ask the teacher about what some available activities are that can enrich the child’s educational career. Often, the teacher will be able to give you an idea of what is done in the classroom and which activities your child seems to enjoy the most. He or she may also be able to suggest the best place to take the preschooler for enrichment or activities to do with him or her that will increase his or her knowledge and skills.

Talking to the child can provide a wealth of information about what activities might be the most interesting for him or her. Provide him or her with choices that complement their personalities and pursuits. Children who are more creative in nature may want to attend ceramic classes or art workshops, while more boisterous children may want to work out their energy with karate or a dancing class.

Activities for preschool children can be easily incorporated into a variety of household activities. Time spent with a parent and a preschool child should be guided with an educational purpose. Plan two to three activities per day, making sure to do educational activities in 20-minute intervals. Something as simple as counting items out loud in a shopping cart can strengthen a child’s arithmetic skills. Sorting the laundry can help him or her learn the difference between light and dark, as well as colors and matching.

In the United States, many counties have their own Parks and Recreation programs that offer a wide variety of classes and activities per season. These can range from art classes to cake decorating, from intramural and league sports to a variety of exercise classes. Generally, there is a fee associated with registration for each activity. Contacting your local Parks and Recreation organization for a guide can give any preschooler a lot of activities from which to choose.