The Things We Want Children to Learn That Aren’t on the Checklist

When we think about preschool, we often think about the things children are expected to learn; letters, numbers, shapes, colors, names, and early writing skills.

And, yes, we know those things are important.

But at Explorers, we also believe some of the most important things children learn aren't found on a checklist.

We want children to learn how to make a friend.

How to ask for help when they need it.

How to use their words when they are frustrated.

How to wait their turn, share space, and work through a disagreement.

We want them to keep trying when something doesn't work the first time. How to make a choice for themselves, but also how to listen to someone else's ideas.

These things are usually learned in simple moments.

For example, two children may both want the same toy. Instead of a teacher stepping in and deciding who gets it, we help them talk to each other, “I was playing with it first,” or “Can I have it when you're done?” They are learning to communicate, listen, share, and solve a problem.

There isn't a worksheet for that!

We want children to learn to be independent, put on their coat, clean up their toys, open their lunch, etc.

And we want them to learn that mistakes are okay.

These are all lessons that will not be on a worksheet. They are skills children will carry with them long after preschool.

At Explorers, we believe that preparing children for kindergarten—and for life—is about more than what they know.

And sometimes, the most important learning happens in the moments that never make it onto a checklist.