WHAT CHILDREN CAN DO

What Children Can Do

What do children learn in a high-quality preschool program?

In a high-quality preschool program, children learn how to do different physical activities

and expand the capabilities of their bodies, as well as learn how to use their hands in new ways

(NAEYC). They also learn social and language skills, self-control, conflict resolution, self-

esteem, and emotion management (NAEYC). In addition, they will learn communication and

listening skills, thinking skills, decision making, and problem solving. Children also learn

concepts through real-life applications (Marshall & Castillo). They learn and practice autonomy

and independence (Marshall & Castillo).

What does a high-quality preschool look like?

A high-quality preschool has teachers that are caring and warm and make an effort to get

to know the students and their families (NAEYC). They pay attention to children’s interests and

needs and help children work towards challenging yet achievable goals (NAEYC). High-quality

preschools are licensed facilities in which teachers are engaged with the students and follow

developmentally appropriate curriculums (Workman). They provide safe environments, both

indoors and outdoors, for exploration, as well as foster positive experiences between students

and teachers (Workman).

What is the relationship between play and learning?

Play is incredibly important to learning and development. Play can build self-worth and

teach social skills, creativity, emotions, imagination, problem solving, cooperation, sharing,

language skills, and more (Family Lives). It can also aid in the development of shape
 WHAT CHILDREN CAN DO
2

recognition, logic, strength, flexibility, taking turns, listening, and communication (Family

Lives). Meaningful play can even help children learn about and develop experimentation,

teamwork, expression, and inquiry skills (Mead). Play is meaningful when it gives the child a

choice, is fun and enjoyable, evolves with the child’s interests, and is risk-free so children can

experiment safely (Mead).

 WHAT CHILDREN CAN DO
3

Domain: Children Can:

Fine Motor  Build block towers & make balls out of playdough (1)
Skills  Draw a circle (1)
 Begin to have a mature grasp on writing utensils (1)
 Begin to cut along a straight line (1)
 Feed and dress themselves mostly on their own (1)

Gross Motor  Hop on one foot (1)

Skills  Alternate feet when walking up and down stairs (1)
 Climb (1)
 Skip (1)
 Walk in a line (1)
 Run around obstacles (1)

Social &  Share toys and take turns (possibly with help) (1)
Emotional  Participate in dramatic play (1)
Skills  Follow simple game rules (1)
 Join or initiate play with other children (1)
 Make up games (1)
 Understand “his/hers” and “mine” (2)
 Imitate adults and peers (2)

Language  Has a 900+ word vocabulary (1)

Skills  Is mostly understandable (1)
 Answers and asks questions (who, what, where) (1)
 Uses pronouns (1)
 Start to recognize letters and words (1)
 Follow directions with three steps (1)

Math Skills  Sort objects by shape and color (2)

 Complete small puzzles (3-4 pieces) (2)
 Recognize shapes in everyday life (3)
 Compare and contrast (3)
 Understand that numbers stand for quantities (3)
 Begin to predict cause and effect (3)

Science  Ask questions about their environment (4)

Skills  Offer explanations for the way things may work (4)
 WHAT CHILDREN CAN DO
4

 Use descriptive terms (4)

 Take interest in animals and animal sounds (4)

References

1. “Preschool Developmental Milestones.” Children’s Therapy & Family Resource Centre.

Retrieved from http://www.kamloopschildrenstherapy.org/preschool-milestones.

2. “Preschool.” HealthyChildren.org. American Academy of Pediatrics. Retrieved from

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/preschool/Pages/default.aspx.

3. Morin, Amanda. “Math Skills: What to Expect at Different Ages.” Understood. Retrieved

from https://www.understood.org/en/learning-thinking-differences/signs-symptoms/age-

by-age-learning-skills/math-skills-what-to-expect-at-different-ages.

4. “Preschool skills checklist.” Leap Frog. Retrieved from https://www.leapfrog.com/en-

us/learning-path/articles/preschool-skills-checklist.

5. “What Do Children Learn in a High-Quality Preschool Program?” NAEYC. Retrieved

from https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/what-do-children-learn-preschool-

program.

6. Marshall, Ellen & Castillo, Cathy. “Section Two: Quality in Early Childhood Education.”

Early Childhood Assessment and Teacher Training – ECATT, U.S. Department of State.

Retrieved from https://2009-2017.state.gov/m/a/os/41176.htm.

7. “What Does a High-Quality Preschool Program Look Like?” NAEYC. Retrieved from

https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/what-does-high-quality-program-for-preschool-

look-like.

8. Workman, Simon. (2017). “Quality 101: Identifying the Core Components of a High-

Quality Early Childhood Program.” Center for American Progress. Retrieved from
 WHAT CHILDREN CAN DO
5

https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/early-

childhood/reports/2017/02/13/414939/quality-101-identifying-the-core-components-of-a-

high-quality-early-childhood-program/.

9. “Why play matters.” Family Lives. Retrieved from

https://www.familylives.org.uk/advice/early-years-development/learning-and-play/why-

play-matters/.

10. Mead, Sarah. “How Do Children Learn Through Play?” Whitby. Retrieved from

https://www.whitbyschool.org/passionforlearning/how-do-children-learn-through-play.