[DataDoxy]

Kindergarten kids and young children need to explore their world through creative play in order to learn optimally. In addition, they need to vocalize their 'thinking'. This is what I call 'cognitively designed play'.

From the research I have done, I believe that cognitively designed play is the best way for little guys to learn. To do this, adults need to encourage young children to create things and to play naturally with things like blocks, lego, dolls, and cars and such. As they play, it is important to ask them questions (not yes or no questions but have them explain what they are doing and why they are doing it). For example, count things with them like cars or blocks, or compare things like dolls or the things they make with lego and/or duplo blocks. Ask questions like, 'how many', 'how much more', 'how do you know' and 'why' as much as you can.

Oh - and I also recommend reading stories to young kids as reading should be a part of every child's learning at every age. As you read, don't forget to ask questions! Also, be sure to read some stories where children have to imagine things on their own (not just rely on pictures). Ask them questions about what they 'see'. This is important as visualization and imagination are early keys to reading comprehension, problem solving, and higher order thinking later on.

I personally do not recommend doing 'homework' on top of this!