Are you ready to celebrate the Week of the Young Child (WOYC)? This year, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) celebrates WOYC from April 1-7. As an early learning provider, you play an important role in supporting families and shaping the lives of young children! We’re sharing activities for each themed day to help you commemorate the exciting week with the children and families you serve. Check out NAEYC’s WOYC Overview to learn more about the event and how you can advocate for early learning in your area.
Music Monday is an opportunity to learn new ways to explore music and use it in a meaningful way when working with young children. Music is known as a tool capable of impacting our minds and our bodies. Through music, we explore different emotions that are shown in our state of mind and behavior.
For this occasion, we will be talking about how to use music to relax, calm, and create an environment that promotes good rest. Calming and relaxing music usually has the sound of soft musical instruments, birds or running water, and other calming sounds in the background. With this in mind, we created a playlist you can listen to with the children in your care. The Spotify – Music Monday WOYC playlist can help children regulate strong emotions, reduce anxiety, calm their minds, improve their memory and concentration, focus on themselves, and engage with nature through nature’s sounds.
Improve your resting and napping routine by adding simple stretching exercises, such as reaching your hands up high, touching your toes, bending to the sides, and moving your neck around. Add children’s favorite soothing toys or blankets for a complete and successful relaxing experience. Well-rested children will be able to engage in much more positive ways, be alert, and be receptive to future learning interactions!
Make sure to share your celebrations on social media using the hashtag #WOYC23.
Click to find activities for each day:
Tasty Tuesday
Work Together Wednesday
Artsy Thursday
Family Friday
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