Students sharing a bucket of dinosaur toys

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." -Helen Keller


During a typical preschool day, children practice interacting with one another and building positive relationships. Teamwork is one of the first skills children learn at school by developing their ability to work together towards a common goal. Any time a child works within a team, they have the opportunity to build a positive, supportive relationship.

Teamwork requires: Children to cooperate with each other, problem solving skills, communication skills, listening skills, creativity, and self-esteem. Teamwork is supported through play. Play gives children the opportunity to practice their teamwork skills. When engaged in play, children learn to focus and build stamina to work on tasks for longer periods of time. They learn to share materials, and collaborate with others towards a common goal. They learn to have conversations, listening and responding to comments and questions. They learn that their ideas are important and develop curiosity and wonder of the world around them. They build relationships with others and begin to develop an understanding of differences among peers and others. All these skills provide a sound foundation for future learning and success.

Interested in learning more about the RPS 205 Early Childhood opportunities for families with children Birth-age 5? Visit https://rockfordpsil.sites.thrillshare.com/page/early-childhood or call the Early Childhood Screening and Placement Office at 815-229-2103.

Hillary Harris

Hillary Cook-Harris is the Director of Early Childhood Curriculum and Assessment. Hillary joined RPS 205 in November 2019. She has been an Early Childhood educator and director for more than 30 years.