Parents can support their child's learning experience very easily from home.  With relatively little fuss, you can expand upon concepts from your child's Brookline preschool program.  

Studies show children of all ages whose parents who are actively engaged in their education have an advantage - even youngsters just entering daycare or preschool in Brookline for the first time. These children enjoy greater academic success and their higher self-esteem, both of which contribute to continued success as they mature.

Perhaps one of the easiest ways for parents to support concepts from their child's Brookline preschool curriculum is to discuss the day's activities. To open up a conversation that entails more than one word answers, give your child a few minutes unwind from their day by having a snack or grabbing a favorite toy.  Ask open-ended questions such as:

• Tell me about what you did during recess.
• What was today's letter, color or shape?
• What was your favorite part of the day? 
  
• Tell me about the project you made.

These open-ended questions encourage your child to think about and explain concepts being introduced in their Boston preschool curriculum. This can be an effective way to help master a concept and as an added benefit, and the conversation is also a bonding experience.  Children appreciate their parents showing an active interest in them and feel valued as a member of the family.

Further support the learning experience by including your child in doing simple household tasks. Baking, for example, involves measuring, observing the results of mixing ingredients, awareness of time and observing what happens to ingredients exposed to specific conditions (heat from the oven or cold from the refrigerator).  This simple activity demonstrates important math and science concepts included in your child's Boston preschool curriculum.  In addition, social skills such as teamwork and cooperation are encouraged because cooking is a collaborative process.

Learning is especially effective when concepts are explored through play.  Arts and crafts projects, such as decorating a simple construction paper placemat with their name, colorful patterns and shapes reinforce spelling, writing, pattern recognition, fine motor skills and creative thinking.  Virtually any craft-related project offers a chance to practice any number of skills introduced by your child's preschool in Boston. 

The beauty of attending preschool in Boston or the surrounding area, is the ample supply of learning opportunities outside the classroom.  A simple family outing to a local playground or park is also chance to observe, explore and learn.  

For more ideas how to extend your child's Brookline preschool experience, check in with their teacher for recommendations.