The Week of the Young Child is a national celebration led by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) that highlights how young children learn best through play, connection, music, and everyday experiences. These Week of the Young Child activities can easily be brought into your home, where simple moments like conversation, movement, and exploration support early childhood development in meaningful ways.
Each spring, families and preschool programs across the country take part in this week to recognize the importance of the early years. It is a time to slow down, notice growth, and create small moments that help children feel confident, curious, and connected.
At home, this does not need to be complicated. In fact, the most meaningful experiences are often the simplest ones. A few small moments can go a long way.
“This is a chance to celebrate how children learn, through play, through connection, and through the little moments that make up their day,” says Chaya Swenson, Director of Academics and Learning. “Those everyday experiences are what help build confidence, curiosity, and a true love of learning.”
Celebrate Each Day of the Week in Simple Ways
You do not have to plan a full schedule to take part. You can simply follow along with each day’s theme in a way that fits naturally into your routine while supporting your child’s early childhood development at home.
Music Monday: Add Music to Your Everyday Moments
Music is a powerful part of early childhood development, helping young children build language, rhythm, and confidence, while encouraging movement.
At home, this can be simple:
- Play music while getting ready in the morning
- Let your child choose a “song of the day”
- Add clapping, dancing, or marching together
You might even notice your child repeating lyrics later in the day. That repetition supports early literacy skills, which are an important part of preschool learning.
Tasty Tuesday: Cook and Explore Together
Cooking is one of the easiest ways to turn everyday routines into preschool learning activities at home. Cooking with young children connects many parts of early childhood development, including math, language, and independence, while also encouraging healthy habits.
You could try:
- Letting your child help measure or pour ingredients
- Naming colors, textures, and smells as you cook
- Talking through simple steps like “first,” “next,” and “last”
Even small moments, like stirring or choosing a fruit, help children feel involved, capable, and connected to their learning.
Work Together Wednesday: Build Something Side by Side
When children build together, they are developing problem-solving skills, early math concepts, and social skills, all key parts of early childhood development.
You can keep it easy:
- Build a tower with blocks or small boxes
- Make a fort with pillows and blankets
- Work together to clean up toys or organize a space
These simple preschool-style activities at home help children learn how to cooperate, communicate, and feel part of something.
Artsy Thursday: Let Creativity Lead
Art supports creativity, fine motor development, and self-expression, all essential parts of early childhood development.
At home, try:
- Offering simple materials like paper, crayons, or recycled items
- Letting your child decide what to make
- Talking about their process instead of the final product
Instead of asking “What is it?” try “Tell me about what you made.” This encourages creativity and helps children feel proud of their ideas while building confidence.
Family Friday: Make Space for Connection
At the heart of early childhood development and quality childcare is family. Children learn best when they feel connected, supported, and known.
This can be as simple as:
- Sharing a meal without distractions
- Reading a favorite book together
- Talking about your day during a quiet moment
These everyday routines help children build trust, strengthen language skills, and develop a strong sense of belonging.
Notice Effort and Growth Throughout the Week
The Week of the Young Child is about celebrating how children grow, not just what they achieve. At home, this can look like:
- Acknowledging when your child keeps trying
- Noticing moments of kindness or cooperation
- Talking about something new that they attempted
Use simple language like: “You worked really hard on that,” or “I noticed you kept going.” Over time, these small moments help children see themselves as capable, confident, and ready to keep trying.
Why These Small Moments Matter
Research from organizations like NAEYC continues to show that children learn best through relationships, play, and consistent, supportive experiences. That means the everyday moments, conversations at dinner, a walk outside, a shared laugh, are doing more than filling time. They are building the foundation for communication, confidence, and lifelong learning.
At The Gardner School, we see this every day in our preschool classrooms. Children grow through connection, exploration, and feeling known and supported. The Week of the Young Child is simply a reminder of what matters most. Creating meaningful moments that support early childhood development and help children become who they are meant to be. If you would like to learn more about how our programs support early childhood development and partner with families, we invite you to explore our website or schedule a tour.
