@CTAEYC
What is the Week of the Young Child?
"The Week of the Young Child™ is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the world's largest early childhood education association, with nearly 60,000 members and a network of 51 Affiliates.
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The purpose of the Week of the Young Child™ is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs." - NAEYC
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Now, more than ever, our youngest learners need our support as we navigate our new reality. Join us as we celebrate and support young children and the adults who love, care for, and educate them! Each day there is a new theme and suggestions to help get you started. We can't wait to see how you celebrate!
Happy Week of the Young Child!
Thank you to all of the educators who sent in nominations for an amazing Teacher or Administrator! Please scroll through to see all of the
Spotlight Nominations.
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The Spotlight Drawing will be held on Friday, April 16. Stay tuned!
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Welcome to “Week of the Young Child”! As we kick off the week celebrating children and families, CTAEYC wanted to start by thanking all of you - the early childhood community. Teachers, assistants, directors, family child care providers, home visitors, advocates - all of you who work tirelessly every day to make a difference in the lives of children and families. Children and families in Connecticut are better off thanks to the work you do every day!
On behalf of the CTAEYC board, staff and myself, THANK YOU! This is for all of you: https://youtu.be/F6gcIc3hRt0
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-Karen Rainville
Executive Director, CTAEYC
Spotlights
Daily Themes & Ideas
Music Monday
"When children sing, dance, and listen to music, they develop their language and early literacy skills while being active and encouraging movement" - NAEYC
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Put on a playlist of music you and your child love and have a dance party!
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Create instruments from household items and make your own music! Bang on pots with different sized cooking utensils. Do they sound the same or different?
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Make your own music video and post it to social media using the hashtag #woyc21
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Watch this video with your friends: https://youtu.be/EngWCWd3rS4
Tasty Tuesday
"This fun, food-themed day is about more than just cheese and crackers. Cooking together connects math with literacy skills, science, and more." - NAEYC
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Bake up muffins and let your little one measure and pour ingredients.
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Taste Test! Watch this video of Fiona, a baby hippo at the Cincinnati Zoo, taste different foods. Which one is her favorite? Set up a taste test of your own, with different fruits and veggies.
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Create a well-balanced meal full of color. How many colors can you fit on your plate?
Work Together Wednesday
"When children build together, they explore math and science concepts and develop their social and early literacy skills." - NAEYC
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Build a fort together using blankets and pillows. What a great place for an afternoon story!
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Create a family art mural, with each person adding their own special touch.
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Build a giant city with blocks or LEGOS. Be sure to build all of your favorite places and talk about where you excited to go once you are able.
Artsy Thursday
"Think, problem solve, create!Children develop creativity, social skills, and fine motor skills with open-ended art projects where they can make choices, use their imaginations, and create with their hands." - NAEYC
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Make your own play dough using this simple recipe.
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Pull out all those art supplies & create a masterpiece to hang in your window for passersby to see.
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Edible finger paint? YUM! Use vanilla pudding with a bit of food coloring mixed in to create an edible art experience.
Family Fitness Friday
Today is the day to get moving together! Children develop gross motor skills, learn spatial awareness, and exercise their brains through movement, and look to their caregivers for ways to stay healthy together. "NAEYC applauds family members' role as young children's first and most important teachers." - NAEYC
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Create an obstacle course! Jump, bear crawl, and climb your way to the finish line. How long did it take? Can you beat your last time?
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Yoga is a wonderful way to practice mindfulness and body control. Cosmic Kids is a great resource and has many different yoga videos here.
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Play “Simon Says” and use your listening ears to follow the directions - stand on one leg, hop like a bunny, reach for the sky!