There's more to physical development than just the large muscle tasks of walking, running, jumping and climbing. Using crayons, scissors, stringing beads and doing puzzles are all examples of fine muscle work. These kinds of activities are very taxing for young children, so teachers should not expect children to work at such skills for too long without relief. Children love to explore and investigate new sensations. We can help by encouraging them to make comparisons by feeling and smelling things as well as by looking at them.
Children can explore materials by handling and manipulation.
Snack time can be an opportunity for children to explore their senses of touch, smell and taste by allowing them to cut and pick up their own fruit, for example. Teachers can encourage children to tell sounds apart by listening closely to rhymes or nature sounds. Relaxation Another important part of the preschool day is relaxation and nap time. Young children are often under greater stress than we realize. The hurried pace of families' lives and the necessity of conforming to school routines can increase children's stress.