by Stefany Smith

Created on: May 30, 2009   Last Updated: July 04, 2009

I laugh when I hear someone ask how to "teach" a preschooler anything. Phrasing the question like this presupposes that you wish to instruct a 3-4 year old how to learn something they can't learn on their own. When in all reality, the only job you have is to introduce new concepts and provide an open educational atmosphere. The first step in "teaching" preschoolers is to take the concept of teaching out of the equation. Replace it with "introduce,""explore," "investigate," and "encourage." First hand experience confirms, the minute its time to sit down and accomplish a task is the exact minute a preschool temper-tantrum takes flight. On the other hand, if they never know they are supposed to be learning, the "lessons" sink in.

The next concept you need to grasp is that there is no set pattern, rhythm, or rhyme when it comes to "teaching" preschoolers. Each child is different. They have different life experiences, learning styles, behavioral patterns, interests, and challenges to overcome. Yes, I said interests. Even 3 and 4 year olds have interests that motivate them; whether its cars and airplanes, barbies and tea parties, or construction and web design. Therefore, approaching your class with one set curriculum is a set-up for failure. Your biggest challenge is to meet these needs directly, succinctly, and consistently.

How do you introduce reading to a preschooler?

Introducing "reading" to a young child can be done by reading to them, allowing them to follow along with you, giving them a book to look at while you are reading to them, and having them "read" pictures. All of the following games and activities will introduce reading to your young students, without it feeling like they have to "learn" something new.

How can you help a preschooler explore reading?

There are many way to explore all of the different areas of reading. The first, and perhaps most obvious, is reading aloud to your children. This is true whether you are a preschool center teacher, or the parent of a toddler. But there is more to it than just reading to the child on a daily basis. Remember my comments on the uniqueness of each child? It is important that you are reading materials that spark curiosity, enjoyment, exploration, and excitement. Its also important that you aren't selecting texts that are too long, or too short. You must meet the children's needs first. The best way to accomplish this is to allow the children to select the materials, and have a variety of texts on hand,

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