Goddard School Celebrates The Week of the Young Child

, 42 Old Tavern Rd., celebrated The Week of the Young Child (WOYC), with some special programs, April 11-15. 

The WOYC is something that educators and programs of young children have been celebrating since 1971. The theme of this year’s weeklong event was “The Early Years are Learning Years.” 

“We, at Goddard stress learning through play each and every day and thought that this event would be a great way to show parents and loved ones how important play is in a child’s life and how much learning can actually occur with the developmentally appropriate activities and lessons that are offered at our school,” said owner Kimberly Kick.

Throughout the week, parents were reminded about the needs of young children and how much of an impact spending a little time playing or enjoying an activity can make. 

“For our younger children (infants through toddlers), parents were invited to spend a few minutes in the morning at drop-off time to participate in what we called “Take 5 with your Child,” Kick said. “Each parent had an opportunity to sit down in the morning and create something or learn something with their child. It was a beautiful event and parents were amazed at what their children, at a very young age were able to accomplish.” 

On Thursday and Friday, with the older children (preschool through pre-kindergarten), the school had an event called “A Day in the Life of a Preschooler,” during which, parents were invited to come in and actually participate in the morning activities with their child. The activities and lessons that were planned were no different than they normally are, it’s just that the parents were able to participate and walk alongside their child for their morning. 

From inspecting insects and painting on the easel to learning about marsupials, moving through learning centers and playing on the playground, parents got to walk in their child’s shoes and see what their day was all about. 

“This event in the past has been a real eye opener for parents. It is wonderful for them to be able to see all of the things that their children can accomplish as well as see the importance and the purpose of all of the lessons and activities that are offered to all children on a daily basis here at Goddard,” Kick said. “A lifelong love of learning begins with a strong foundation that encourages creativity and independence and fosters a strong sense of self-esteem. There were smiles all around here today and quite frankly all week as the children were very proud to show their parents and families what their life at school is all about.”