Your Pre-Kindergartner

Creative Arts

You always knew there was an artist in the family. At this age, she may well be acting out dramatic scenes, pretending to be all kinds of fabulous characters, and even seeing art in the everyday world around her.

While she may not be quite ready to sketch a realistic portrait of the family dog, her skills are progressing quickly. The colors and shapes in other artworks are probably catching her eye, and she could even be starting to use them in her own art.

Music, too, is increasingly important in her world. Soon she’ll be ready to memorize short songs to sing and keep a steady beat. For now, though, it’s more about responding to what she likes and what gets her body moving.

That movement is also getting more purposeful, as her dance skills improve. Now she’s choosing moves that show what she’s feeling or thinking – and she doesn’t necessarily need there to be any music playing.

She’s on a path to enjoy and engage in all kinds of art for years to come.

Sing, Dance & Play — The Importance of Music in Early Childhood

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I Like Music – Especially Mine!

By now, your child has heard music in lots of places—whether it’s tunes on the radio or silly songs from the people in his life. Now, he can sing some on his own! He can also make up new rhythms with “instruments,” whether it’s a real drum set or just your pots and pans. His creativity is coming out through his voice, and through all the wonderful other noises he can now create.

Look for signs of learning at your child's care.

Music should be a natural part of learning, from singing to dancing. You might see songs used during transition time, clapping jam sessions or group activities like sing-alongs. No matter the form of music, children should have the chance to express themselves by picking songs or exploring their individual voice.

Ideas to learn and play together!

I’ll Show You How I Feel.

Since she was a baby, your child has moved to the music. Now she can express herself through movement – even if no song is playing. Because she knows how to say “I’m excited” or “I’m sad” with her body, her feelings can come through with no words at all.

Look for signs of learning at your child's care.

Do pre-K students get to express themselves through dance? Look for props like scarves, ribbons or streamers to enhance their moves. Dance parties are another great way to explore movement!

Ideas to learn and play together!

My Art is A Story!

Now that he can stick with a drawing or model a little longer, your child’s visual art is becoming more complex. He can also cooperate with others to turn his ideas into lines, shapes and colors. Celebrate what he makes, even if it’s sometimes hard to make out (“Does this dog have wings?”), and set aside some wall space for a growing gallery of work!

Look for signs of learning at your child's care.

From crayons to water colors to glue… is there a wide variety of creative materials available? Children should have lots of chances -- and encouragement from teachers -- to use them to create mini masterpieces.

Ideas to learn and play together!

I Can Be Anybody.

Your child is likely to be using role-play to act out the stories in her head. Whether she’s acting as part of a daring rescue mission or even just imitating a household pet, her characters are getting into some great adventures.

Look for signs of learning at your child's care.

Do you see children using a variety of objects to retell a story, a book character, or a part of their everyday life? When children have the chance to "play house" or act like a superhero, they are learning more about dramatic play!

Ideas to learn and play together!

All children learn and grow at their own pace and in their own way. For more information about the skills and milestones for your child's age check out our developmental milestones resource page. If you continue to have concerns or questions please give us a call at 1-800-299-1627.