A creative preschool curriculum incorporates many different learning activities in each subject or area to ensure that children of all learning styles have equal opportunities to gain knowledge and understanding. Mixing discussions, reading, art, music, writing and hands-on learning activities allows all children a chance to learn in their preferred manner and perform well in their stronger academic areas. This part of a creative preschool curriculum gives children the time and exploration necessary to learn where their individual strengths lie, an important step in personal growth and self-discovery.
A creative preschool curriculum uses local community resources to enrich learning. People such as community leaders, policemen, firemen, librarians, teachers and workers from a variety of fields offer new learning opportunities for preschool children. Visits to museums, zoos, city gardens, parks and community events engage children in active, experience-based learning.
A creative preschool curriculum encourages children to explore the world and their questions about it. Attempting a new piece of art, reading a book or observing a bug found outside teaches children not just the immediate knowledge, but also how to learn and try new things in life. These programs should also allow for free thinking from children. Using inventive spelling, trying a new idea with an art medium and other creative examples of learning should be fostered. Preschool children have plenty of time left to learn more formal academics and their love of learning should be appreciated and celebrated at this stage in life.
Preschool-aged children learn best by doing. Creative preschool curriculum does not require children to spend long hours at a table completing worksheets. Instead, children take walks, observe bugs and animals, do simple experiments, plant flowers, follow simple recipes to create their own snacks and generally participate fully in the varied activities of a rich learning environment. Preschool children naturally engage in physical play throughout the day, so incorporating movement and fun opportunities for sports and physical activity remain another important component of learning in a creative environment.
Preschool children are still learning about themselves and others around them every day and with every interaction. A creative curriculum for preschool addresses these very real learning goals by incorporating social activities in to the general curriculum through both organized and unstructured times of small and large group play. Skills such as sharing, taking turns, listening and following directions prove absolutely vital to young children once they leave preschool and enter a more formal educational environment. A creative curriculum should include activities such as reading books on friendships and feelings, role-playing and discussion to foster growth in these areas.
Technology surrounds preschool children today. From television shows and computer games to DVDs and video games in the car, young children constantly experience an onslaught of multimedia experiences. Limited amounts of these activities for preschool children remain appropriate, but most already receive several hours of screen time every day. Increased screen time in preschool-aged children correlates to problems with attention, obesity and later social problems. A creative preschool curriculum should focus largely on other avenues of learning, incorporating multimedia elements and technology wisely and sparingly.