Provide 2-3 options, and then praise their great ability to make a choice! This does not have to mean they have free rein. Involve them in choices, like what to wear. Before going outside, for example, your child may put on their own hat and get their shoes from the closet. Just like adults, when children can anticipate their day, they are better equipped to take on responsibilities. Ways you can nurture budding independence while you are at home in the COVID-19 crisis include: This is immensely important for building confidence and a sense of self. How to build independence in preschoolersĭuring the preschool years, children begin to truly develop their sense of independence. If they run out of ideas or materials, offer a new material and see if they can shift on their own to a new way of playing. Offer your preschool student a variety of art materials (crayons, markers, chalk, finger paints), building materials (blocks, Magna-Tiles, Legos) or imaginary play props and allow them to construct their own craft or play. Independent play is very important for fostering creativity, problem-solving and autonomy. Commenting, reflecting upon and complimenting your child’s work gives them a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem, and praising your child’s effort helps with the development of grit. Projects, which can include coloring, building, sorting or sensory play (such as a water table or sand play) are great opportunities for your child to experience your undivided attention, which helps reinforce the sense that they matter. Nearly any activity that a preschooler is engaged in provides an opportunity to talk, introducing new vocabulary as well as shapes, colors, size, and numbers. “Serve-and-return” interactions, or the back-and-forth, reciprocal verbal and non-verbal exchange that takes place between a child and their caregiver, also facilitate attachment and a sense of self. If your student receives additional services, try to touch base with providers to see if they can suggest ways you can help continue with treatment and maintain gains at home. If your child’s preschool teacher is available, it might be helpful to schedule some time to check in and discuss suggestions for specific activities. Through repetitive routines (for example, bath time) children learn about sequencing (what comes first, next, last), build vocabulary and concept knowledge (for instance, wet, slippery, faucet, drain), and develop autonomy (getting their own towel or cleaning up bath toys on their own). Moreover, consistency and routine help children to develop and learn. Just like adults, children need predictability in their days. While preschoolers are capable of independent play for brief periods of time, parents will need to organize their child’s day, set up structured tasks, help with transitions between activities, and provide scaffolding and encouragement.
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