by Linda Saye

Created on: January 28, 2009

There are a lot of benefits in encouraging preschoolers to learn about, and interact with animals. Because preschoolers are at an age where they are just beginning to develop their own sense of self, allowing them to observe and even help care for an animal aids in that development in many ways. Just by observation, alone, preschoolers begin to learn about different species, and to overcome any fears that they may have about animals.

When allowed to have regular interaction with an animal, preschoolers start to build a relationship with it that allows them to personally experience the animal's needs, such as affection, food, water, exercise, and sleep. It also allows them to learn about the animal's different behaviors, and what causes them. This in turn, helps the preschooler in their social development by giving them a better sense of who they are in relation to the animal. Likewise, they begin to discover that when they do certain things, like giving a cat a treat, for example, that the cat will respond by giving the child more attention. Thus, the preschooler begins to learn about the ability to exert power and to influence others.

The connection that is formed with an animal through regular interaction also helps the preschooler in their moral development. As the child builds a relationship, they begin to relate to the animal in a more personal way. They begin to discover that animals have feelings, and even begin to relate what they think the animal's emotion will be towards something. For example, when the child gives the cat a treat, they associate what they believe to be the cat's happiness and excitement for getting the treat. Additionally, the preschooler begins to develop a sense of responsibility for the animal, which ultimately develops into a sense of connection to all other living beings.

Animals are indeed terrific teachers for preschoolers. They capture their attention like no other, and inspire them to learn and grow at a critical stage in their development. Consistent interaction with an animal will undoubtedly help a preschooler discover what it means to be human, but to also discover how being human relates to other species. In the end, animals help preschoolers to learn how to be responsible, not only to themselves, but to other living beings. They help them to learn empathy for others. And, they help them to learn positive social behavior, which, in the end, is exactly what all parents want to see in the development of their child.

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