Week of the Young Child(April 13th-17th)
Week of the Young Child
(April 13th-17th)
I love the idea of the Week of the Young Child. Celebrating young children, who are the most phenomenal humans, is wonderful. I remember being in the classroom, wanting to get more excited about this special week. I just felt so overwhelmed with everything going on. Somehow, we schedule so many things during the second half of the school year, especially between March and June.
It took me a few years to realize that I could stop stressing about making everything perfect and find a way to celebrate the week while keeping my sanity. I learned how to incorporate the day's fun theme into our curriculum. For me, the child is the curriculum, so I needed to find ways to use their interests to celebrate each day. It also helped to take the fun celebration outdoors. Somehow, everything feels easier in the outdoor classroom.
Below, I’ve shared some ideas for each day that don’t require you to overthink or overwork yourself:
Music Monday (April 13): Take the Musical Celebration Outdoors!
In the morning, take some time to listen to the music that nature around you makes. Are the leaves rustling, are the birds singing, or are the chipmunks making that adorable chirping noise? Encourage the children to replicate the sounds they hear in nature and then create a song that celebrates the flora and fauna.
In the afternoon, it’s time to turn up the volume and bring out our wild side. Bring out your classroom instruments and set up a stage (a blanket works perfectly), and encourage the kids to put on shows for their friends.
Tasty Tuesday (April 14): Let’s Make Snack!
Encourage each family to send in one piece of fresh fruit or a small container of fresh fruit. You will typically have a family or two that sends in more than requested, so this will help if any of the children are unable to bring in any. Grab a large mixing bowl, plastic knives, and a cutting board. During center time, set up a center where children can help make the friendship fruit salad. It is better to do this with small groups of children so you can focus on hygiene, language development, and talking about math during the experience.
Work Together Wednesday (April 15): Let’s Build Outdoors!
Grab some cardboard boxes, tape, and a blanket, and head outside. Encourage the children to work together to build anything their hearts desire.
Artsy Thursday (April 16): Outdoor Artists!
Bring a wagon into your classroom and fill it up with fun art supplies. Don’t forget to bring a shallow container filled with water for rinsing off hands and some paper towels for drying. Have the children help you set up a creative space. It’s time to become outdoor artists!
Family Friday (April 17): Let’s Read Outdoors!
Set up a blanket and pillows to create a cozy space on your playground. Gather some of the children’s favorite books in a basket and place them in the cozy spot. Invite the families to stay a little longer in the morning or come a little earlier in the afternoon so they can read stories outdoors. It’s easier for parents/guardians to read to smaller groups of children outdoors than to the entire group indoors. This also gives the children a choice: to participate or continue playing.
