The “Week of the Young Child™” (#WOYC18) is a time for learning and fun as are we celebrate early learning, music, healthy eating, creativity, young children, families and teachers.
It’s a time to plan how we—as citizens of a community, of a state, and of a nation—will better meet the needs of all young children and their families.The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) first established the Week of the Young Child™ in 1971, recognizing that the early childhood years (birth through age 8) lay the foundation for children’s success in school and later life.
Our cornerstone, Community Begins Here®, and the Week of the Young Child are perfectly matched to support and nurture learning. Kiddie Academies across the nation are celebrating with our students and families, sharing activities and ideas for families to practice at home.
Here’s a look at the week ahead!
Music Monday- Get the week started off right by moving and grooving to your favorite tunes. Through music, children develop math, language, and literacy skills – all while having fun and being active! Turn up the volume to shake and sing the day away!
Taco Tuesday- Cooking together connects many skills including math, literacy and science. With the rise in childhood obesity, we encourage healthy nutrition and fitness habits in the classroom. Teaching children good eating and activity habits can encourage healthy behaviors that will last them for life.
Work Together Wednesday- When children learn to work together, they develop their social and early literacy skills. They come together to use their imaginations and give a whole new meaning to team work.
Artsy Thursday- Roll those sleeves up! On Thursday, we will celebrate the fun of getting messy as our students explore open ended creative crafts– paint, crayons, glue and more included!
Family Friday- Parents and other family members are your child’s first teachers. In addition to parents, encourage grandparents and extended family to volunteer in the classroom. Create opportunities at home to share the lessons you learned in your child’s class.
Download our FREE Week of the Young Child activity sheet!
As we prepare for the upcoming week, celebrate your time with the little ones around you. WOYC 18 is an excellent opportunity to learn more about how we can work together as educators and families to meet the needs of young children now and in the future.
Let the celebration begin!
