Week of the Young Child
This year The Week of the Young Child (WOYC) is April 5th-11th, it is an annual celebration hosted by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). We use this week to recognize the importance of early childhood education and the critical role families and educators play in fostering young children's growth. Each day of the week highlights a unique theme, providing opportunities for families and educators to collaborate in playful and enriching activities.
By celebrating the Week of the Young Child with intentional family engagement activities, we strengthen the bridge between home and school, reinforcing the importance of play, learning, and togetherness in early childhood development.
Music Monday
Activity for Families: Family Music Jam Session
Host a family dance party, where children and families can sing, dance, and explore homemade instruments (consider pots and pans, wooden spoons for tapping, spice bottles as shakers, etc.) Educator Idea: Create a classroom playlist of children’s favorite songs to play while children eat lunch or play outside. (This takes a little pre-planning)
Why It Matters: Music fosters language development, coordination, and social-emotional growth.
Tasty Tuesday
Activity for Families: Family Cooking Together
Families can cook a meal together, allowing children to measure, pour, stir and taste. This is a great opportunity to work in math concepts and introduce traditional cultural dishes, build connection and explore new flavors.
Educator Idea: Invite families to share their favorite family recipes. Discuss how some cultures use different foods and identify foods that help our bodies grow and stay healthy.
Why It Matters: Cooking promotes early math and science skills while strengthening family connections.
Wednesday: Work Together Wednesday
Activity for Families: Family Building Challenge
Families can engage in building with materials such as recycled cardboard, blocks, or LEGO® bricks. Co-construct a structure together and share their creation with friends through pictures.
Educator Idea: Facilitate a group engineering project where children work together to build a bridge or tower using a variety of materials. Discuss teamwork, problem-solving, and design concepts.
Why It Matters: Collaboration and problem-solving are key components of STEM learning and critical thinking.
Artsy Thursday (A personal favorite!)
Activity for Families: Family Art Exhibition
Encourages families to create art together. We recommend using open-ended materials like paint, clay, or nature items. Display the artwork in a common space where children can admire their hard work.
Educator Idea: Offer a mixed-media art experience in the classroom or consider introducing process art. Allowing children to explore different artistic tools like sponges, rollers, and natural elements broadens their experiences and encourages storytelling through art.
Why It Matters: Art nurtures creativity, fine motor skills, and emotional expression.
Family Friday
Activity for Families: Storytelling and Memory Sharing
Families can connect through sharing a favorite childhood story, song, or tradition. Talk about what makes it special and see why children think their favorite stories or songs are special.
Educator Idea: Create a class or community storybook with children’s illustrations. Or set up a storytelling corner where children can act out familiar tales with props or puppets. Encourage them to create their own stories and share them with peers.
Why It Matters: Storytelling strengthens connections between generations and builds language and literacy skills.