Children need to be provided with many meaningful opportunities to initiate and respond to spoken language. Children recognize language not only as communication directed towards them, but, also between others. Socio-dramatic play provides the ideal conditions for language learning. Sign language is also another integral form of communication for young children who have not developed mature speech; it can be used to convey messages properly where words can't.

The concept of number develops through many opportunities to count and compare. Making use of these opportunities encourages young children to expand their mathematical reasoning and learn the language needed to describe what they understand. Free play with a wide variety of materials and toys is essential.

Dramatic play is a fundamental activity for all children. It provides a means for children to learn those lessons that “no one could teach them.” The child’s make-believe play is a reworking of bits and pieces of experience to understand people and their actions in the world around them.

It is never too early to introduce books. Children who are read to find it easier to learn to read and write. Reading aloud in small groups invites participation and enables the educator to teach children the concepts of print.

The preschool child uses intuition rather than logic, yet essentially uses all of the mental activities used by mature scientists in the process of inquiry. Inquiry is born of play and at any age, exploring materials, ideas and relationships refine the capacity to think.

The visual arts in the early years involve picture-making, printmaking, sculpting, and two-dimensional artwork. This is seen as fun and provides them with authentic self-expression: the freedom and gradual mastery of choice, thought and feeling. Producing these works of art also gives children an understanding of the elements of design.

Picture-making is considered to be a vital component of

early writing. A child’s scribble is a form of communication

comparable to the babble of early talk. Children’s early

attempts at writing should be met with the same enthusiasm

as their earliest speech.

Experiencing music through listening and participating provides a powerful means of expressing feelings, developing humor and supports the learning of language. The child becomes aware of, and appreciates the richness of unfamiliar cultures and traditions.