Preschoolers Learning Through Play: At-Home Activities That Build Skills
The Power of Play
At-home play isn’t just fun, it’s the foundation of lifelong learning. By engaging children in playful, everyday moments, you’re helping them develop essential skills that will support their growth for years to come. So, gather some crayons, build a cozy blanket fort, or dive into a favourite book, and watch the magic of learning unfold. Embrace a little mess along the way, because in play, that’s where the real joy and discovery happen.
Learning through play is a natural and effective way for children to develop essential skills. Play allows them to explore their environment, express themselves, and build confidence while having fun. Throughout the academic year, teachers plan exciting play-based activities to help learners thrive in all areas of development. These activities enhance language, motor skills, problem-solving abilities, social interactions, and early academic concepts, all in a relaxed and engaging setting.
To ensure these experiences continue at home, here are some engaging play-based activities that learners can practice to improve their skills. Emphasising play-based learning at home helps foster a love of learning and supports overall growth and development.
Some Suggested Skill-Building Activities at Home
Sorting and Matching (Math & Logic)
Provide child-friendly objects, such as large buttons, blocks, socks, toy animals, or any other easy-to-handle household items, for sorting by colour, size, or type.
Skill focus: Categorisation, early math, attention to detail.
Art Time (Creativity & Fine Motor Skills)
Provide materials such as play-dough, crayons, plastic scissors, glue, and paper for open-ended art projects. Learners can also build towers, houses, and other structures with blocks and Legos. Provide large beads and strings for beading activities. Pouring, scooping, and filling containers with water is also an excellent activity. Puzzle activities are another great way to engage learners at home.
Skill focus: Fine motor coordination, hand-eye coordination, pincer grasp, self-expression, decision-making, creative expression, spatial reasoning.
Developing Gross Motor Skills
Create a safe space for learners to jump, hop, move, and dance to music for free movement and expression. Draw a line on the floor or use a low beam for walking and balancing.
Skill focus: Balance, coordination, sequencing, resilience.
Story Time and Pretend Play (Language & Literacy)
Read with your child daily. Allow time for questions and retelling. Encourage dress-up, role play, and imaginary scenarios using dolls, animals, or household items.
Skill focus: Listening, comprehension, vocabulary, narrative and imagination skills, emotional awareness, empathy.
Kitchen Helpers (Math, Science & Life Skills)
Invite your child to help with measuring, pouring, or stirring during cooking. Talk about textures, numbers, and safety while working together.
Skill focus: Counting, following directions, sensory exploration.
At-home play isn’t just fun—it’s the foundation of lifelong learning. By engaging children in playful, everyday moments, you help them develop essential skills that will support their growth for years to come. So, gather some crayons, build a cozy blanket fort, or dive into a favorite book, and watch the magic of learning unfold. Embrace a little mess along the way—because in play, that’s where the real joy and discovery happen.
About the Author
Ms. Rita Boapeah Kwarteng is a dynamic educational leader with 18 years of experience in school management and early years education. She is a passionate leader committed to fostering enriching learning environments that promote learners’ holistic development. She serves as the Head of Preschool and CPD Facilitator at International Community School. Her experiences throughout her years of service have given her comprehensive insight into the needs of young learners and the operational aspects of preschool management. She is passionate about nurturing young minds with compassion and innovation, laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success.
