Week of the Young Child was first established in 1971 by NAEYC to highlight the importance of early education and take policy initiatives to advance childcare and early childhood education.
The history of early childhood education (ECE) itself goes back to the 1700s. ECE emerged as a field of study during the Enlightenment era when the literacy rate in certain European countries started increasing. The foundation of ECE was laid down by Enlightenment philosophers John Amos Comenius, John Locke, and Jean Jacques Rousseau. John Locke came up with the concept of the ‘blank slate,’ which stated that this is how children start out and then the environment fills their metaphorical slate.
Friedrich Froebel developed the kindergarten program in 1837, which was the first early childhood program to be widely adopted in both Europe and abroad. Maria Montessori, further building on the concept, stipulated that children’s senses should be educated first and then their intellect. But it was not until after World War II that early childhood education began to be seen as an important first step on the ladder of education.
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. With the rise in childhood obesity, you can encourage healthy nutrition and fitness habits at home and in the classroom. Create your own healthy snacks and share the recipes and photos of your creations on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the #WOYC23 hashtag.
Work Together Wednesday
When children build together they explore math and science concepts and develop their social and early literacy skills. Children can use any building material—from a fort of branches on the playground to a block city in the classroom, or a hideaway made from couch pillows at home. Build and share pictures of children’s creations on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the #WOYC23 hashtag
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. On Artsy Thursday celebrate the joy and learning children experience when engaged in creative art making. Use any materials—from crayons to paint, clay to crafts! Create and share photos of your children’s creations on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the #WOYC23 hashtag.
Family Friday
Engaging and celebrating families is at the heart of supporting our youngest learners. NAEYC applauds family members’ role as young children’s first and most important teachers. Share pictures and stories about your family on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the #WOYC23 hashtag.
