Read stories focusing on heroes such as Martin Luther King and Abraham Lincoln to inculcate a sense of appreciation among young ones. Find stories about the person and share them with the child; while reading, talk more about the events and the characters in the story. Draw and color symbols of the worthy causes associated with the hero's struggle.
Science skills can be incorporated into cooking. There are easy recipes that teach basic elements of science such as heat, temperature, gas, liquid and solid. For instance, something as common as homemade ice cream can demonstrate the effects of temperature introduced into a liquid substance. Baking cookies or cakes also shows how the oven works and converts the batter into a yummy treat. Choose simple recipes and make them into worthwhile learning activities. Add interesting twists like making pumpkin pie for Halloween or Christmas cookies for the yuletide season.
Pre-kindergarten kids can learn about different cultures and countries at an early age. Celebrate Australia Day in January or Canada Day in July. Embark on craft projects that place importance on the culture and the people. For instance, create a poster showing symbols of Australia's diversity by including the koala bear, kangaroo, crocodiles and Sydney's Harbor Bridge. To celebrate Canada's special day, incorporate paper cutouts of moose, caribou, a maple leaf and Royal Mountain Police into a colorful paper quilt.
The change in seasons provides preschoolers with a timely learning opportunity. Focus activities around the four seasons and teach kids about the changing weather and its implications. Encourage children to dress a doll in a wardrobe appropriate to winter or summer. Prepare different costumes and accessories, allowing children to touch the fabrics or the material to learn about the manner of protection they provide. Use songs or rhyming games to incorporate fun and memorization into the learning experience.