Teamwork is an important skill to develop. When we work with others, we learn to problem solve, value opinions, socialize, respect, value, and trust each other. On this Work Together Wednesday try an activity that uses both fine and gross motor skills in a way that encourages group participation and ensures everyone is an equally important part of the game.
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WOYC Tasty Tuesday: Rainbow Pasta Bowls
Cooking and sharing recipes gives us the opportunity to interact with each other in a fun way while working on creating healthy eating habits. Tasty Tuesday provides the perfect space to learn recipes, discover new ingredients, and expand the list of our favorite foods!
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WOYC Music Monday: Relaxing Playlist
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.
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FunShine Tells: The Purpose Behind Creative Arts
It is well known that children are interested in colors, textures, shiny objects, etc. These materials arouse curiosity in them and a desire to explore in depth. This is why crafts and different expressions of art tend to be attractive activities for children. But what is the purpose behind art and those shiny colors? What is behind those interesting textures and materials?
Arts and crafts awaken creativity, ideas, strategies, and ways of thinking in children that help them see the ideas in their minds become a tangible reality. From the moment a child is presented with all these materials, guided by ideas and suggestions, and the moment the child holds the first material, say a crayon, a pom, or a piece of paper, their brain gets stimulated, sending and receiving multiple messages that prompt them to create.
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Summer Sensory Play
Early childhood educators know that children experience the world using their senses. Because of this, sensory play is very popular in classrooms and childcare centers. A simple Internet search for “sensory play activities” yields millions of results, many of them promising 20 or more ideas for sensory play in a single blog post or article. Summer (like any season) naturally lends itself to sensory experiences—there’s splashing water in a table or pool, hearing the tune of the ice cream truck and tasting sweet treats, smelling fresh cut grass and garden flowers, and seeing lightning bugs. Every environment has its unique scents, textures, tastes, sights, and sounds to appreciate. How can you support meaningful sensory play this summer? Read below to find out more. Continue reading
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