The Important Work of Early Childhood

The beginning of a school year is full of transition. New rhythms, new friendships, new teachers, and new experiences all take time to settle into. Even returning children are adjusting after the summer months to new wake-up times, new structure, and a new year together.

At The New Village School, these first weeks connect deeply to one of our core values: Protection of Childhood. We believe young children need time and space to play, observe, imitate, participate, and gradually find their place within a community.

As Ms. Robin shared with our Preschool families after the first week of school:

Why Is Play So Important in Early Childhood?

We have had such a lovely first week with your children! For many of the children, these first few days and weeks are an adjustment. Even our returning children, coming back from family time during the summer months, are adjusting to new wake-up times, new structure, new friendships, and new teachers. The returning children are stepping into their roles, and it is so joyful to witness.

Our team feels the children are settling in beautifully. There are some moments of expressing that they miss their families; however, they are fleeting, and the children are enjoying school life.

At this age, the work of children is PLAY, and they know what to do.

Often, young three-year-olds are in an observational stage of play, where they might play with toys independently while glancing up here and there to observe their peers. Some are in a parallel stage of play, playing side by side but not yet interacting in the play. Others are beginning, or are already deep into, pretend play. And there is a lot of pretend play happening right now! From building houseboats to making cookie shops, they are diving into the imaginary realm of play.

Why Are Rhythm and Routine Important for Young Children?

At the beginning of a school year, it often takes about three weeks for children to really settle into the rhythm of home and school life. This is why we highly recommend that our two worlds mirror one another.

Predictable rhythms help children settle into their days and become comfortable with what comes next. At school, part of this rhythm includes giving the children many real and meaningful “jobs.”

They take down stools, wipe tables, set up bowls and plates for snack time, clean up toys, fold towels, and put bedding into laundry bags. Outdoors, they pick up leaves, harvest, wash tables, sweep, and put away their outdoor toys.

Why Is Purposeful Work Important for Preschoolers?

These first few days have been about introducing this work to the children. They love it!

Children love to help and to be part of a group working together. They love having a role and being contributing members of their community.

This kind of work is simple and real. There is a table that needs wiping, a towel that needs folding, or a bowl that needs setting out for snack. Through these everyday experiences, children begin to discover the joy of helping and participating in the life around them.

How Can Parents Bring Purposeful Work Into the Home?

Children can do this at home, too. They love to be contributing members of the family.

They can help with laundry by sorting clothes into piles for each family member. They can fold small washcloths and towels, “corner to corner,” as we say. They can set and clear the table, tidy shoes and slippers, clean windows with water and a little white vinegar, and help clean up their toys.

The more you can incorporate age-appropriate chores into daily life now, the more it will pay off later. We promise!

At school and at home, these ordinary moments are an important part of childhood. There is joy in playing, helping, imitating, and discovering: I have a place here, and I have something to contribute.