As parents, we all want to give our little ones the best start in life. While preschool provides a fantastic foundation for learning, there are plenty of simple and fun ways to reinforce and expand on those lessons at home! At Small World Child Care, we focus on fostering curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom. Here are some easy and engaging ways to support your preschooler’s learning journey at home while taking advantage of our enriching programs.
1. Make Everyday Moments Educational
Learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom! Simple daily activities like cooking, grocery shopping, or getting dressed can teach valuable skills. At Small World Child Care, we incorporate real-world learning through interactive play and hands-on activities that help children develop math, language, and problem-solving skills in a natural, stress-free way. You can reinforce these lessons at home by asking your child to count apples in the grocery cart, sort socks by color, or measure ingredients while baking.
2. Read, Read, Read!
Reading together is one of the best ways to support early literacy. At Small World Child Care, we provide a literacy-rich environment with engaging books, storytelling, and group reading sessions to build vocabulary and comprehension. At home, continue this practice by choosing books with engaging pictures, rhymes, and repetitive phrases. Let your child turn pages, point out pictures, and predict what happens next. If they see you enjoying books, they’ll be more likely to develop a love for reading too!
3. Encourage Play-Based Learning
Play is how young children make sense of the world. Our preschool programs at Small World Child Care provide structured and open-ended play opportunities with blocks, puzzles, dolls, and pretend kitchen sets. Through play, children develop social skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity. Try extending these experiences at home by setting up a pretend grocery store, building a pillow fort, or playing with kinetic sand to keep their imaginations growing.
4. Get Hands-On with Science and Nature
Exploring the natural world fosters curiosity and critical thinking. Small World Child Care offers outdoor play, science experiments, and nature exploration to help children understand the world around them. At home, you can take your child on a nature walk, collect leaves, or observe different types of weather. Simple science experiments—like mixing baking soda and vinegar or growing beans in a cup—can introduce basic scientific concepts in a fun and interactive way.
5. Build Social and Emotional Skills
Preschoolers are still learning how to express their emotions and interact with others. Our teachers at Small World Child Care help children navigate their feelings through guided social interactions, group play, and emotional coaching. You can support this at home by modeling kindness, encouraging turn-taking, and validating their feelings. Role-play different social scenarios or use picture books to discuss emotions in a relatable way.
6. Foster Independence and Confidence
Giving your child small responsibilities, like putting toys away, dressing themselves, or helping set the table, builds confidence and independence. At Small World Child Care, we promote self-help skills through daily routines and activities, encouraging children to take initiative and be proud of their accomplishments. Reinforce these lessons at home by praising their efforts rather than just the results—this helps them develop a growth mindset and a willingness to try new things.
7. Create a Routine and Structure
Young children thrive on predictability. At Small World Child Care, we provide a structured environment with consistent routines that help children feel secure and understand expectations. You can create a similar daily schedule at home that includes time for play, learning, rest, and meals. Visual schedules with pictures can be especially helpful for preschoolers who aren’t reading yet.
8. Limit Screen Time and Encourage Movement
While some educational screen time can be beneficial, too much can hinder social development and active play. Our programs at Small World Child Care encourage movement through music, dance, and outdoor play, ensuring children stay active while learning. At home, balance screen time with hands-on activities like dancing, playing outside, or engaging in sensory play. Movement is essential for brain development and helps improve focus and coordination.
9. Celebrate Their Progress!
Every child learns at their own pace, so celebrate their milestones—big or small! At Small World Child Care, we recognize and encourage each child’s individual progress, helping them build confidence and a love for learning. Whether it’s recognizing letters, writing their name, or learning to tie their shoes, praising their efforts at home reinforces their motivation to learn and grow.
Final Thoughts
Supporting your preschooler’s learning at home doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little creativity and intentionality, everyday moments can become meaningful learning experiences. Small World Child Care is here to partner with you in your child’s education, providing a nurturing environment that fosters curiosity, play, and independence.
Want to learn more about how we can support your child’s early learning journey? Contact us today or schedule a visit!
