This week, we celebrate the Week of the Young Child—a nationally recognized week-long celebration! Throughout the week, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) provides opportunities for you to spend a little extra time exploring the effects of early learning and recognizing the impactful work of teachers, church leaders, and families in raising young children.
As the sponsor of the Week of the Young Child, NAEYC provides daily themes and activity ideas on their website. Below, check out our tips to help you celebrate.
Monday, April 16 is Music Monday. Preschoolers and their caretakers throughout the nation will recognize the importance of music in helping young children develop. Likewise, you can spend some extra time on Sunday focusing on music for faith formation. Not musically inclined? We have some tips to help you lead your group through worship.
Tuesday, April 17 is Tasty Tuesday. Leverage important math, literacy, and science lessons by helping your students create a healthy snack for themselves. Set up stations. Encourage the use of measuring cups. Teach kids to follow a recipe!
Celebrate two Week of the Young Child days—Work Together Wednesday and Artsy Thursday—and Earth Day all in one activity! Encourage your students to work together to create art outside. Maybe they make a snowman (which, if you live here in Minnesota, is a very real possibility). Or perhaps they collect fallen twigs, leaves, or petals to create a grass mural. Interested in more ideas? Check out our blog post about how you can take Earth day inspiration from the Bible.
Family members are essential in forming and teaching young children, especially in building their faith! Head over to our Facebook page on Friday for some special content around Family Friday.
Finally, take time to reflect on and celebrate the important work you do! Recognizing the importance of early learning highlights the specific ways you are making a difference.