Preschoolers are exposed to the most basic building blocks of future academic endeavors. They may learn the alphabet and how to count as well as begin to recognize shapes and colors. Preschool also exposes children to reading through story time and shows them how to be students; for example, preschoolers learn to listen when others are talking, raise a hand when they want to speak, share the teacher's attention with other students and take turns when playing.
Children who attend preschool are better emotionally prepared for kindergarten because they have spent a significant amount of time on a weekly basis with their peers. Preschoolers learn to interact appropriately with other children and to adjust to separation from parents. They learn what's not nice and the basics of making friends. They become accustomed to being away from home and are more likely to thrive socially later on. Additionally, when preschoolers experience social success with new playmates and friends, their self-confidence grows.
Especially for children unused to a strict routine, such as those with a stay-at-home parent, preschool can help with the transition to structured days and time limits. Many preschools offer a variety of schedule options, anywhere from two to five days per week for just a few hours so that children are introduced slowly to their new routine. Preschool also helps children adjust to being in a teacher-controlled environment and how to transition from activity to activity.
Preschool is meant to be enjoyable for children. The preschool teacher will provide engaging activities, such as arts and crafts, in which they might not otherwise be able to participate. Preschool classes can consist of, for example, telling and hearing entertaining stories, playing with toys, playing dress-up or building forts. Instead of simply milling about with others on a daycare playground, preschoolers are engaged and stimulated by trained professionals who know how to measure children's developmental progress. The activities in which preschoolers participate can be fun for the children but also educational.