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Home » Parenting » Education » What Do Kids Learn in Preschool + 28 Preschool Activities, Too!

What Do Kids Learn in Preschool + 28 Preschool Activities, Too!

By Krissy of B-Inspired Mama 6 Comments

Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links; as an affiliate and Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my full disclosure policy for more information.

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A photo of a young child doing an activity to learn in preschool.
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…

A photo of a young child doing an activity to learn in preschool.

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:

  • Race Car Color Sorting Sensory Bin
  • Color Cups on a DIY Kids Light Box
  • Rainbow Mobile Craft for Kids

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 BoardsMelissa & Doug Pattern Blocks and BoardsDinhon Kids Learning Locks with KeysDinhon Kids Learning Locks with KeysPotato Head FamilyPotato Head FamilyCreativity for Kids Sensory Bin: Outer SpaceCreativity for Kids Sensory Bin: Outer SpaceFrog Balance Math GameFrog Balance Math GameLearning Resources Farmer’s Market Color Sorting SetLearning Resources Farmer’s Market Color Sorting SetCounting Dinosaurs Toys Matching GamesCounting Dinosaurs Toys Matching GamesGray Orange Wooden Building Blocks SetGray Orange Wooden Building Blocks SetLearning Resources Big Feelings PineappleLearning Resources Big Feelings PineappleMAGNA-TILES Arctic Animals 25-Piece Magnetic Construction SetMAGNA-TILES Arctic Animals 25-Piece Magnetic Construction SetLearning Resources Carlos The Pop & Count CactusLearning Resources Carlos The Pop & Count CactusMelissa & Doug Examine and Treat Pet Vet Play SetMelissa & Doug Examine and Treat Pet Vet Play SetLearning Resources Sorting Surprise Pirate TreasureLearning 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!

A photo of a young child doing an activity to learn in preschool.

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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

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.

Sharing is caring!

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Filed Under: Education, Parenting Tagged With: Back to School, Childtime, Early Learning, Preschool, School

About Krissy of B-Inspired Mama

Former M.Ed Art Teacher. Current Blogger & Social Media Influencer. Always Crazy & Creative Mama of 3.

Previous Post: « 40 Easy Preschool Summer Crafts to Kiss Boredom Goodbye!
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. ayat says

    February 14, 2019 at 9:17 PM

    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!

    Reply
  2. ayat says

    February 14, 2019 at 9:14 PM

    love this!! Researched alot for some clear guidelines for Preschool teaching and this beats all! Thank you 🙂

    Reply
  3. Sherry Rodriguez says

    December 6, 2018 at 7:07 AM

    My grandson is 16 months he will be two in July. What kind of motor skills activity should I be doing with him?

    Reply
    • Krissy of B-Inspired Mama says

      December 13, 2018 at 9:50 AM

      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.

      Reply
  4. Selina Marie says

    December 6, 2016 at 4:03 PM

    Hi Krissy,

    I believe this is very important subject since it is foundation for everything that comes down the road.

    Love your articles!

    Reply

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