--- title: Approaches to learning - Younger Preschooler | SDStepAhead description: Discover how younger preschoolers (33 to 48 months) approach learning through play and imagination. --- [Skip to content](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/approaches-to-learning-4#main-content) [(605) 773-3678](tel:+16057733678) This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. Close - Age-Level Continuum - [Infants (Birth - 12 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/infants) - [Younger Toddlers (8-21 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/young-toddler) - [Older Toddlers (18-36 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/older-toddler) - [Younger Preschooler (33-48 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/younger-preschooler) - [Older Preschooler (45-60+ months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/older-preschoolers) - [Transition to Kindergarten](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/transition-to-kindergarten) - Learning Domains - [Approaches to Learning](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/approaches-to-learning) - [Social Development & Emotional Development](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/social-emotional-development) - [Communication, Language, & Literacy](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/communication-language-literacy) - [Cognitive Development](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/cognitive-development) - [Health & Physical Development](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/health-physical-development) - [Appendix A: Supporting Children With Disabilities](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/appendix-a-supporting-children-with-disabilities) - [Appendix B: Supporting Dual Language Learners](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/appendix-b) - About - [Purpose, Children’s Success & Working Together](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/about-sd-stepahead) - [Guiding Principles](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/guiding-principles) - [SDELG Organization](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/sdlg-organization) - [Using SDStepAhead](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/about-sdstepahead) - [Glossary](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/faqs) - [Find Services](https://sdstepahead.com/find-services) - [Professional Development & Resources](https://sdstepahead.com/resources) - [Contact](https://sdstepahead.com/contact) SEARCH [![SD Step Ahead Logo](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/StepAhead-Logo-Color.png?width=858&height=194&name=StepAhead-Logo-Color.png)](https://sdstepahead.com/?hsLang=en) - Age-Level Continuum - [Infants (Birth - 12 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/infants) - [Younger Toddlers (8-21 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/young-toddler) - [Older Toddlers (18-36 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/older-toddler) - [Younger Preschooler (33-48 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/younger-preschooler) - [Older Preschooler (45-60+ months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/older-preschoolers) - [Transition to Kindergarten](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/transition-to-kindergarten) - Learning Domains - [Approaches to Learning](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/approaches-to-learning) - [Social Development & Emotional Development](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/social-emotional-development) - [Communication, Language, & Literacy](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/communication-language-literacy) - [Cognitive Development](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/cognitive-development) - [Health & Physical Development](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/health-physical-development) - [Appendix A: Supporting Children With Disabilities](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/appendix-a-supporting-children-with-disabilities) - [Appendix B: Supporting Dual Language Learners](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/appendix-b) - About - [Purpose, Children’s Success & Working Together](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/about-sd-stepahead) - [Guiding Principles](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/guiding-principles) - [SDELG Organization](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/sdlg-organization) - [Using SDStepAhead](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/about-sdstepahead) - [Glossary](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/faqs) - [Find Services](https://sdstepahead.com/find-services) - [Professional Development & Resources](https://sdstepahead.com/resources) - [Contact](https://sdstepahead.com/contact) ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Component%20Pictures/Young%20Preschool/Group%20of%20children%20outdoor%20younger%20preschool%20comp.jpeg) # Approaches to Learning Younger Preschoolers (33-48 months) Components and Developmental Indicators ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/boy%20holding%20globe%20-YP%20AL%20comp%201.jpeg?width=649&name=boy%20holding%20globe%20-YP%20AL%20comp%201.jpeg) ## COPMONENT 1: Curiosity, Information-Seeking, and Eagerness ### Developmental Indicators #### AL Goal-1: Children demonstrate curiosity and eagerness and express interest in the world around them.   1 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=53&height=54&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png) Seek out a trusted person to approach something new. 2 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=53&height=54&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png) Discover things that interest and amaze them and express that interest to others. 3 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=53&height=54&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png) Share what they have done with others through verbal and [***nonverbal***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en)means (take [***adult***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en)or peer to the easel to see a painting). 4 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=53&height=54&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png) Show interest in a growing range of topics, ideas, and tasks. #### AL Goal-2: Children actively seek to understand the world around them in play and everyday tasks. 1 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=53&height=54&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png) Ask questions about the people and things around them.   2 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=53&height=54&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png) Use all available senses, [tools](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en), and a variety of [***strategies***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) to actively explore the environment (drop objects in water to see if they sink or float). 3 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=53&height=54&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png) Purposefully try different ways of doing things to see how they work (adjust blocks used as a ramp to make a ball roll faster and farther). ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Component%20Pictures/Young%20Preschool/kid-searching-drawer-YP%20AL%20comp%202.jpg?width=649&name=kid-searching-drawer-YP%20AL%20comp%202.jpg) ## COMPONENT 2: Initiative, Effort, Engagement, and Persistence ### Developmental Indicators #### AL Goal-3: Children demonstrate initiative and effort in play and everyday tasks. 1 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=53&height=54&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png) Showing increasing [***independence***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) and [***initiative***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) when making choices ("I want to go to blocks."). 2 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=53&height=54&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png) Express [***goals***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en)or plans and follow through on them. (“I’m going to build a really tall tower.”). 3 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=53&height=54&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png) Expand self-help skills, interest, and enjoyment in doing things on their own (brushing teeth, putting on boots). #### AL Goal-4: Children are engaged and maintain focus in play and everyday tasks.  1 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=53&height=54&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png) Remain engaged in more complex [***activities***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) they have chosen. 2 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=53&height=54&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png) Focus on ***[age-appropriate](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en)*** activities for a short period of time, even with interruptions (continue painting after answering another child’s question). 3 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=53&height=54&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png) Maintain interest and focus and return to an activity after a break. #### AL Goal-5: Children persist at challenging activities in play and everyday tasks. 1 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=53&height=54&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png) When something does not work, try different ways to complete the task (when a block tower falls, try putting the blocks together in a different way to build the tower again).   2 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=53&height=54&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png) When experiencing difficulty with a challenging task, ask for and accept help from peers or adults (ask for help putting materials away on a high shelf; ask a friend for help in naming an unfamiliar animal in a book). ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Component%20Pictures/Young%20Preschool/kids-playing-toys-YP%20AL%20comp%203.jpg?width=649&name=kids-playing-toys-YP%20AL%20comp%203.jpg) ## COMPONENT 3: Risk-Taking, Problem-Solving, Flexibility, and Resilience ### Developmental Indicators ##### AL Goal-6: Children are willing to try new and challenging experiences in play and everyday tasks. 1 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=53&height=54&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png) Express a belief that they can do things that are hard. 2 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=53&height=54&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png) Choose to participate in an increasing variety of new experiences when offered. 3 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=53&height=54&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png) Show flexibility by adapting to changes in [***routines***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) and situations. 1 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=52&height=53&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png) Accept new challenges and opportunities when offered. 2 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=53&height=54&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png) Try things they are not sure they can do, while avoiding dangerous risks. #### AL Goal-7: Children use a variety of strategies to solve problems in play and everyday tasks. 1 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=53&height=54&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png) Welcome new challenges (add additional pieces to a new construction toy). 2 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=53&height=54&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png) Seek and make use of ideas and help from adults and peers to solve problems. 3 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=53&height=54&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png) Purposefully attempt several different strategies when encountering difficulty during daily routines or when using materials. 1 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=53&height=54&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png) Talk to themselves to work through the steps to solve a problem.   2 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=53&height=54&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png) Recovers from setbacks with the support of an adult ("What happened?" "It fell over." "Should we build it again?" "Yeah, it's okay, let's build it again.").  ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Component%20Pictures/Young%20Preschool/boy-playing-pretend%20YP%20AL%20comp%204.jpg?width=649&name=boy-playing-pretend%20YP%20AL%20comp%204.jpg) ## COMPONENT 4: Play and Imagination ### Developmental Indicators #### AL Goal-8: Children engage in increasingly complex play. 1 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=53&height=54&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png) [***Engage***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) in pretend play [***themes***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) that include interacting with peers, but often these are not coordinated. 2 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=53&height=54&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png) Talk to peers and share materials during [***play***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en).   3 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=53&height=54&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png) Engage in make-believe play with imaginary objects. 1 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=53&height=54&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png) Use [***language***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) to begin and carry on play with others.   2 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=53&height=54&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png) Express knowledge of their everyday lives and [***culture***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) through play (pretends to shop at a farmer’s market and prepare a meal, pretends to fix hair the way his/her family styles hair). #### AL Goal-9: Children demonstrate creativity, imagination, and inventiveness in play and everyday tasks. 1 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=53&height=54&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png) Explore and experiment with a wide variety of materials and activities. 2 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=53&height=54&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png) Use imagination to try new ways of doing things and work with materials in creative ways. 3 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=53&height=54&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png) Use materials (art materials, instruments, construction, writing implements) or actions to [***represent***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) experiences or ideas in [***inventive***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) ways. 4 ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=53&height=54&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png) [***Experiment***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) with language, musical sounds, and movement. 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