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In the history of human development, oral language—conversation, poetry, story-telling, and song—arose long before written language. In children we see the same pattern of language development. Children first learn to listen, to speak, to sing, to enjoy rhymes, stories, and books before they can read or write. What we often forget is that this foundation in oral language is a critical step in developing literacy.Read more: Community Play Things

Any one of these family activity ideas will welcome children and families into your program and set the stage for family involvement. Teachers can also adapt these activities to keep families engaged throughout the year.Read more: NAEYC

Chalk is a simple and versatile tool you can use to teach children a variety of concepts in math, science, literacy, and other subjects. From having children write their names in chalk on the sidewalk to playing a game of hopscotch math, the learning possibilities are endless! Chalk activities are perfect for the classroom or for families to do together at home during the summer months.Read more: Kaplan Early Learning

Many daily activities in the classroom require fine motor skills such as eating, writing and playing with toys. As your students develop these skills, they’ll gain a sense of independence and realize they can take on many new tasks on their own. As a preschool teacher, here’s how you can support the development of your students’ fine motor skills:  Encourage Finger Painting Activities like finger painting allow children to experiment with hand and finger movements and learn about the feel…

Concept of word refers to the ability of a reader to match spoken words to written words while reading. Students with a concept of word understand that each word is separate, and that words are separated by a space within each sentence. Using strategies to build concept of word in the classroom can also strengthen a child's developing awareness of the individual sounds within words.Read More: Reading Rockets 

At the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center, where I work, teachers take children to museums and other sites around Washington, DC, almost daily. But your program doesn’t have to be located next to a museum—there are rich learning opportunities in every community.  Read More: NAEYC

One week the curriculum theme is farm animals. The next week it’s community helpers and other occupations, or things that fly. Almost every child care center and preschool has used a theme-based curriculum at one time or another. Thematic units are popular among young children and teachers alike. What many early childhood educators don’t realize is that the use of thematic units provides an integrated approach to teaching and learning. Such an integrated approach is supported by research on how…

Even though they may not understand what you're saying, reading is an important part of young children's brain development.

Early childhood professionals know movement contributes to the overall development of young children. In the physical realm, movement not only helps essential motor skills develop and mature properly, but it also promotes physical fitness, which is especially important considering the current childhood obesity crisis and its related health issues. Socially and emotionally, developmentally appropriate movement activities help children learn cooperation skills and how to take turns and share space with others. And recent research shows movement is critical to brain…

Spatial reasoning skills play an important role in young children’s academic success. Preschool is a great time to foster the growth of these skills! With spatial skills children can identify and manipulate shapes, understand how objects move and begin learning how to read maps and diagrams. Here’s how you can help your preschool students build spatial skills while in the classroom: Use Spatial Language When you use spatial language, you’re referring to the size, shape and orientation of different objects.…