How Preschoolers Learn Best I 11 on it, and to cook by trying new recipes. Preschoolers need lots of things to touch, hold, and manipulate in a safe environment in order to learn. If you are often saying, “Please don’t touch that,” perhaps you haven’t given preschoolers enough to do or need to put away the things that are not for them. Preschoolers like to move. Sitting still is definitely not high on the list of Preschoolers are excited about almost everything. Sometimes it’s hard when working with preschoolers to remember to allow for their excitement about everyday things. You may see a clipboard as something to hold the sign- in sheet, while they see it as a thing with a shiny silver part that makes a cool noise when it slams shut. They may be more interested in playing with the caps of magic markers than coloring with them, so give them a few minutes to explore everyday stuff and then gently guide them to your plan. In some cases, you can even follow their lead and just let them play with the items as they like, snapping the caps on and off. What’s so bad about that? Preschoolers have real feelings. Young children’s ability to bounce back from emotional upset is a lesson most adults can benefit from. Children go from tears to laughter in a matter of seconds. This emotional resiliency shouldn’t be taken advantage of, though, nor should you forget that children have real feelings that affect their motivation, attentiveness, and sense of worthiness, just like adults. Most early childhood professionals never intend to hurt or shame children, but you should think carefully about what you say and make sure your tone of voice, body language, and even conversational gestures convey respect and concern. Preschoolers are eager for attention. Most preschoolers are eager for your approval. They want to receive your attention, do what is right, and please you, even if they don’t always know how. Like adults, preschoolers want to be noticed, to belong, and to be appreciated. Some children naturally draw our favor, while for others we must make an effort to give them the time and attention they deserve. Unfortunately, this need for attention is so great in preschoolers that they will settle for negative attention if they don’t receive positive interactions from adults. Children who act out generally need your attention even more than the less-demanding preschoolers. understanding preschoolers a preschoolers’ amazing capabilities. Sure, there is a time to sit and listen, and you may need a rest before they do, but your program will best serve pre- schoolers if you create an environment that allows for all types of movement, and one in which you plan for lots of activities that involve marching, singing, and physical games. An active but structured preschool environment that balances quiet times with noisier times is the best way for children to learn. It and will help them succeed behaviorally. Most adults like to sit. Working with preschoolers involves lots of movement on your part, too, so forget the chairs and get moving.