Create a safe learning environment that allows children to explore and experiment through play. Self-directed activities like "dress up" and other creative play activities encourage children to explore and to discover new concepts. Encouraging social interaction with peers develops social skills and communication skills in a natural environment.
Provide many opportunities for children to engage in conversation with both peers and adults. Listen carefully and expand on children's ideas to build vocabulary and strengthen receptive and expressive language skills. Children learn language through speech and need practice to develop age-appropriate language skills.
Teach age-appropriate behaviors such as respecting others, listening, and conflict resolution. Preschool children can follow simple classroom rules to govern their behavior, but rules should not be overly restrictive. Do not expect preschool children to sit and listen for more than a few minutes, as they have no yet developed the skills to do so. Gradually increasing the amount of seat time over the course of the year is appropriate for preschoolers.
Include music and movement in classroom activities. Nursery rhymes set to music appeal to young children and teach important language skills that are prerequisite to reading and writing. Acting out rhymes provides opportunities for active involvement. Not only do preschoolers enjoy the chance to sing and dance to music, they develop cognitive skills as well.
Maintain order in the classroom. Preschool children should help in putting away toys, cleaning up their own areas and maintaining order in the classroom. Be ready to intervene to assist in resolving conflict, but avoid solving problems for students. One of the goals of a developmentally appropriate preschool is to teach children problem-solving skills.
Read to preschool children on a daily basis. This quiet-time activity is often looked forward to by children. Encourage interaction and discussion about the story and its characters. Include some time in the day for children to read books on their own.