Why Choices Are Important for Preschoolers
Giving preschoolers appropriate choices enables them to make wise choices. Choices come with consequences. Preschool choices might include choosing not to paint at the easel and the consequence of not having a picture to take home. A preschooler might choose not to help put the blocks away during clean up time and the consequence of not having the choice to play with the blocks. Preschool consequences may seen insignificant to adults, but it is an important foundation of learning.
Choices are important for learning. Preschoolers have different Learning Approaches. Preschoolers can learn through all the Approaches, but usually favor two or three. When teachers offer a variety of leaning activities using different learning approaches, a preschooler can choose the way he enjoys learning. Bible Teaching for Kids uses a variety of learning approaches activities in each session.
Choices help preschoolers take responsibility for their behavior. What are the natural consequences for a child that chooses not to come to group time? He may sit quietly at the table and work a puzzle. What are the natural consequences for a child who is misbehaving in the block center? Reminding a preschooler that when you choose to use this behavior, these are the consequences you are also choosing.
Ultimately a preschooler will grow to make the most important decision they will ever make in their life. Will I choose to ask Jesus to my Savior? “Yes” or “No”, there are consequences. What are you doing to help preschoolers make choices!?
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