Are you looking for ways to keep your preschooler engaged and learning during this time of social distancing? If so, you’re in luck! We have put together a list of fun preschool distance learning activities that your child is sure to love.
From online games to creative projects, we have something for everyone. Keep reading for our top picks!
How Does Distance Learning Work for Preschoolers?
The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has put a stop to face-to-face classes, especially for preschoolers. Preschoolers are at an age when their immune systems are not yet fully developed, making them especially vulnerable to the virus.
As a result, many preschools have turned to distance learning and virtual lessons to keep their students safe while still providing them with a quality education.
So, how do distance learning and virtual lessons work for preschoolers? In most cases, preschoolers will participate in online classes or engaging lessons online that their preschool teachers lead.
They may also be given assignments to complete at home with the help of their parents or guardians. Some preschools may even offer a combination of both online and offline activities.
While remote learning may seem like a new concept, it’s been around for quite some time. In fact, many preschoolers currently engaged in remote learning are actually getting a head start on their education. This is because distance learning allows them to learn at their own pace and in their own environment.
Plus, it helps develop emotional development and enhance cognitive skills at the same time. Therefore, teachers need to enhance preschool or kindergarten distance learning to guarantee interactive screen time for preschool activities.
Avoiding passive screen time may be a daunting task, but with the help of lesson plans, the school year will become super fun. Therefore, teachers need to develop suitable lesson plans to make sure that little learners still understand their lessons despite not being in a real classroom.
A lesson plan will serve as a guide for preschool teachers to interact with little learners effectively. Children will be able to focus on their lessons more if a regular routine is followed.
Even though preschoolers need some time to get used to the idea of distance learning, there are plenty of preschool distance learning activities that they can do to stay engaged and excited about learning. Let us explore some examples below.
Fun Preschool Distance Learning Activities
Preschoolers need activities that are both fun and educational. Here are some distance learning activities for preschoolers that you can try with your child:
Reading Books
Even though this activity is mainstream, nothing beats the power of reading books. Reading books with preschoolers is one of the best home activities for kids since it can help them develop their imagination, learn new words, and understand different concepts. Teachers can ask parents to find preschool reading books online or at their local library.
They can also purchase preschool reading books from their child’s favorite bookstore. It would be helpful for students to continue honing their reading skills so that when they do go back to the classroom, students will have the confidence to read out loud in front of their peers.
Once preschoolers have books to read, teachers can create reading comprehension questions or host a virtual book club. This will guarantee that preschoolers are engaged in the activity and comprehend what they read.
Technology can be a big help in terms of teaching preschoolers to analyze stories in different ways.
It’s important that kids learn how to understand the important part of a story and narrate it in a super simple manner to their classmates. This will encourage interacting with others in a virtual classroom using special activities that can be done online with the right resources.
Preschoolers can read as a small group and even bring back circle time despite not being together physically. A variation to regular circle time will do as long as the right resources are used to encourage the students to participate and share their ideas, too!
Sorting and Classifying Objects
This is a great activity for preschoolers because it helps them develop their problem-solving skills. To do this activity, all you need are some common household objects. Teachers can ask parents to send in pictures of the objects their preschoolers will be sorting.
Some examples of objects preschoolers can sort are:
- Pennies and nickels
- Buttons
- Ribbons
- Rocks
After the preschooler has sorted the objects, they can classify them by color, size, or shape. This is a great activity for preschoolers because it helps them develop their problem-solving skills.
Plus, it enhances their critical thinking and fine motor skills. A student who engages in activities requiring strategies will be able to hone their skills in math and problem-solving effectively.
Telling Time
Telling time is a great distance learning activity for preschoolers. It helps them develop their math skills and learn how to read a clock. To do this activity, you will need a clock with movable hands. You can also use a digital clock if you prefer.
First, teachers must show the preschooler how to move the hands on the clock to show different times of the day. Then, they can practice telling time by themselves. This activity is perfect for preschoolers who are struggling with math.
Patterns
Patterns are another great distance learning activity for preschoolers. This activity helps them develop their math skills and learn about sequencing. To do this activity, you will need a variety of objects that kids can use to create patterns.
For example, students can use buttons, beads, coins, rocks, or anything else they have around the house. Once they have your materials, ask the parents to create a simple pattern for the preschooler to follow.
After they have mastered following the pattern, you can then have them create their patterns. This activity is perfect for preschoolers who are struggling with math or need a little extra help.
Make Art Together
Another great distance learning activity for preschoolers is arts and crafts. This is a great way to help them develop their fine motor skills and creativity.
There are so many craft ideas that you can do with preschoolers. A few of our favorites include:
- Making homemade play dough
- Painting with watercolors and color mixing
- Making paper airplanes
- Building towers out of blocks
All of these activities are great for preschoolers and can be done from home with minimal materials. Teachers can ask parents what materials they have at home that they can work with. Then, teachers can send home a list of activities they can do with those materials.
Dancing and Singing Together
Teachers can also arrange dancing and singing activities for preschoolers that they will surely engage in at home. Teachers can send over a video demonstrating the moves or, even better, conduct a live video call to lead the class in the activity.
Then, teachers should ask the preschoolers to follow the dance moves and sing along to the lyrics. Of course, preschoolers will not be perfect at this, but it will be a fun way for them to get some exercise while spending time with their families.
Object Show and Tell
This is a great way for preschoolers to share what they have been up to at home with their classmates. It also helps them learn about different objects and how to describe them.
To do this activity, each preschooler must choose an object from home that is special to them. It can be a toy, a book, a piece of clothing, or anything else.
Then, the preschooler will need to create a short presentation about their object. They can talk about why it is special to them, what it is made of, how they use it, etc. Classmates are free to ask questions about the object during the presentation.
After everyone has had a turn, preschoolers can share their objects with their families. This is a great way for families to learn more about what their child is interested in and how they are doing in school.
Creating Things With Play Dough
Another activity preschoolers can do at home is creating things with play dough. This activity is great for fine motor skills and creativity.
To set up the activity, all you need is to ask the parents to provide some play dough and a few small objects to use as tools.
Examples of things that would work well are:
- toothpicks
- plastic knives
- forks
- skewers
Once preschoolers have their play dough and tools, they can start creating! They can make whatever they want, whether a sculpture, animal, or person. This activity is also great for parents to do with their children as it’s a fun way to bond and spend time together.
Once the preschooler is done creating, they can take a picture of their work and send it to the teacher. This is a great way for the preschooler to show what they made and for the teacher to give feedback.
Painting Together
Teachers can ask preschoolers to prepare a white piece of paper and watercolor. The teacher can then lead the preschoolers in a painting activity. Preschool kids can express themselves and have fun while doing it!
After the preschooler has completed their painting, they can show their classmates what they have made. It would be a good idea for teachers to set a theme for the painting beforehand.
For example, preschoolers can paint a picture of their favorite thing to do or their favorite place to go. This way, the preschoolers can share a little bit about themselves with their classmates.
Doing an Online Scavenger Hunt
This is a great activity for preschoolers who are familiar with using a computer. The teacher can create a list of items that the preschoolers have to find online. For example, preschoolers can search for a picture of a dog, a cat, a tree, etc. This is a great way to get preschoolers to use the internet in a safe and controlled environment.
Parents can supervise their preschoolers during these activities to ensure they are using the computer safely. The preschoolers should only be using websites appropriate for their age group. Parents can also help the preschoolers with any difficult tasks.
Dressing Up
Teachers can also arrange dress-up activities for preschoolers. For example, teachers can ask preschoolers to dress up as their favorite animal or character from a book. This is a great way to get preschoolers to use their imaginations.
Teachers can ask parents to help their kids with this activity by sending pictures of the preschoolers in their costumes. Then, teachers can ask the preschoolers to tell their classmates about their costumes and why they chose them. This activity will help preschoolers learn to communicate and share with others.
Making Cards
Another fun preschool distance learning activity is making cards. Teachers can ask preschoolers to make cards for their friends and family members. This is a great way to get preschoolers to practice their fine motor skills.
Teachers can ask parents to provide their kids with the materials needed for this activity. Preschoolers will need to cut out different shapes and designs and glue them onto the card with the help of their parents. Once they are done, they can decorate their cards with markers or crayons.
Directed Drawings
Directed drawings are another great distance learning activity for preschoolers. For this activity, teachers can provide instructions on what preschoolers should draw. This is a great way for preschoolers to practice following directions.
Parents can help their kids with this activity by providing them with the needed materials. Preschoolers will need paper, pencils, and crayons. Once they are done, they can color their drawings and show them to the class.
These are just some of the distance learning activities preschoolers can do. With the help of their parents, preschoolers can continue to learn and have fun while they are at home. Parents and teachers need to work together so preschoolers can continue learning and growing despite not being in an actual classroom.
Challenges of Distance Learning for Preschoolers
While distance learning is effective for older students, it can be challenging for preschoolers. One of the challenges is that preschoolers have shorter attention spans.
This means that they might not be able to sit in front of a computer for an entire lesson. It is important to provide preschoolers with short and engaging activities to stay focused.
Another challenge is that preschoolers are still learning how to use technology. This can be frustrating for both the preschooler and the parent or teacher. It is essential to be patient and help the preschooler learn how to use the gadgets they will use as they engage in distance learning.
Preschoolers might also struggle in terms of understanding the concept of distance learning. They might not be able to grasp that they are not physically in the same room as their classmates or teacher. It is important to explain this to preschoolers in a way that they will understand.
Lastly, preschoolers might be unable to complete the tasks assigned during distance learning. This is because they are still learning and developing, and they do not have their teachers there to help them.
These are just some challenges preschoolers might face during distance learning.
Tips for Parents and Teachers
There are a few things that parents and teachers can do to make distance learning more effective for preschoolers.
One of the most important things is to be patient. Preschoolers are still learning, and they might not be able to understand everything that is being taught to them.
Therefore, parents and teachers should take the time to explain things. Another thing that can be done is to make learning fun. There are a lot of preschool distance learning activities that are available online.
Some of these activities include:
- Making homemade pizzas while learning about fractions
- Going on a nature walk and finding different shapes
- Doing a science experiment to learn about cause and effect
- Making a collage to learn about colors
These are just some of the many preschool distance learning activities that are available. Parents and teachers can use their imagination to come up with even more fun and creative ideas together. The most important thing is to make sure that preschoolers are having fun while they are learning.
It is also important to ensure preschoolers get enough sleep and exercise. These two things will help them stay focused during distance learning. It is up to parents to make sure that their preschoolers get enough sleep and exercise while they are distance learning.
Finally, it is important to make sure that preschoolers are getting enough social interaction. This can be done through video chat, phone calls, and even playdates. It is up to parents to ensure that their preschoolers get the social interaction they need while they are not yet back in school.
By following these tips, preschoolers can have a successful distance learning experience. Parents just need to make sure that they are prepared and that they are doing their part to help their preschoolers succeed.
Conclusion
Fun preschool distance learning activities are worth the effort to ensure preschoolers are getting a quality education while schools are closed due to the pandemic. These activities will help preschoolers stay on track with their learning and social interaction goals.
Even though distance learning is not the same as in-person learning, preschoolers can still benefit from preschool distance learning activities. With a little effort from parents and teachers, preschoolers can have a successful distance learning experience.
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