Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links. As an affiliate and Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Please read my full disclosure policy for more information.
Yes, we’re jumping backwards, out of order, in our education series today. We’ve already shared what kids learn in Kindergarten and First Grade, but I was inspired by B-Inspired Mama sponsor Childtime to step back and share about preschool learning, too. Do you have a little one going off to preschool this school year? Here’s what they might learn while they’re there…
So, What Do Kids Learn in Preschool?
Numbers, Counting & Pre-Math Skills
Yep, your child will be prepping for Kindergarten in preschool. This means your preschooler will start to learn the foundations of mathematics! Preschool math generally includes number recognition and counting from one to ten but sometimes up to twenty. Preschoolers learn how numbers and objects correspond. And, they will explore simple patterns.
Preschool Number and Counting Activities:
- Fun Cardboard Box Car Parking Number Match Activity
- Preschool Math Fun with Number Rocks
- Simple Beading Patterns Preschool Math Activity
Basic Shapes
A preschooler’s pre-math skills also includes learning basic shapes. Believe it or not, basic shapes are the foundations of later learning in geometry!
Preschool Shape Activities:
- Preschool Light Tables Shapes Activity
- Preschool Shape Castles Craft
- Learning Shapes with Stickers
- Preschool Felt Shape Flowers Activity
Colors
Your preschool-aged child will also learn to identify colors. Naming and identifying colors helps young children develop language skills and creativity.
Preschool Color Activities:
The Alphabet
Learning the alphabet goes beyond just singing the ABC song. In preschool, kids begin to name letters and learn how they correspond with sounds and go together to make words. Letter recognition and phonological awareness help children develop essential early literacy skills.
Preschool Alphabet Activities:
- Sensory Bubble Blowing Bear Letter B Activity
- A to Z — Letter of the Week Crafts for Preschoolers
- Beach Style Preschool Letter Learning Activity
- Alphabet Corn Sensory Play for Preschoolers
Imaginative & Cooperative Play
High-quality preschools have a play-based learning approach. Imaginative and cooperative playtime provides natural hands-on learning experiences and social interaction that are an integral part of early child development. Through play, your preschooler will develop their sense of self, imagination, problem-solving skills, and social skills.
Preschool Play Ideas:
- 12 Messy Sensory Play Ideas — Worth the Mess!
- Simple Accessories Preschool Dress-Up Play Idea
- 17 Fun Ideas for Playing with Trucks and Cars
- Spring Small World Play for Preschoolers
Fine Motor Skills and Hand-Eye Coordination
Fine motor skills are so important in preschool. It’s during these early years that children are fine-tuning their pincer grip and strengthening the small muscles of their hands and fingers, which are essential for using crayons, a pencil, and scissors. In a preschool classroom, fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination will often be practiced through hands-on activities, arts and crafts, and sensory play.
Preschool Fine Motor Activities:
- 85 Fun Fine Motor Activities for Preschoolers
- Fine Motor Skill Flower Beading Activity
- Preschool Animal Maze Play for Fine Motor Development
- Soothing Lavender Playdough for Preschool Play
Gross Motor Skills
Preschoolers are developing their gross motor skills and coordination at this age, too. Pre-k programs should include ample active play and movement opportunities including outdoor activities and dancing.
Preschool Gross Motor Activities:
- 3 Simple Playground Playdate Ideas
- 24 Awesome but Easy Outdoor Activities
- Indoor Trampoline Games for Preschoolers
Social-Emotional Development
For many kids, preschool is their first time away from mom and dad for any significant time. And it’s a great time for them to build confidence and independence. Preschoolers learn and practice valuable social skills through cooperative play with their classmates and teachers.
Preschool Social-Emotional Activities:
- DIY Kids Emotions Game
- 12 Ways to Teach Kids About Compassion
- 99 Best Conversation Starters for Kids
Preschool Learning Toys and Games on Amazon:
Now, if you’re not up for setting up the preschool activities above, check out these preschool toys and games you can purchase now on Amazon…
Melissa & Doug Pattern Blocks and BoardsDinhon Kids Learning Locks with KeysPotato Head FamilyCreativity for Kids Sensory Bin: Outer SpaceFrog Balance Math GameLearning Resources Farmer’s Market Color Sorting SetCounting Dinosaurs Toys Matching GamesGray Orange Wooden Building Blocks SetLearning Resources Big Feelings PineappleMAGNA-TILES Arctic Animals 25-Piece Magnetic Construction SetLearning Resources Carlos The Pop & Count CactusMelissa & Doug Examine and Treat Pet Vet Play SetLearning Resources Sorting Surprise Pirate Treasure
And see all of our favorite preschool finds in B-Inspired Mama’s Amazon Shop: Perfect Picks for Toddler and Preschool Busy Bags
Like this Resource on What Preschoolers Learn? Then, Save It & Share It!
Don’t forget to save this preschool learning resource to come back to. And share it with friends! Simply use the buttons at the top or bottom of this post. Or, click here: Share on Facebook | Tweet It | Pin It | Email to a Friend
More Preschool Activities from B-Inspired Mama
- 6 Fun and Easy Preschool Games
- 18+ Awesome Preschool Art Activities
- Early Learning with The Kids Co-Op
ayat says
I posted a comment about this being a great article! I was researching for days for a clear article of what Preschool should teach. Would it be possible to tell me what a typical nursery day should look like.
Thanks alot!
ayat says
love this!! Researched alot for some clear guidelines for Preschool teaching and this beats all! Thank you 🙂
Sherry Rodriguez says
My grandson is 16 months he will be two in July. What kind of motor skills activity should I be doing with him?
Krissy of B-Inspired Mama says
I guess I need a post like this for toddlers, huh!? I’ll have to put that on my to-do list. 🙂
Generally, just after their first Birthday, toddlers focussing primarily on learning and perfecting all those motor skills, so you’re on the right track, for sure. Anything that can get him moving, walking and then running, climbing up and down, starting to hop and then eventually jump. Tossing a ball underhand into a bin or bucket. Simple little obstacle courses are fun: https://b-inspiredmama.com/kids-obstacle-course-ideas/
And fine motor work for perfecting that pincer grasp. Dropping little objects or cards into a container, fingerpainting, pushing and squishing fingers into sensory bags, manipulating doughs and slimes and materials in sensory bins. https://b-inspiredmama.com/diy-toy-for-toddler/
https://b-inspiredmama.com/busy-bags-co-op/
Good luck! He’s lucky to have such a loving Grandma.
Selina Marie says
Hi Krissy,
I believe this is very important subject since it is foundation for everything that comes down the road.
Love your articles!