Today starts the kick-off to another Week of the Young Child! While I, and I know others at Teachstone, feel strongly that young children, their educators, and their families deserve to be celebrated every day, we’re excited to have an opportunity to intentionally highlight the impact you have on young children, celebrate the rapidly developing brains of young children, and recognize that each day, even beyond this week, offers ample opportunities for meaningful interactions.
As a former early childhood educator, and now a mom to a rambunctious 2.5 year old, I find myself pausing and finding even more to celebrate this week. Through the eyes of my daughter, I get to experience the world again as an innocent, joyful, and curious young child.
And, if it’s been awhile since you’ve paused to smell the flowers, to laugh at a silly sound your shoe made, or had an epiphany that your outfit matches someone else's, I hope this week affords you the opportunity to experience that joy, that wonder, and that excitement.
Week of the Young Child offers a time we all can be intentional in setting up a fun and playful activity to engage with the children in our care. And, we know that play = learning! Continue on reading below for some ideas to help you celebrate each day, and for even more activity ideas, visit NAEYC’s Week of the Young Child webpage.
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Exploring music offers a magnitude of learning opportunities. From language development, to critical thinking skills, to fine motor skills, the potential for fun, and for learning, is endless. |
For infants and toddlers, consider planning for or trying the following.
For preschool and older children, consider planning for or trying the following.
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From language modeling and development, to math, to literacy, and even science, being intentional around the questions asked and the structure of meals can extend a favorite time of day, to a learning time of day! |
For infants and toddlers, consider planning for or trying the following.
For preschool and older children, consider planning for or trying the following.
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Intentional activities in which children can think critically, collaborate, and work together can drive their social and emotional learning and development. |
For infants and toddlers, consider planning for or trying the following.
For preschool and older children, consider planning for or trying the following.
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Inside each individual is a creative spark waiting to be lit. Celebrate and promote creativity, which also offers a plethora of learning opportunities, by expanding beyond your standard or go-to art activities. |
For infants and toddlers, consider planning for or trying the following.
For preschool and older children, consider planning for or trying the following.
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Families are children’s first teachers. And, they play an important role in the child’s development and learning. Today is a day to celebrate them, recognize their impact, and continue to support them in the important work they do. |
For your families, consider planning for or trying the following:
Again, this week gives us an opportunity to not only have fun but to pause and say thank you. Thank you for the dedication you have to supporting young children.
Thank you for the impact you make on the future generations. And thank you, for seeing us as your partner in this important work.
We hope this week brings you joy, laughter, and lots of warm interactions. We cannot wait to see how you’re celebrating. Share your fun, your activities, your reflections and your ideas with us in this community post, or tweet us @teachstone.
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