Preschoolers are concrete thinkers. They learn 20% of what they are told and 80% of what they do. Preschoolers learn best through play and having varied play experiences. During play, children think, problem solve, and communicate. They make meaning out of their world!

Four Types Of Play

• • Constructive Play is goal and product oriented, such as putting things together and taking them apart (blocks, Legos, art materials, etc.). This type of play develops STEM and problem solving skills.

  • Fantasy Play is when children are pretending they are practicing different roles. This is the beginning of abstract thought, when children are thinking flexibly and metaphorically. This type of play gives students skills to interpret symbolism in literature later in life and become incredible readers and writers.

  • Games with Rules have logic and order. Children must follow the rules for the game to work! This type of play includes board games, outdoor games like Four Square, and child-created games with their own rules. This teaches self-regulation, self-control, planning, and problem solving. Children learn to manage themselves while interacting with others and build resilience as they experience setbacks that they can learn and grow from.

  • Rough and Tumble Play is engaging in physical play but not showing aggression, such as wrestling and play fighting. This is primarily a form of social bonding and children are more likely to do this with a friend. Children learn to self-regulate by testing limits, and those who engage in rough and tumble play at the age of 3 and 4 have better social skills at 6 and 7.

A balanced approach to play incorporates each of these types!