Each year, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) celebrates Week of the Young Child to recognize early learning, young children, their teachers, families, and communities. Read on to explore the Week of the Young Child’s daily themes!
Music Monday
Music engages areas of the brain responsible for memory, language, and spatial reasoning.
Playing musical instruments or engaging in rhythmic activities like dancing helps develop fine and gross motor skills.
Singing and listening to songs help children develop phonological awareness, which is crucial for language development.
Group music activities promote a sense of belonging and community among children, helping them forge friendships and develop social bonds.
Tasty Tuesday
Snacktime is more than just a time for children to refuel; it also offers delicious developmental benefits:
Following snacktime routines and rules teaches children about structure and organization.
Educators and providers can incorporate language-building activities during snacktime, such as asking open-ended questions or introducing new vocabulary related to food.
Eating snacks requires various fine motor skills, such as grasping utensils, manipulating food, and coordinating hand movements. Snacktime allows children to practice and refine these skills in a natural context.
Work Together Wednesday
How do you foster collaboration and teamwork in your early care and learning environment? Whether taking turns at the sink, building blocks together or playing a group game, working together ensures everyone can win!
Artsy Thursday
Here are just a few ways art contributes to young children’s development:
Art engages the senses as children explore different textures, shapes, and colors. Sensory-rich experiences stimulate neural connections in the brain and enhance sensory processing abilities. Art promotes cognitive skills such as observation, attention to detail, and spatial awareness. Art exposes children to different cultures, traditions, and artistic styles from around the world.
Family Friday
Family stories can be a unique and creative way to celebrate everyday moments in family life.
