Tap! Tap! Hey MISD families, check out what Parkview Preschoolers have been doing this fall!
Preschoolers have been working hard on getting to know their peers by learning their names, gaining their attention by using peer interaction strategies, and problem solving skills to solve social problems. During a typical preschool day there are many opportunities to engage with peers indoors or outdoors, providing multiple chances throughout their day to practice these skills.
Preschoolers start out by tapping a friend on the shoulder, saying their friend’s name, making eye contact, and then respond to their peers accordingly. We continue working on this peer attention skill, but add more as the year progresses such as sharing or suggesting a play idea. All of these beginning skills are important to early learning and by having a systematic approach we are able to see progression and help those who may need a little more support or practice.
Another important skill that we added to our play routine this year is problem solving skills. Our goal in preschool is to have a universal approach to problem solving. As students experience a problem, we encourage them to choose one of the skills we have been focusing on by either sharing, ignoring, saying “Please, Stop!”, or asking for help from a peer or an adult. Before engaging in play, teachers model the skills, have students practice in role playing the strategies, and then demonstrate the strategies during indoor and outdoor play.
As you can see Parkview Preschoolers are planning for their future by learning the fundamental skills of engaging with peers. We will continue to add more problem solving strategies as the year progresses. Learning through play is such an important piece in preschool. By designating specific opportunities, supported by lesson plans designed to teach these important social skills, we encourage appropriate play and engagement throughout preschool and beyond.