Children today naturally encounter technology in daily life and when they are exposed to it in an age-appropriate manner by someone who has thoughtfully considered its impact on their learning, creativity, and communication, they will have access to the potential advantages of technology. However, balance is critical for very young children. An effective learning routine will combine hands-on exploration and experiences with opportunities for social interaction, physical movement, and technology that is supportive of their developmental needs.

Whether enrolled in a preschool, participating in a structured preschool program, or spending time in before and after school care, having a balanced routine provides a foundation for healthy brain growth, emotional stability, and the development of a strong academic foundation.

1. Schedule Your Day Consistently 

Many preschoolers are daunted by the prospect of starting school because they do not have a structured schedule. A structured day allows the child to anticipate the events of the day and provides a safe environment for the child. The schedule should consist of the following components:

•  Learning time

•  Free play

•  Outdoor activities

•  Snacks/meals

•  Quiet time/rest period

•  Limited screen time for learning

The children who have been participating in routines prior to returning to school will be ready to transition to preschool more easily and continue to be highly focused while learning.

2. Technology Is to Support Learning Not to Be the Caretaker 

Technology is meant to be a supplementary resource for learning, not to replace a parent/commercial company. When used appropriately, educational applications, electronic storybooks, and interactive lessons will help promote language growth, teach how to recognize numbers and problem-solve.

Appropriate use of technology includes: 

•  Appropriate educational content for the child's age.

•  Short time period of supervision while using

•  Purposeful learning outcomes

•  Interactive (the child interacts) and not passive (the child merely watches) use

A good quality preschool program uses technology to enhance, not dominate, the preschool learning process.

3. Prioritize Hands-On and Play-Based Learning 

Providing an opportunity for children to learn through movement, exploration, and play are the best ways to support their developmental progress. By providing block building, art projects, puzzles, pretend play, and sensory games for young children, you are encouraging the development of:

•  Fine and gross motor skills

•  Creativity

•  Social interaction

•  and critical thinking

Therefore, hands-on activities will always be the foundation of a successful preschool program, even as technology becomes part of the educational environment.

4. Balance Screen Time with Physical Activity 

Too much screen time can negatively affect attention span, sleep, physical health, etc. Therefore, daily activity is necessary for the proper development of young children; therefore, every time children learn through screen-based technology, they should also have time to:

•  Play outside

•  Dance and move

•  Play ball, and

•  Explore nature

Children who attend before and after-school programs especially benefit from time to play after a formal learning day in order to refresh their minds.

5. Encourage social interaction while utilizing technology to promote learning 

Peer-to-peer interaction is an important aspect of early childhood education. In fact, Group activities are a means to provide opportunities for your child's development of the following:

•  Communication Skills;

•  Sharing and Cooperation;

•  Resolution Skills; and

•  Understanding of Emotion.

When using digital learning methods and devices with your preschool child, using these methods together with group discussions and cooperative activities can assist in providing additional social benefits to your child's preschool experience.

6. Setting Screen Time Limits for Home and School 

Each preschool child participating in educational programs can expect to spend a maximum of 60 minutes or less of their daily time viewing a screen (television, computers, etc.). Develop a home routine where there is daily involvement from parents and caregivers, along with information from school professionals on developing consistent routines for children while they are enrolled in preschool.

•  Below are helpful hints for providing preschoolers with a healthy screen time environment.

•  Do not let preschool children have access to screens in their bedrooms.

•  Do not allow preschoolers to use screens during meals.

•  Create times when all family members can take part in activities together without technology being part of the experience.

•  Promote playing with non-electronic games prior to your child playing electronic-based games.

Parents can provide limits on preschoolers' use of screens, allowing preschoolers to adapt more gradually to the ever-increasing stimuli of technological devices, and this will assist in supporting your child's physical, cognitive, and social development.

7. Adding Quiet Time and Mindfulness 

Balanced routines also include important moments of downtime and calmness. Allow children to unwind and reflect on things they have learned. During quiet time, a child may do many things, including read, listen to music, practice breathing exercises, and rest.

With a structured routine of relaxation, children in preschool have shown improved behaviours, increased attention spans, and better academic performance.

8. Strong Parent-Teacher Collaboration is Key 

Creating a balanced routine is easiest when parents and educators have open and ongoing communication about how to provide the best environment for their children. Examples of parent-teacher communication include how much screen time a child gets, what the child is learning, how the child behaves in school, and what interests the child. By sharing this information, both parents and teachers can provide the same experience to each child.

A strong partnership between the parent and teacher plays a key role in the child's learning and development during times when the child is not in school.

9. Observe and Make Adjustments Based on the Child’s Needs 

No two children's learning styles are alike. Therefore, while one child may thrive using digital learning tools, others may learn better through hands-on learning materials. Observing each child's individual learning styles allows for the adjustment of the learning environment so that any technology used to support learning will not create a hindrance to a child's growth and development.

Providing the structure of a structured preschool program while allowing for some degree of flexibility ensures that every child receives individualised support that meets their unique needs.

Final Thought 

Digital resources have tremendous potential for helping preschool-age children to learn, as long as they are balanced with play-based, movement-based, socially-based, and emotionally-based learning opportunities. Creating a well-balanced routine enables a child to develop the foundation for strong academic performance, as well as the physical and emotional attributes needed for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The partnership between parents and educators provides all preschool children with access to a consistent learning experience at home and in a structured early education environment (which includes a trusted preschool and a prior and after-school programme for children in the North York Area).

About St. George Mini School 

St. George Mini School is a dedicated early learning center offering high-quality preschool, preschool programs, and Before and After School Care in North York. Our mission is to provide a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children build confidence, develop essential skills, and discover the joy of learning. Through qualified educators, structured routines, and family-centred care, we prepare young learners for long-term academic and personal success.