On Tuesday, Apr. 9, Gov. Tim Walz helped Anoka-Hennepin Schools Early Learning programs celebrate the Week of the Young Child (Apr. 8-12) with a Governor's Proclamation about the importance of the early childhood years.
Sen. John Hoffman was instrumental in obtaining this proclamation stating, "This week, teachers are preparing specialized activities that will spotlight our early learners, young children, families and communities. I am proud of the outstanding teachers and the thoughtful detail they bring to intentional learning in the classroom!"
Anoka-Hennepin Schools Preschool instructors and Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) parent educators compiled educational themes and activities for families to incorporate or try at home this week - or any time of year:
- Music Monday: Sing, dance and play with your little ones! Like reading, singing is an activity that requires listening. It's another opportunity for your baby to begin to understand language and feelings expressed through language and sing play.
- 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.
- Work Together Wednesday: Play with your child today and every day. In the early years, parents can help children develop the skills to be better students by playing with them. Set aside a little bit of together time each day.
- Artsy Thursday: Color, draw, paint or sculpt with play dough today - embrace the power of creative play! We're even sharing our most requested recipe for play dough.
- Family Friday: Let's face it-life is busy! Between work and life responsibilities, the days pass us by in the blink of an eye. Enjoy some time together - maybe start with reading a bedtime story tonight!
Week of the Young Child was established in 1971 by the Nation Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). This was a week to recognize and celebrate the early years of a child's life, which we know is the foundation that future success in school and life is built on.
