Diana Townsend-Butterworth

Diana Townsend-Butterworth is a former teacher and head of the junior school at St. Bernard's School in New York City. She is the author of Your Child's First School and Preschool and Your Child.

What to expect in preschool: literacy

Through pictures, play, and the printed word, preschoolers begin the reading and writing process.

What to expect in preschool: social studies

All about community: kids learn social studies concepts by observing what's around them.

What to expect in preschool: art

Hands-on craft projects in preschool build a surprising set of skills.

What to expect in preschool: the classroom

Find out what you may see in a preschool classroom, from a dramatic-play area to a water table.

What to expect in preschool: math

Sharing pretzels and building block towers: preschool math means recognizing that numbers and patterns are part of everyday life.

What to expect in preschool: science

Preschool teachers introduce scientific concepts by capitalizing on children's innate curiosity about the world.