Students Celebrate Week of the Young Child

Last week, Martha’s Table celebrated Week of the Young Child, a week of learning, fun, and appreciation for teachers, children and families hosted by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Established in 1971, NAEYC annually coordinates Week of the Young Child to recognize the importance of the early years of a child’s life and spark a discussion about how we can better meet the needs of all young children.

Healthy Start students participated in a week’s worth of activities designed to engage children in creative expression and develop gross motor skills. Since Monday was a holiday, we kicked off the week on Tasty Tuesday, on which children sampled “Frushi” (fruit sushi), made with tortilla wraps and fresh fruit. Along with trying fun and healthy snacks, teachers led children through an obstacle course on our playground to promote fitness.

On Work Together Wednesday, children rolled up their sleeves and collaborated with each other to build structures out of loose and recycled materials. They let their creativity run wild, creating contraptions and sculptures out of masking tape, popsicle sticks, egg cartons, and more.

Thursday, or as we called it, Artsy Thursday, was a day for children to express themselves through abstract art. Older children used paint, funnels, and canvas while younger children rolled spiky balls in paint over poster board as an exercise in motor skills.

We wrapped up the week with Family Friday. Parents and caregivers joined us for a scavenger hunt and a walk in nature to view beautiful spring flowers. The day concluded with a healthy picnic under the sun in our playground.

Check out some photos from our fantastic week!