Preschoolers learn new things daily. Even though they are only 3-5 years old, they sometimes make us think that they are more grown-up than they really are.

Preschoolers do not see the world as adults do. They even think that some things are real that are not. These young children don’t always understand things from the view point of someone else.

The primary way a preschooler learns about the world is through play. At times she may seem like someone who wants to do everything for herself, but she still needs your help and guidance. She definitely experiences joy at being able to do many things. She also feels pride as she experiences independence.

You can help her take on new tasks and responsibilities. She really wants to try new things. Many of the things she wants to do she tries in her pretend play. When she invites you to join in, be sure to join the play. Be prepared for her view of the world being different than yours. But as you play with her, you learn about her view.

‘Learn by doing’

Be sure to include her in projects in the kitchen and in the yard. She loves cooking and gardening. Be sure to answer her question about the tasks in a simple way that encourages her to ask more. Let her help plant things but don’t turn the job over to her.

Many children are fearful at this age. Give her reassurance whether her fears are real or imaginary. When she is being fearful give her hugs and talk with her about what she fears. She needs a good listener.

Remember that young children learn by doing. Encourage her to do hands-on learning rather than learning by watching TV or only playing computer games. Let her help by setting the table or putting out the napkins. Let her do something that makes her feel important for helping you.

Nurture her curiosity about the world and the things around her. Be sure to answer the questions she has but answer them with a simple answer. You want her to understand what you are saying so she will ask you again. Be sure to point out things that might interest her.

Certainly at this time of year, show her the calves that are new and active. Show her the interesting birds that she might not notice without you pointing them out. Even having her look at the unique shaped clouds might really interest her.

Encourage her to ask other children over to play. Some of these experiences will be better than others but all of them will teach her. Talk with her before the others arrive and remind her to share her toys and that they will be there after the kids leave.

Make reading a regular activity you share with her. Let her be active in picking out the books but make sure every day has some reading in it. You are setting a goal for her for life.

Visit interesting places. These can include the library, a museum, a zoo but even the grocery store is an interesting place for her. Talk with her about what she is seeing and what she thinks about all the things around her.

Teach her about health issues. Begin with teaching about washing her hands. Tell her why this is important and then also remind her until you see her doing this on her own.

Make meal time an important time of the day. Turn off the TV for sure. Talk together about the day and what she experienced. If you have multiple children, make sure they all get a chance to tell about their day.

Make bedtime a close time. Make sure that before she settles into bed that she has washed her hands and brushed her teeth. Read together or at least talk together about the day. You can even talk about expectations about tomorrow as she gets ready for a good night’s sleep.

Make certain you finish off the day with a hug and a goodnight kiss. Let her know you love her and you will see her in the morning.

Cynthia Martin is the founder of the First Teacher program and former executive director of Parenting Matters Foundation, which publishes newsletters for parents, caregivers and grandparents. Reach Martin at pmf@olypen.com.