Every April, thread joins the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) to celebrate young children, their families, and their early educators. 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.
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 first established the Week of the Young Child® in 1971, recognizing that the early childhood years (birth through age 8) lay the foundation for children’s success in school and later life.
Today we know more than ever before about the importance of children’s earliest years in shaping their learning and development. Yet, never before have the needs of young children and their families been more pressing. Join thread to lift up young children and celebrate the Week of the Young Child, April 6-11, 2024. Each day has a fun-filled theme, highlighting different areas of learning.
April 6: Kick-Off Saturday
The Week of the Young Child kicks off today! Make your plans, gather your supplies, and get ready to have some fun celebrating the young children in your life. Check out the Official Week of the Young Child Proclamation from Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy.
April 8: Music Monday
This year we want all of our state and local elected officials to be singing from the same songbook, and joining the chorus to support and invest in early childhood education! Take action today and help us get everyone singing.
April 9: Tasty Tuesday
Cooking develops many skills, including math and science, while encouraging healthy nutrition and fitness habits at home and in the classroom. Try Baking Math for Families and Young Children or connect with families by engaging them in the history and tradition of meals from their countries of origin.
April 10: Work Together Wednesday
When children build together, they explore new concepts and develop their social and early literacy skills. Here are some articles for inspiration:
How to Support Children’s Approaches to Learning? Play With Them!
Breaking Down STEAM for Young Children
Choosing the Best STEAM Activities for Your Child
Rocking and Rolling: Nurturing Early Math Play and Discovery
Message in a Backpack: Harnessing the Joy of Open-Ended Materials with Your Child
April 11: Artsy Thursday
Children develop creativity, social, and fine motor skills with open-ended art projects that allow them to make choices and use their imaginations. Check out last year’s Artsy Thursday recap for ideas.
April 12: Family Friday
Engaging and celebrating families is at the heart of supporting our youngest learners. thread recognizes that family members are a young child’s first and most important teachers. Watch thread’s series Parent TALK for FREE on YouTube.
We wish you a fun-filled week celebrating early learning and the young children in your lives. Be sure to share your ideas on social media by using #WOYC24.