Your local library has plenty of books, activities, rhymes and movies to keep your preschool child stimulated and learning. A library membership also gives you free access to audiobooks, which are perfect for long car trips. Not only can you borrow materials for free, but visiting the library is an easy way to enjoy a simple excursion with your child.
Kanopy is an online resource with Australian movies and TV shows which you can watch with your child on a suitable device, such as an iPad. Ask your librarian to show you how to access Kanopy for free with your library membership card. When you watch a movie or TV show together, ask questions like, “What do you think will happen next?” or, “How does that scene make you feel?” Afterwards, ask your child what their favourite part was, or encourage them to retell the story to a sibling or another adult.
The brain develops very quickly during the preschool years, which can explain why children at this age are often full of energy and curiosity. Their personalities are really starting to shine through, and they are eager to explore the world around them.
Read
- Choose books that you enjoy too. Your enjoyment of the story will shine through to your child.
- Encourage your child to tell you their own made up stories. This helps them learn about story sequence, including the beginning, middle and end.
- Your child may have favourite books they want to hear again and again. Repetition is important for learning and provides comfort and familiarity.
- Give your child a book to look at or read when you are in the car.
Talk
- Preschool children can understand two to three instructions at a time. Try giving a short sequence to follow, such as, “Get your teddy and your truck, then put them in your toy box.”
- When you are out together, ask questions that encourage more than a yes or no answer. For example, “Why do you like the swing?” or, “How does that colour make you feel?”
Sing
- Sing nursery rhymes and songs together whenever you can. Pause at the end of a line and encourage your child to finish the rhyme.
- Listen to music and sing along while you are in the car together.
- Encourage your child to dance, sing or perform their own concerts at home.
Draw
- Your child will be learning about letter shapes as they grow. Write the letters of your child’s name using a brightly coloured texta or highlighter and ask them to trace over the letters with a pencil.
- Building with blocks such as Duplo helps develop early writing and fine motor skills. If you do not have blocks, try using household items like cereal boxes, shoe boxes, yoghurt pots or berry tubs.
- Invite your child to help with everyday tasks such as hanging out the washing and opening and closing pegs.
Play
- Simple games such as Snakes and Ladders, Snap or Connect 4 help children learn to follow directions and take turns.
- Pots and pans with a wooden spoon make great musical instruments.
- Build a pillow fort using couch cushions and a sheet for imaginative play.
- Play dates are great for children and parents. They help children practise social skills like sharing and taking turns, and give adults a chance to connect and support one another.
