10 tips specially for preschoolers who stay at home.

10 tips specially for preschoolers who stay at home.

Young children in groups 1 and 2 have a short attention span. Variation is important. They want to play but also like to do 'a little task'. Often, they finish quickly. It is good to have some extras ready when schoolwork is done. Ouders & Onderwijs lists some extra tips.

1. Know what you can expect from your child in groups 1 and 2

Counting, coloring and naming shapes, telling something in the circle, playing together, rhyming, listening to a story: preschoolers have a lot to learn. In group 1, learning is done in very small steps and through play. In group 2, your child is gradually prepared for more school-like learning starting in group 3. But at the same time, your child can still enjoy being a preschooler and play a lot.

2. Let your child play

Preschoolers learn by playing. In their play, they discover the world around them. Their vocabulary grows. They talk and use language. Let your child play role-play with brothers or sisters (so you can work a bit too) or play along yourself. For example, the game: all about the farm by juf Anke

3. Read aloud

Children love being read to. But now you have to work at home too, it is helpful to also use digital read-aloud books. There are plenty on De Voorleeshoek. After the story, have a (short) talk about it and ask questions. This also practices your child’s critical listening.

4. Rhyming

Young children practice rhyming a lot at school. It helps sound awareness, which is important for reading and writing development. You can practice rhyming playfully too. You can use things you see at home or in the garden. Take turns thinking of a rhyme word and stop when one player cannot think of a word. Who wins?
Suggestions for rhyme words: vase, cookie, cat, knife, clock, plate. See juf Anke’s website for more fun letter games.

5. Segmenting and blending sounds

This skill is also important for later reading. Say a word in separate sounds, for example vase: v-aa-s (say the letters phonetically, so the ‘v’ is ‘vuh’ and not ‘vee’). Let your child guess the word you say. Say several short words (three or four sounds) in separate sounds this way.

6. Practice counting

In preschool groups, children count up to twenty and learn numbers (group 2 up to 15). Practice counting and recognizing numbers through play.

• Write numbers (for a child from group 1 up to 6 and for a child from group 2 up to 15) on notes. Give two or more players a fly swatter. Call out a number. Who hits the correct number first?
• Write numbers on the pavement and let your child run, jump, hop, or skip to them.
• Count during meals. How many sandwiches does your child eat? How many carrots are on their plate? How many potatoes do they eat?

7. Puzzles

Mix two puzzles and let your child make them. A challenge! You can also let your child do a simple puzzle upside down, with the pictures facing downwards.

8. Print a worksheet or workbook

Your child may see older brothers and sisters doing schoolwork and want to join. You can find many worksheets or workbooks online. Look at Peuterspelletjes or download a spring themed workbook from juf Anke or Easter. Remember, playing with real materials and exploring are most important. Don’t let your child do workbook tasks every day.

9. Draw or craft for someone else

Let your child enjoy drawing. Then think of someone to give or send the drawing to. Think of grandpa, grandma, or others nearby who are sick at home or must stay inside for other reasons. Crafting is also nice, make a beautiful flower that unfolds in water.

10. Do a fun online lesson

On Facebook there are nice offers from teachers giving online lessons. For example, juf Marit gives daily art lessons on her Facebook page. Follow the page soon. Guaranteed fun for your little Picasso.