A preschool in Potomac, MD, isn’t just a place for kids to play and make friends; it’s also where they learn basic thinking skills, especially how to solve problems. Young kids start to understand cause and effect, build language skills, and learn how to deal with easy challenges during these early years, which are very important for their cognitive development.
Early childhood experts say that in the first 36 months, babies and toddlers start learning thousands of words, which sets the stage for later cognitive growth. A good preschool takes advantage of this stage of development by giving kids structured tasks that spark their curiosity and help them figure out how to solve problems.
Letting kids pick the games and activities they’re interested in is so important. Free play gives them endless opportunities to explore, solve problems, and get creative. Play is how children learn best, and simple materials like dress-up clothes, puzzles, and blocks are perfect for teaching problem-solving in a fun, hands-on way.
Helping preschoolers become independent is important for several reasons. One of the main reasons is that it makes them feel better about themselves and boosts their confidence. They’ll believe they can do it if you think they can!
Teaching kids how to be independent is also a good way to help them learn how to solve problems. You can start teaching kids how to think critically early on. It’s a valuable skill for life.
Being independent makes you more self-reliant. For kids, having to do things like feed their pets or make their bed is very exciting. Finally, teaching children how to be independent makes them better at making choices. Kids can learn to weigh their options and make good decisions, even minor ones.
Playing alone and without rules is a great way to encourage imagination, problem-solving, and independence. However, most preschoolers will still need and want some help from adults during free play.
Attending preschool in North Potomac, MD, gives children the opportunity to make their own art or play by giving them a range of art supplies, such as crayons, markers, chalk, finger paints, and building supplies, such as blocks and Legos. Caregivers watch as the children engage in a variety of activities, and while they are not telling kids what to do, they engage with them and encourage them by asking open-ended questions.
Hands-on discovery is one of the main ways that preschools help kids learn how to solve problems. Kids are naturally interested in the world around them at this age, so teachers plan lessons that let them explore. One example is that kids try out different ways to use new toys or things when they first get them. By exploring, they come up with new ideas, test theories, and figure out how to fix problems on their own, which helps them become curious and think analytically for the rest of their lives.
Real-life situations are also used in preschool to help kids learn how to solve problems and use those skills in real life. Problem-solving is introduced in a way that is easy to understand through simple tasks like deciding how to share materials or clean up after an exercise. Teachers often give students problems to solve that require them to make decisions. This helps teach them how to become more independent and confident. These real-life situations give students a safe place to fail, learn from their mistakes, and come up with answers.
Another great way to help kids learn how to solve problems is to participate in activities with other people. Kids in preschool are often put in groups for games and projects that require them to work together. Working with others teaches them how to listen, share, and talk to each other while also giving them new ideas. Building a structure with blocks or putting together a project as a group, for example, gets kids to work together and think, which helps them come up with creative solutions while still recognizing the contributions of others. These tasks teach kids to see things from different points of view, work together, and negotiate when they need to. These are all important skills for solving problems well.
It may come as a surprise, but making a regular schedule is part of growing up independent. Knowing what they have planned for the day is helpful for kids and adults alike. It makes them more accountable. A routine is any set of events that happen at the same time every day. It is not the same as a plan. Kids get used to these routines over time, so they know what is going to happen next. This helps them take on more responsibility with less help.
Giving kids options is another way preschool helps them become independent. Caregivers don’t always tell kids what to do or when to do it; they often give them choices. For example, different play areas are open at the same time so kids can choose their activity. So yes, they are making choices, but they aren’t able to do whatever they want.
You can help encourage this at home by giving them two or three choices and then telling them how smart they are for picking one! When your toddler insists on doing something their way, giving them choices is very helpful. In this case, they might want to cross the street without your help, which you might not allow. If you give them a choice: to hold your hand or be lifted, they can feel strong while you keep them safe.
Problem-solving skills, including critical thought and adaptability, are necessary for a child’s development. If children learn these skills early on, they won’t struggle with confidence and curiosity, setting them up for future growth and success. Home is a great place for kids to start learning how to solve problems, but a little extra support—like at preschool—can really help them reach their full potential.
In a warm and supportive preschool, kids pick up problem-solving skills through fun, hands-on activities. These activities help them build confidence and independence, setting them up to do well in school and make friends easily later on.
MCCA has been recognized by the Maryland State Legislature for its commitment to Montgomery County issued a quality programs and special needs child care Proclamation in 2016 to MCCA for its commitment to Montgomery County child care for more than 50 years. MCCA was also selected as a 2018 nonprofit finalist for a MOXIE Award for boldness and innovation
MCCA is the oldest nonprofit licensed child care provider in Montgomery County and started its work in 1968 as a Community Action Project of the War on Poverty. Recognizing the need for quality child care programs in their neighborhoods, a group of local activists formed an association to establish centers in Montgomery County that would serve a diverse population and establish high standards for child care. Now, more than 50 years later, MCCA’s dedicated and expertly trained staff continue their tradition of providing high quality child care and play-based education for children.
Families with school aged children who can afford their child care expenses during the school year often struggle to afford the all-day programs they need when school is out for the summer. The Richard Krampf Summer Adventures Scholarship Fund was established to help provide children a safe and stimulating place to spend their weeks when school is out. Please contact an MCCA Director for details on how to apply.