A tasty way to teach little ones how to wait

Making pizza gives preschoolers a chance to practice waiting — and maybe even learn a little patience!
YouTube video

Waiting is a key skill in school — and it’s especially tough for preschoolers and kindergartners. Like any skill, it’s one kids need to practice to learn. Do you know what else is expected of your child in kindergarten? Below, check out more articles about social-emotional skills, like empathy, listening, and self-regulation, that help kids thrive in school.

Video transcript

[MUSIC]

Teacher: “I know that the English muffin’s yummy, but I would like us to wait before we eat. Because what happens if you wait and cook it first, and the cheese melts. Does that make it yummier?”
Child 1: Yeah.
Teacher: “And — ”
Child 2: “I can wait that —”
Teacher: “To wait — and have —yes, you can.”

[MUSIC]

Teacher: “How long do you think we waited for this pizza to cook? Do you think it was five minutes? Or was it an hour?”
Child 3: “An hour.”
Teacher: “You thought it was an hour?”
Child 4: “Yes.”
Child 5: “I think it was delicious.”
Child 4: “Yeah. Yummy.”
Child 5: “Yummy.”

Learn more:

Kindergarten: ready or not?
Check out our tips to help you decide whether your child will be socially, academically and physically prepared for “big kid” school.

A crafty way to teach little ones empathy
Making friendship treasure boxes is a fun (and easy) way for the preschool set to practice listening and learn empathy — two skills they’ll need in kindergarten.

7 do’s and don’ts to help your family build empathy skills
Help your child develop empathy by fostering an emotionally intelligent environment for your whole family at home.

Is your preschooler good at school … but not at home?
Your preschooler’s behavior changes in different situations. For example, he behaves well all day at school, then turns on the bad behavior at home. Is this normal?

How to stop a tantrum
Learn the best ways to diffuse your child’s tantrums (even when your child is wailing, face-down, on the floor).

Best ways to stop a tantrum before it starts
Learn what triggers your child’s tantrums — and how to avoid them altogether. Yes, really.


About the author

ӣƵ.org is a national nonprofit with a mission to help every child obtain a high-quality education that values their unique abilities, identities, and aspirations. We believe in the power of research-backed, actionable information to empower parents, family members, and educators to help make this happen. For 25 years, the ӣƵ Editorial Team has been working to make the latest, most important, and most actionable research in education, learning, and child development accessible and actionable for parents through articles, videos, podcasts, hands-on learning resources, email and text messaging programs, and more. Our team consists of journalists, researchers, academics, former teachers and education leaders — most of whom are also dedicated parents and family members — who not only research, fact check, and write or produce this information, but who use it in our daily lives as well. We welcome your feedback at editorial@greatschools.org.