Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Chapter 1 The Teaching Profession 11 stronger educational focus than in the past. Preschool programs are gener- ally for children who are ages two to four. Prekindergarten programs, where available, are for children—usually four-year-olds—who will be in kinder- garten the following year. (Prekindergarten programs are often referred to as pre-K.) Play is the main occupation of young children, and it is also how they learn. Children learn language skills as they listen to and tell stories. Imag- ination and creativity develop as they pretend to be shoppers, pilots, and dogs. They build sandcastles and block towers (Figure 1.4). Children express themselves in paintings and songs. Preschool and pre-K teachers plan activities that build on children’s curiosity and interest in play. Such activities require a thorough under- standing of child development and experience with children. The activi- ties help children develop the many skills they need for kindergarten and beyond. Children in preschool and pre-K programs also spend time in unstructured play, choosing their own play activities. bowdenimages/iStock/Thinkstock Figure 1.4 If you enjoy working with young children, you might want to consider teaching in a preschool or prekindergarten program. Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock.com Monkeybusinessimages/iStock/Getty Images