Preschoolers: Ages 3 - 5
During the preschool years, children explore the world and their role in it. There are several areas in which to encourage development during the ages of three to five:
- Social Skills - Preschool children need to learn skills like sharing, turn-taking, empathy, and compromise. Many of these skills can be learned through activities like dressing up, sharing the playground, and playing games.
- Language Skills - Kids of this age are building and refining their vocabularies constantly. In order to encourage this development, kids should engage in conversation with their teachers, caregivers, and other children. Reading picture books with these adults is also important.
- Learning About the World - As teachers and caregivers, you've surely heard your share of preschool children constantly ask "Why?" They are trying to learn more about how the world works. On top of asking questions, children also need to answer questions at this age. Try asking them open-ended questions like "What do you think will happen next?" to learn more about what they are thinking.
- Physical Activity - Preschool children are also learning how to use their bodies. They need physical activity to learn motor skills, coordination, speed and balance.
- Creative Expression - Kids of this age need to have outlets for expressing themselves creatively through art, music, and pretend play. Provide them the time, space, and materials to work out their ideas in your home or classroom.
So how does media fit into these needs of preschool students?
Television and Movies
Because television shows do not respond to the individual viewer, they do not offer a chance for true interaction. However, there are a number of well-designed educational programs for children of this age. Some examples are Sesame Street, Blue’s Clues, or Dora the Explorer.
Studies have shown that preschoolers can learn academic and social skills from watching these kinds of educational television programs. In fact, in one study, children who watched Sesame Street at age 3 received higher grades in high school.
However, caregivers and teachers should limit preschoolers’ exposure to all other television content (especially violence). Since preschoolers are not yet capable of distinguishing fantasy and reality, they are especially likely to experience fear. Remind parents to be aware of what their preschoolers are exposed to while their older siblings are watching.
The American Academy of Pediatrics specifically recommends that children under age two avoid all screen media exposure. After this age, they recommend no more than two hours of screen media per day. Consult with parents about how much time their children watch television between when they are home and when they are in your care.
Advertising
Preschoolers are very vulnerable to advertising because they do not typically understand the purpose of advertisements. Research shows the children do not understand that commercials are trying to get people to buy things until the age of seven. They often believe that commercials are more of a "public service", telling them what kinds of things are available at the store.
Advertisers try to build brand loyalty from a very early age. Commercials on Saturday morning cartoons are most often for toys, cereals, and snacks high in sugar. These ads are appealing to young children, who often turn around and beg their parents to buy the items they see.
Computers
Computers, like television, are two-dimensional and do not offer the chance for true interaction. Although there are many products that offer lapware and educational computer games for young children, there is very little research evidence to show that these products are beneficial for learning.
Some candy and junk-food companies have websites with computer games that advertise their products. This is called "advergaming," and teachers should be aware that children may be attracted to these sites.
Music
Music is great for preschoolers, especially songs with simple lyrics that they can sing on their own. This can introduce them to the concepts of rhythm and rhyming as well as new vocabulary. Music can also help young children with memory-building skills. Getting to
know classic sing-along songs is a great task for memorization
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CMCH resources for parents and teachers are made possible
by a grant from the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation.
