---
title: Approaches to learning - Older Preschooler | SDStepAhead
description: Discover effective strategies to support older preschoolers' approaches to learning.
---

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- 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)
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- 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/Older%20preschool/kids-face%20paint%20OP%20AL%20comp-main.jpg)

# Approaches to Learning Older Preschoolers (45 to 60+ months) Components and Developmental Indicators

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Component%20Pictures/Older%20preschool/smiling%20on%20school%20bus%20OP%20AL%20comp%201.jpeg?width=649&name=smiling%20on%20school%20bus%20OP%20AL%20comp%201.jpeg)

## COMPONENT 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=52&height=53&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png)

Share discoveries with a trusted person when reunited with that person at a later time.

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=52&height=53&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png)

Demonstrate eagerness to find out more about other people, discover new things in their environment, and talk about these things with others.

3

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=52&height=53&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png)

Choose to participate in a wide assortment of [***activities***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) and demonstrate willingness to try new experiences.

4

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=52&height=53&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png)

Demonstrate interest in mastering new skills (writing name, riding a bike, dancing, building skills).

#### 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=52&height=53&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png)

Ask questions and wonder about things that interest them (ask questions about future events, describe changes they notice in the seasons).

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=52&height=53&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png)

Choose among different ways to explore the environment based on past experience (use a magnifying glass that the class used previously to explore something new).

3

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=52&height=53&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png)

Use what they know from past experience to understand a current situation (get an umbrella to go outside because it is raining).

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/young-boy-girl-playing-indoors-with-eco-toys.jpg?width=649&name=young-boy-girl-playing-indoors-with-eco-toys.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=52&height=53&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png)

Demonstrate increasing [***independence***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en), [***initiative***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en), self-direction, and purpose when making choices (“I’m going to the block area to make a track for my race car.”).

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=52&height=53&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png)

Demonstrate self-help skills, independently identifying and seeking things they need to complete activities or carry out play scenarios (gather supplies and create a sign for the block building they created).

3

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=52&height=53&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png)

Set simple [***goals***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) that [***extend***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) over time, make plans and put effort into following through (“Let’s make a rocket ship. We need blocks.”).

4

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=52&height=53&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png)

Move independently to another activity once their current activity is completed.

#### 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=52&height=53&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png)

Consistently remain [***engaged***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en)in self-directed activities (finishes a card they chose to make for a loved one).

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=52&height=53&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png)

Sometimes able to ignore irrelevant information when focusing on a task (sorting buttons by color regardless of shape).

#### 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=52&height=53&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png)

[***Persists***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) in working to complete tasks, trying different ways until successful (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=52&height=53&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png)

Plan and follow through on longer-term tasks (planting a seed and caring for the plant).

3

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=52&height=53&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png)

Keep trying until a challenging activity is completed, despite distractions or interruptions (multi-piece puzzle started before lunch and completed later).

4

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=52&height=53&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png)

Seek help and work cooperatively with others to complete a challenging activity (ask and work with peers to build a block bridge across the water table).

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Component%20Pictures/Older%20preschool/girl-making-puzzle-OP%20AL%20comp%203.jpg?width=649&name=girl-making-puzzle-OP%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=52&height=53&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png)

Expand their sense of [***self-reliance***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en).

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=52&height=53&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png)

Approach new experiences independently.

3

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=52&height=53&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png)

Ask to participate in new experiences that they have observed or heard about.

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)

Independently seek new challenges.

 

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=52&height=53&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png)

Demonstrate [***resiliency***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) and coping skills when faced with challenges (after spilling paint on their favorite shirt are able to help clean up and continue painting).

#### 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=52&height=53&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png)

Describe the steps they will use to solve a problem.

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=52&height=53&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png)

Apply their prior knowledge to evaluate different [***strategies***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) for solving a problem.

3

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=52&height=53&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png)

Explain how they reasoned and solved a problem to another person.

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)

Demonstrate satisfaction or delight when solving a problem or completing a task.

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=52&height=53&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png)

Exhibit flexibility in considering alternative suggestions offered by others.

3

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=52&height=53&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png)

Quickly recover from setbacks when working and playing with others.

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Component%20Pictures/Older%20preschool/girl--puppets-OP%20AL%20comp%204.jpg?width=649&name=girl--puppets-OP%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=52&height=53&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png)

Develop and sustain more complex pretend ***play*** [***themes***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) in cooperation with peers.

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=52&height=53&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png)

Use more complex and varied [***language***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) to share ideas and influence others during play.

3

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=52&height=53&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png)

Choose to use new knowledge and skills during play (add features to pretend play scene related to class project, write list, build a structure like that displayed in a book they have read).

4

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=52&height=53&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png)

Demonstrate their cultural values and “[***roles***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en)” through play (uses a blanket as a shawl while dancing).

#### 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=52&height=53&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png)

Plan pretend play scenarios and use or create a variety of roles, [***props***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en), or [***tools***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) to bring them to life.

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=52&height=53&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png)

Use materials or actions in increasingly varied, creative, and resourceful ways to [***represent***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) experiences or ideas.

3

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=52&height=53&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png)

Develop creative solutions in play and daily situations.

4

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/AL%20check.jpeg.png?width=52&height=53&name=AL%20check.jpeg.png)

Make up stories, songs or dances for fun during play.

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