Parents and teachers may often have wondered how preschoolers learn, or why certain things, events, or people are more interesting to them than others? This book provides information on how young children learn, and offers activities to encourage emerging literacy, promote creativity and imagination, and enhance knowledge and development in music, art, science, movement, and computers. Section 1 describes how young children learn and discusses the importance of play and the use of all their senses, individual differences, and toy selection guidelines. Section 2 addresses language development during the first 5 years and how to enhance it. Section 3 presents activities to encourage a love of reading and writing and to introduce different math concepts. Section 4 describes various types of children's literature, including picture books, fairy tales, poetry and nursery rhymes, multicultural books, and information books. Section 5 discusses the benefits of imagination and curiosity and offers creative suggestions to nurture these characteristics. Section 6 presents information on the value of the arts to young children's development and activities to promote self-expression through music, movement, and art. Section 7 describes children as "natural scientists" and offers activities to encourage observation and questioning regarding the natural environment. Section 8 suggests fascinating journeys with preschoolers and ways to enhance the learning experience of trips in one's own neighborhood or to a museum. Section 9 offers ways to familiarize children with school routines and discusses how school can be an enriching experience for all children, including those with disabilities. Section 10 covers the topic of young children and computers. Each section concludes with a list of resources. (KDFB)