This week, April 2-8, 2022 is Week of the Young Child, a time when we celebrate the importance of early childhood and the families, educators, and advocates who support these important years in a child’s life. Each day of the week highlights a different way to play. Children learn so much as they sing, cook together, build together, create art, and celebrate with their families. Make time for play this week and every week!
Check out the daily themes:
- Music Monday: Kitchens are full of musical, rhythmical sounds! How many different sounds can you find, or create, in your kitchen?
- Tasty Tuesday: Have your child help meal prep! Let them wash vegetables, tear lettuce or make an easy recipe with you.
- Work Together Wednesday: Model cooperative play with your child. Practice taking turns or working together to build something.
- Arty Thursday: Open-ended art projects help develop fine motor skills. Let your child make choices and use their imaginations.
- Family Friday: Play together! Noncompetitive games create a sense of unity, cooperation, and support.
Each of these themes can be interpreted in whatever way is best for you and the children in your care. You can find a million wonderful resources on the NAEYC resource page. You can also explore local family-friendly places by themes like “Dance and Gymnastics,” “Music,” and “Art Therapy and Classes” on our Parent Resources page.
In addition to the themes above, our Parenting Resource Program video library supports play and family time:
- Family Yoga from Buddha Belly Kids Yoga: 15-minute Yoga & Storybook Yoga
- Ideas for Gross Motor Games and Activities for Indoor Play from Meg Bracco Liebreich
- Dance class with TranscenDance studios
Parent workshops in April:
We also offer parent workshops that explore all aspects of caring for young children and supporting their healthy development.
- Sunday, April 10, 1:00 PM: Dental Health Tips for Our Little Ones
- Monday, April 11, 7:00 PM: Choosing Child Care
- Tuesday, April 12, 7:30: How to Support Your Child’s Development
- Tuesday, April 26, 7:30: Kindergarten Readiness
- Tuesday, April 26, 7:30: Power of Positivism
Make time for play every day. Find more ideas on how to support your child through play on our Pinterest page. www.pinterest.com/collab4kids
And here’s some tips for Active Play, Every Day, at Home from Headstart Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center.