Take a look at how much you want your children to learn in terms of reading and writing. Most preschool students can read a few basic words and are aware that text on a paper is attempting to convey some sort of message. Preschool students should be able to perform the alphabet and may even begin writing sentences, depending on age and course curriculum.
Preschool is an introduction to the world of academics for most students, and should be treated as a gentle primer on what lies ahead. Students should begin to understand some concepts of personal responsibility including consequences for negative or positive behavior and putting away toys or activities. Students should also learn to follow directions without direct supervision and finish assignments in a timely fashion.
Children in preschool are new to learning, so a key goal is teaching students what learning is and how it works. Students should develop a strong knowledge of self and self-esteem, the ability to take turns and understanding of how a classroom works and what teachers are there to accomplish. Students will also need to understand social contracts like rules and manners, which can help them better adjust to K-12 later on.
It is never too early to begin teaching children about personal hygiene and health. Some class time should be spent discussing proper health, eating habits and exercise, and how to correctly take care of the body. Getting dressed in the morning, keeping track of belongings like coats and shoes and washing hands after using the bathroom are all skills that a preschool student should be able to master with ease.