Fun + Easy Ways to Celebrate Week of the Young Child

Music Monday

These activities are not only fun but also help to promote children's cognitive, social, and emotional development through music and movement.

1. Sing-along Time: Get together and sing simple songs such as "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" or "The Wheels on the Bus." Encourage them to clap or move along with the music.
2. Dance Party: Put on some music and have a dance party together!

Tasty Tuesday

These activities not only promote healthy eating habits but also provide opportunities for children to explore new foods, develop fine motor skills, and learn about where their food comes from. Plus, they're sure to have a tasty time!

1. Snack Station: Set up a simple snack-making station with a variety of options such as fruits, vegetables, cheese, and crackers. 

2. Food Tasting Adventure: Let your child take control at the grocery store by letting them choose a new food to try. Use this activity as a chance to talk about the colors, textures, and flavors of the foods.

3. Kids in the Kitchen: Let your little one help make dinner by letting them stir, count when you measure, and help set the table. Even if it’s just helping make sandwiches, they will love being a helper!

Work Together Wednesday

These activities provide valuable opportunities for children to learn important social and emotional skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

1. Family Art Project: Set up a big piece of paper and grab your favorite art supplies such as markers, crayons, and stickers. Work together to create a collaborative masterpiece!

2. Building with Blocks: Grab your favorite building blocks or other construction toys and work together to build structures such as towers, bridges, or cities.

3. Group Storytelling: Sit together and take turns adding a sentence or two to the story, building on what the previous person said. Don’t worry if the story makes no sense, it’s about the bonding and communication you’re sharing!

Artsy Thursday

These artsy activities provide children with opportunities to express themselves creatively, explore different materials and techniques, and develop fine motor skills while having fun and engaging in imaginative play.

1. Nature Hunt: Take a walk with your child to collect leaves, flowers, sticks, and other natural materials. Count how many different colors you collect.

2. Sidewalk Chalk: Get outside and enjoy this amazing Spring weather. Sidewalk chalk is the perfect cheap and fun way to entertain kids!

3. Shadow Drawing: Take the children outside and show them how to trace shadows onto paper using sidewalk chalk or markers. You can trace the shadows of leaves and things in nature, or bring toys outside and trace their shadows

Family Friday

These activities are designed to promote family bonding, create lasting memories, and celebrate the importance of family relationships during the Week of the Young Child.

1. Family Picnic: Take a simple picnic to a local park (Spartanburg has over 120 parks!) or just in your backyard.

2. Family Fitness: Visit the Rail Trail (and the Play 360 Park), or do some family friendly exercises together. Your kids will love to get moving with you!

3. Family Movie Night: Plan a family movie night to snuggle up and watch a movie together. Get comfortable and get some special snacks for everyone to enjoy while watching the movie!