Preschool Years

The fourth chapter of the textbook Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs written by Carrrol Copple and Sue Bredekamp, the different aspects of development in the preschool years (ages 3 to 5 years). According to the author, these years are an important period of development in all areas of human functioning such as physical, cognitive, emotional and social development. Therefore, it is very important that the learning environment for these young children is developmentally appropriate and enhances and promotes development and learning in all areas. Preschoolers are very exuberant and full of energy. Therefore, it is recommended that they spend at least a quarter of their day in physical activities. By the preschool …show more content…
Children at this age develop an understanding of their relationships with others, themselves and the ability to understand others. These years are supposed to be the most crucial years for establishing a positive approach for learning. Having positive and close relationships with their teachers can make preschoolers more interested and engaged in learning. Relationships with peers also plays an integral in social development. Preschoolers are seen to become prosocial and voluntarily assist people around them. Emotionally, preschoolers develop a sense of competence, conscience and resilience. Social and emotional development revolve greatly around the environment and relationships that surround these young individuals. Therefore, it is very important that the caregivers create a nurturing, predictable and responsive bond with preschoolers and help them develop a positive attitude towards learning, themselves and …show more content…
Since language is well-connected with emotional, social and cognitive development, it is critical for the learning process. Usage of language and the ability to communicate is strongly shaped by children’s experiences and environment. Preschoolers benefit greatly through sustained conversations with adults and peers. Teachers should also focus on building the children’s vocabulary by engaging them in discussion about topics of interest and by intentionally introducing new words that the preschoolers might not come across in everyday life. Literacy expiries can be made meaningful, interesting and interactive by activities such reading aloud, focus on phonology, singing songs, playing rhyming games and word games