It’s that time of the year when the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) celebrates the earliest learners and those who teach them. This year’s virtual Week of the Young Child (WOYC) is especially exciting since it’s the 50th anniversary!
If you’re looking for ways to get involved in this important celebration, here are some ideas in line with NAEYC’s daily themes.
April 10 – Kick-Off Saturday
- To kick off the week-long festivities, NAEYC invites you to post an online video or host a virtual event.
- Spread the message and let others in on the celebration by sharing photos and inspiring messages on social media channels like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter all week long with the hashtag #woyc21.
April 12 – Music Monday
- Spark some creativity by encouraging your class to learn a song or ask someone on staff to demonstrate their favorite instrument.
- Invite a musician to lead your class in a sing-a-long.
- Let the children dance to their favorite song while twirling with each other or by including fun additions like scarves or instruments.
April 13 – Tasty Tuesday
- Teach your class how to follow an easy recipe to create a healthy snack.
- Plant carrot, bean, tomato or strawberry seeds in cups and track their growth cycle with the children.
- Encourage families and caregivers to let their child help set the dinner table.
April 14 – Work Together Wednesday
- Work with your class to build a fort with a giant cardboard box, pillows and blankets, or outside with branches and other natural objects.
- Demonstrate how to use simple tools like a screwdriver, mixer or whatever is appropriate for your class.
- Invite families to work with their children to build something – anything from a block tower to a decorated cake – they can share with the class via photos or video.
April 15 – Artsy Thursday
- Cultivate creativity and help develop fine motor skills by asking children to create shapes — in class or at home — using playdough.
- Encourage children to draw a self-portrait outside using chalk.
- Show children how to create a mural using construction paper, butcher paper, paints, markers or any materials you have available.
April 16 – Family Friday
- Invite children to share pictures of them playing and learning with their families.
- Encourage parents and caregivers to go on a picnic with their child.
- Host a show and tell, giving each child the opportunity to share something special from their family life.
You can find more fun, inspiring ideas on NAEYC’s site. Happy celebrating!
