The National Association for the Education of Young Children has declared April 8-12 the Week of the Young Child. The Week of the Young Child is meant to put a spotlight on the importance of early learning, young children, their teachers, families, and the communities that support them. There are five daily themes families can follow any week that is convenient. Extension Educator Tasha Wulf reports this year’s themes are Music Monday, Tasty Tuesday, Work Together Wednesday, Artsy Thursday, and Family Friday. Here are a few ideas for each day….
    •Music Monday–find or make musical instruments around the house. For example: pots, pans, and spoons can be turned into a drum set. Make patterns as you drum along with your child and see if they are able to recognize and repeat them. This is a great math skill!
    •Tasty Tuesday–Children love to help prepare the food they are about to eat and will offend try new foods if they were involved in preparing them. This is also a natural time to talk to children about health, nutrition, and food safety. Using recipes is a great literacy skills, and measuring is a great math skill.
    •Working Together Wednesday–This can anything from coloring together, building with blocks together, or working out in the yard. The key here is that they are building social skills by working work someone else. It is also a great just to spend time together!

To read the full story, subscribe to the e-edition online or call the Breeze at 308-394-5389 to subscribe to the print edition.