Learning the rules is an all-important step for a new preschooler. Most preschoolers have no experience at being part of a group. Some may lack socialization with other youngsters altogether. Lovingly teach your students how to wait their turn, raise their hand before talking, walk in a line as a group, keep their hands to themselves and be kind to one another. These behaviors should be reviewed and practiced many times daily until they become natural. Introducing rules by teaching the students a happy song that reinforces it can be a helpful tool.
Keeping a regular schedule is an important part of preschool. Develop a daily timetable that combines work and play. Preschoolers should have jobs. Teach them how to be the leader of the line when you travel as a class within the building and out to the playground. Door holders can be assigned to hold the doors open for the class. If your morning routine includes the Pledge of Allegiance, have one student hold the flag while a second student leads the pledge. Every morning, gather as a group to review the days of the week, month and year. Recite the days of the week together. A different student can be the leader each day for this activity, as well. Create a weather area in your room where the student's job will be called "meteorologist." The student chosen to be that day's meteorologist will look out of the window to report what the weather is like. At the same time, a different student will put corresponding visual representations of sunshine, rain or clouds up on the weather board. Ask the students if the weather outside looks like they will be able to go out to play or should they stay indoors.
Divide the room into learning centers. The preschoolers will go in small groups to various centers as the teacher directs them. These areas should include a sensory table where children can play on various days with sand, uncooked rice or beans and water. Have plastic toys and containers for them to practice pouring and measuring. A different part of the room can be designated as a housekeeping area outfitted with a pretend kitchen with table, chairs and plastic dinnerware and plastic food. Play is a learning activity in itself. A third area should contain blocks and manipulatives, stored in plastic containers that the children will get out and put away themselves. Puzzles with large pieces can be at a fourth station. Another area should include costumes and props for the children to play dress up. Arts and crafts is a preschool group activity that should be reserved for a time in the day when everyone will participate in projects together.
Participating with the students in the learning process is a key ingredient in preschool. There should never be confusion about who is the teacher and who is the student, lest you lose control of your classroom. However, interaction with the teacher is a healthy component of their learning experience. Show them how things work and then sit back and let them experience while they learn. Help your students learn how to play with each other. Direct them as they think things through. Encourage and praise them often. When things don't go well, help them work through feelings of rejection, anger or embarrassment. Teach them to say "I'm sorry" and how to forgive.
Active play is vital for preschool-age children. Whenever possible, take them outside for fresh air and playground activities. On days when the weather does not allow it, use a large open area such as a gymnasium for them to get exercise. Planned motor activities can be combined with time for free play.