Crafting a preschool routine that mixes fun and learning is both exciting and tricky. Your little one is at a magical age—they’re growing and changing almost before your eyes. It’s amazing to think that for kids around three years old, their minds are doing serious heavy lifting. In fact, by this age, about 80% of their brain has already developed. (1)

This article will explore practical ways to make the preschool day both educational and entertaining.

Enroll your child in preschool

Sending your child off to day care center is often the first big step in their world outside home. It’s where they start to spread their wings a bit, make new friends, and learn cool stuff. 

That first day of school? It’s a mixed bag of emotions for everyone involved. Your little one might be excited, nervous, or a bit of both. And you might be feeling the same way. Setting up a morning routine can help smooth things out.  

  • Try to kick off each day around the same time. It’s amazing how quickly kids pick up on routines—before you know it, they might even be the ones waking you up!  
  • Get them involved in the morning routine, too. Let them pick out their clothes, brush their teeth, and maybe even help make their bed. It’s never too early to start building those “I can do it myself” skills.  
  • When you drop off your child at daycare, gently encourage them to join the group. It may take a bit of time, but soon enough, they’ll be playing, sharing toys, and taking turns confidently.

This early education lays the groundwork for a lifetime of learning. Think of it as giving your child a headstart on all those important life skills—from making friends to problem-solving. 

When scouting for a preschool, make sure it feels like a second home—warm, welcoming, and full of opportunities for your child to explore. 

Incorporate learning through free play 

Now, let’s talk about free play. It’s not just messing around; it’s actually a big deal for kids. It’s their chance to let their imagination run wild, make up their own rules, and figure out the environment at their own speed.

Here are ways to incorporate learning through free play:

Provide open-ended toys 

When it comes to toys, the simpler, the better. Things like blocks, dolls, and art stuff are golden. Why? Because they can be anything your kid wants them to be. One minute, those blocks are a castle, then the next, they’re a spaceship. It’s like magic and it’s teaching your kid to think creatively without them even realizing it.

Encourage role-playing 

Role-playing is another winner. Throw in some old clothes, hats, and maybe a toy stethoscope or a plastic spatula, and watch your kid become a doctor, a chef, or a superhero. Aside from being fun, your child can learn about different professions, pick up new words, and even start to see things from other people’s points of view. 

Explore outdoor learning

Nature is like one big playground, full of stuff to explore. Whether it’s your backyard or the local park, there’s always something new to discover. Building a fort, collecting cool-looking leaves, or just digging in the dirt—it’s all good for them. They’re moving their bodies, learning about plants and animals, and having a blast.

Here’s the tricky part for parents: sometimes it’s tempting to jump in and show them how to do things, but letting them figure stuff out on their own is vital. It helps them feel confident and independent. Plus, the expression on their faces when they solve a problem is priceless.

Create a cozy reading corner 

Did you know that two-thirds or 66.7% of American kids struggle to read fluently? Although schools have programs to help, parents play a crucial role in nurturing literacy skills. This is especially true in those early years when kids learn best through interaction and play. (2)

That said, creating a cozy reading corner at home can be an excellent way to foster a love for reading in your child. All it takes is to: 

  • Select a quiet corner of your home where your child can focus without distractions. Provide soft cushions, bean bags, or a small, cozy chair to create a comfortable reading nook. 
  • Make sure the area has adequate lighting, preferably natural light during the day and a good reading lamp for the evening. 
  • Install low shelves or use baskets to keep books within easy reach for your child. Rotate the book selection to keep their interest piqued.
  • Select books that match your child’s reading level and interests. As they grow, update the collection to challenge them appropriately. 

It’s also important to involve the whole family. Reading together and discussing stories can build comprehension and engagement.

Consider music and movement 

According to UNICEF, introducing music to children at an early age can significantly contribute to their cognitive development, emotional well-being, and overall happiness. (3) 

As parents, you can do several things to support this, such as: 

  • Sing nursery rhymes and children’s songs or make up your own silly songs together. This encourages language development and rhythm. 
  • Have spontaneous dance parties in your living room. Dancing helps with coordination, balance, and confidence. 
  • Introduce simple musical instruments like a tambourine, maracas, or a small keyboard. Let your child experiment with sounds and create their own music. 

Music serves as a powerful medium for self-expression, creativity, and joy, enriching your child’s life in meaningful ways. 

Takeaway 

Setting up a preschool routine that’s both fun and educational is like planting a seed for your kid’s future. It’s not just about drilling ABCs and 123s into their little heads. It’s so much more than these things. You’re nurturing their natural curiosity, helping them become their own person, bit by bit. More importantly, enjoy this special time with your little one—it goes by faster than you think!

References: 

1. “Development and Milestones for Toddlers (1 – 3 Years)” 
Source: https://www.michigan.gov/mikidsmatter/parents/toddler/milestones 

2. “Two Thirds of American Kids Can’t Read Fluently” 
Source: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/two-thirds-of-american-kids-cant-read-fluently/ 

3. “Baby music: The soundtrack to your child’s development”  
Source: https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-development/baby-music-soundtrack-to-development