Being Visual was released in September with hopes of influencing some education practices, what I was not expecting was how much my book impacted the relationships between parents and children. I am honored to be a part of this evolution and am truly touched by the words some of you have shared with me.
The preschool years are ripe with opportunity to discover the world and prepare children as learners.
Along with building certain physical skills, like the pincher grasp used in writing, children also need ways to develop their sequencing abilities, focus and concentration skills. Here are five activities (free downloads) that are easy to implement at home and in the classroom.
While there are a multitude of assessments to gauge preschool development, as an educator, mother of four, and now a grandmother, I would like to share some thoughts. And while it’s enormously tempting to measure, compare, worry and even compete, it’s hugely important to remember that all children develop at their own pace and in their own time.
Don’t let this season pass you by. Instead of hibernation this winter get active and keep your mind and body moving with these fun ideas.
Inspire Imagination! Foster your child’s imagination – this season by encouraging them to create their very own dream worlds. Your child can do so by drawing a fantasy world out on paper, creating exotic cities by building sheet forts and finding secret places in the house, or by simply playing pretend with props like scarves, boxes or other household items. These unrefined objects allow children to dive into their imaginations and go wherever they like – with little to no guidance from the grown-ups!
Art is a critical component of education as well as a means of self-expression. Directed drawing, the process of step by step drawing instruction, is one component of art instruction and essential for building confidence and art skills. However, participation in directed drawing classes also helps develop observation skills, attention to detail, fine motor and organizational skills, as well as a strong visual vocabulary. These skills require time, patience and repetition to allow the child’s hands catch up to what the eyes can see.
Preschool Development
