Preschoolers: Ages 3 - 5

During the preschool years, children explore the world and their role in it. There are several areas in which to encourage development during the ages of three to five:

1. Social Skills - Preschool children need to learn skills like sharing, turn-taking, empathy, and compromise. Many of these skills can be learned through activities like dressing up, sharing the playground, and playing games.
2. Language Skills - Kids of this age are building and refining their vocabularies constantly. In order to encourage this development, kids should engage in conversation with adults and other children. Reading picture books with parents is also important.
3. Learning About the World - Surely you've heard preschool children constantly ask "Why?" at this age. They are trying to learn more about how the world works. On top of asking questions, children also need to answer questions at this age. Try asking them open-ended questions like "What do you think will happen next?" to learn more about what they are thinking.
4. Physical Activity - Preschool children are also learning how to use their bodies. They need physical activity to learn motor skills, coordination, speed and balance.
5. Creative Expression - Kids of this age need to have outlets for expressing themselves creatively through art, music, and pretend play. Provide them the time, space, and materials to work out their ideas.

So how does media fit into these needs of preschoolers?

Television and Movies

Because television shows do not respond to the individual viewer, they do not offer a chance for true interaction. However, there are a number of well-designed educational programs for children of this age. Some examples are Sesame Street, Blue’s Clues, or Dora the Explorer.

Studies have shown that preschoolers can learn academic and social skills from watching these kinds of educational television programs. In fact, in one study, children who watched Sesame Street at age 3 received higher grades in high school.

However, parents should limit preschoolers’ exposure to all other television content (especially violence). Since preschoolers are not yet capable of distinguishing fantasy and reality, they are especially likely to experience fear. Be aware of what your preschoolers are exposed to while you are watching TV and while their older siblings are watching.

The American Academy of Pediatrics specifically recommends that parents avoid all screen media exposure for children under the age of two. After this age, they recommend no more than two hours of screen media per day. CMCH recommends gradually introducing a few educational programs after age two. Your child is likely to lose interest after 15 to 20 minutes, at which point, you can shut the TV off and direct their attention to a different activity.

While there are many benefits from educational programs, parents are still strongly encouraged to keep media out of children’s bedrooms and to limit overall viewing to one to two hours a day, particularly to prevent overweight.

• See tips for using television safely