Helping Your Preschooler Stay Balanced

An important aspect of the IB framework is encouraging learners to embody the 10 characteristics defined in the IB Learner Profile: inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced and reflective. These attributes represent a broad range of human capacities and responsibilities that go beyond intellectual development and academic success.

This article offers guidance on how to help our littlest learners remain balanced throughout the school day and beyond. 

Try to be mindful of incorporating time for rest - “quiet time”. It can be anything from scheduling regular rest times throughout the day to doing something relaxing together such as yoga or reading together. Again, children learn from what they see adults doing. If you model the importance of resting your body, it sets the tone for them to learn to rest theirs.

Get good sleep!

The CDC recommends 10-13 hours of sleep, including naps for preschool-age children and 7+ hours for adults. By incorporating consistent bedtime routines into your daily schedule, you are not only modeling that sleep is important, you are also making sure your child has the sleep they need to be successful learners throughout the day. 

A child well-fed is a child that is ready to learn.  Balance the quantity and the color of the food your children eat. Make sure they are receiving all nutrients and enough water to keep their bodies and brains healthy.  

Part of being BALANCED is understanding there is a time for all things. Creating a visual schedule together can help organize work and school time with playtime. Also, knowing that fun times are around the corner, can increase motivation for completing other tasks and chores for both children and adults!