Learning to socialize with children and adults is only part of the important social skills preschool children should master in preschool. Social skills include learning to say "please" and "thank-you," learning to wait for their turn and learning to delay gratification. Learning to take the responsibility for their actions and accept the consequences, how to show others respects and how to take care of their own belongings are all important objectives in the social growth of preschool children.
Preschoolers learn to develop the skills necessary to take care of their own needs, typically a major objective for any preschool curriculum. This includes toileting, dressing or undressing for outdoor play and informing an adult when their needs are not met by asking for a snack or a drink of water.
Children in preschool learn communication skills. This includes answering questions when asked, following simple directions and expressing thoughts, ideas and concerns. Learning to interact with others and join conversations is an important skill for preschool children to master.
Introducing the importance of the written word and teaching preschool children to recognize and write their own name is another important step. Preschool programs vary on how much children should learn. Some expect them to master the alphabet and write words while others focus on providing many experiences with reading and providing opportunities for children to write.
For preschool children, cognitive development includes classifying, comparing and measuring objects, as well as counting and exploring relationships between objects. Using manipulatives to sort by attribute, such as color, size and shape, or to demonstrate one-to-one correspondence can make learning these skills fun.
Preschool programs promote physical development for both fine and gross motor skills. Jumping, climbing, throwing and catching are all skills preschool children need to practice.
Using peg boards, manipulating small objects, drawing, coloring and cutting and pasting all strengthen the muscles and coordination children need to develop their fine motor skills.