A week of programming for families to enjoy from the comfort of their own home!

Join us for a fun-filled week celebrating early learning, young children, their teachers, families and communities! An annual celebration by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) to help spread the word about the importance of high-quality early learning and the critical role early childhood educators play in a child’s development and learning. #woyc20 

Purpose Behind the Play: Music literacy, mathematical concepts, social development, motor development 

FROM HOME: Music Monday: Through music, children develop math, language, and literacy skills – All while having fun and being active! Make up and record your own unique version of a song or write your own, and share it on NAEYC’s Facebook page or post to Instagram using the hashtag  #woyc18 and #PretendCityAtHome. Be sure to tag us! @pretendcity 

FROM HOME: 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 by creating your own healthy snacks and then sharing the recipes and photos of your creations  on NAEYC’s Facebook page or post to Instagram using the hashtag  #woyc18 and #PretendCityAtHome. Be sure to tag us! @pretendcity 

FROM HOME: Work Together Wednesday: When Children build together they explore math, science and engineering 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 NAEYC’s Facebook page or post to Instagram using the hashtag #woyc18 and #PretendCityAtHome. Be sure to tag us! @pretendcity  

FROM HOME: 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 a photos of your children’s creations on NAEYC’s Facebook page or post to Instagram using the hashtag #woyc18 and #PretendCityAtHome. Be sure to tag us! @pretendcity 

FROM HOME: Family Friday: Engaging and supporting families is what we are all about here at Pretend City! Share pictures and stories about your family on NAEYC’s Facebook page or post to Instagram using the hashtag #woyc18 and #PretendCityAtHome  as we celebrate the unique role families play in their children’s learning and development. Be sure to tag us! @pretendcity  

Grown-up Tip:  This week make it a point to plan special activities with your child! From reading a book, to coloring on paper – your child will enjoy what you have planned for them.  You can also use the Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) located on our website to find activities that are age appropriate and will challenge your child’s learning.