April 10-16th, 2016 is Week of the Young Child! Celebrating young students, their parents, and caregivers, Week of the Young Child is the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) annual week-long focus on the joys of early learning. To help child care centers and providers, as well as the families of young learners focus on the fun and importance of early childhood experiences, NAEYC has recommended the five themes below.
NAEYC’s Week of the Young Child 2016
Monday, April 11th, 2016: Music Monday
Music and movement play a huge part in a child’s development. Today, celebrate the role music plays by singing songs, dancing in the classroom, or creating an outdoor band. NAEYC has designated Aaron Nigel Smith’s song “One Love” sung by the One World Chorus as the song of the week. Sing and dance to the song while recording your own version!
You might also like these resources:
- Create an Outdoor Music Station for Preschoolers
- How to Create a Music Center in the Preschool Classroom
- Using Music to Build Mathematical Skills in Young Learners
Tuesday, April 12th, 2016: Taco Tuesday
Healthy habits last a lifetime and starting them young is important for lifelong habits. In addition to eating healthy, today’s focus is on building connections through cooking together in the kitchen. Make tacos in the classroom for lunch or make a healthy snack together at home. Cooking encourages children to apply skills learned across the curriculum while helping families and classmates bond over meal preparation.
Don’t forget to add a bakery dramatic play area in the classroom to encourage “cooking” all year long!
Wednesday, April 13th, 2016: Work Together Wednesday
Work together to build forts, block towns, garden areas, and more. Working together builds critical sharing and social skills in young learners. Today, encourage your students to work as a team to complete fun and exciting tasks.
You might also like these resources:
Thursday, April 14th, 2016: Artsy Thursday
Arts and crafts in the classroom give students a chance to explore, imagine, create, and problem solve. During Artsy Thursday, break out the tub of craft supplies and see what your students can create. Don’t forget to take pictures to add to a digital art collage!
You might also like these resources:
- Spring Crafts for Toddlers
- How to Organize Craft Supplies in the Classroom
- 5 Egg Carton Crafts for Kids
- Handprint Crafts for Kids
Friday, April 15th, 2016: Family Friday
The most important teachers in a child’s life outside of school are family members. This is especially true for little learners who are just beginning to explore the world around them. Celebrate families as the Week of the Young Child wraps up and encourage them to share traditions and stories with the class. You might even want to have a family breakfast or lunch to recognize the special people in your students’ lives.
You might also like these resources:
- Celebrating Family Traditions in the Classroom
- Bullying Prevention Through Family Ties
What will you be doing to celebrate the Week of the Young Child? We’d love to hear your ideas!