Preschoolers ETE – ECE 8: Explore the growth, development, and care of the Preschooler. 8.1 Analyze the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development of the preschool child. 8.2 Determine strategies that promote the health and safety of the preschool child, including those with special needs.

What are they like? Preschool thoughts become more and more adult like. Preschool language skills improve quickly. Children become more social with their peers at this age. Preschoolers still seek favor and approval from adults. Preschoolers become stronger and more coordinated. The first five years of life are the most information any human ever learns

What are they like? Con’t Preschoolers’ changing body proportions helps them improve their balance and motor skills. Preschoolers have improved dressing, eating, and hygiene skills. Preschoolers refine their gross and fine motor skills. Weight gain can result from poor eating habits. Physical inactivity is a major cause of overweight children.

What are some general emotional patterns of 3-5 year olds? A major task in this age span is to learn social skills How to get along with peers and caregivers Now 4-5 year olds can form friendships with their peers unlike toddlers Common emotions – self-confidence, anger, fear, jealousy, love, independence (more so now!) They will play together unlike toddlers Aggressive behavior may continue when faced with frustration, it is time to learn that it is unacceptable. Encourage talking about feelings Acknowledge efforts to resolve conflicts Model appropriate behavior in tough situations Roleplay and discuss in class how to handle frustrations

How can caregivers relate to preschoolers in developmentally appropriate ways? Teach children about nutrition At home – use curiosity to encourage trying things, include in food prep, give limited choices At school – ask questions about food, teach healthy/not, teach ingredients, watch for high sugar, fat, or salt Encourage physical activity – set a pattern for life Teach self-care skills – bathing, hand-washing, teeth brushing, dressing Ensure adequate sleep – some no longer need a nap at 4 3 years 9 to 12 hours 1 to 3 hours (1 nap) 12 to 13 hours 4 years 0 to 2.5 hours (1 or no nap) 11 to 12 hours 5 years 8 to 11 hours 10 to 11 hours

How can caregivers relate to preschoolers in developmentally appropriate ways?(con’t) Worry – children experience stress and tension like everyone Comes from strangers, bullying, new places or schedules, family changes, etc. Common reactions – claim sickness, regress in toileting care, crying, temper tantrums, biting nails, grinding teeth Look for a cause Give them time to calm down Provide tension release – exercise, discussion Read a book about issue causing stress Maintain normal limits on behaviors

How can caregivers relate to preschoolers in developmentally appropriate ways?(con’t) Teach teamwork and cooperation Set clear limits and enforce them Talk about mistakes in private Understand children WILL test the limits, be prepared Consider the child’s age and their abilities Model good behavior

What are the “windows of opportunity” regarding brain development in preschoolers? Window of Opportunity – time when a person can learn a certain thing easiest – never closed – just is harder later Children between 4-6 are at ideal age for learning language – first and second languages.

How do Preschoolers Learn? Still learn a lot through play Experiences – especially those shared with adults – talking through processes, answering questions Preschoolers begin learning to read by learning phonics – recognizing letters and their sounds Phonemes – the smallest individual sounds in words like “ou” in house and “t” in hat Alliteration – the repetition of certain sounds – listing 5 words that start with each letter – “C” is for cat, cup, cap, coat, and cold

How do you know a child is ready for school? 1. can communicate with adults and be understood 2. manage personal needs – put on coat and shoes, use restroom without assistance 3. complete a task – cleaning up after drawing or playing 4. listen attentively – listen long enough for a story and then answer questions 5. follow directions and take turns 6. be patient – willing to wait for a request to be met or question answered

What traits should preschool caregivers have? Many career opportunities exist in early childhood. The majority are in the teaching field. Your responsibilities as a teacher are complex and demanding. You will need to be a friend, a colleague, counselor, janitor, nurse, decorator, safety expert, and even a cook on some days. Some things are unpleasant like changing diapers, cleaning up messes, and dealing with sick children. CHALLENGING and REWARDING are the two best terms to describe a caregiver for children.

Teacher Responsibilities To know how children grow and develop To plan developmentally appropriate curriculum To prepare the environment To communicate effectively To demonstrate teamwork To manage time wisely To participate in professional organizations To follow ethical standards To continue to learn

Characteristics of Successful teachers Fondness for children PATIENCE Compassion Confidence Sense of humor Commitment Personal desire Physical and mental health

What is Preschool for? A rich learning environment that teaches reading, math, and social skills High quality care for young children Gets children used to schedule Teaches school behaviors Encourages socialization Teaches life skills like patience, manners, independence, kindness, etc. Safe place for children

Review: 1. What is a preschooler like? 2. What are some common emotions they experience? 3. What is a Window of Opportunity? 4. When do you learn the most (age?) 5. What happens in preschool? 6. What should a caregiver be like and what are they responsible for?