Engaging and celebrating families is at the heart of supporting our youngest learners. As such, Friday’s activities are all about family.
NAEYC applauds family members’ role as young children’s first and most important teachers. You make all the difference.
Start with a book
Books we love about families:
- The Family Book by Todd Parr
- Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena
Find story times featuring these books on YouTube, plus check out ebooks on OverDrive digital library collection. More book ideas from our friends a Mesa Public Library by clicking the link.
My Family Tree art activity
Create a family tree together to learn about your unique history and the connections to your family members.
Materials
- Washable finger-paint
- Construction paper
- Glue
- Markers
Directions
1. Use a paint brush to brush brown paint on your child’s forearm and hand.
2. Place their arm on lightly colored paper to create a print that looks like the trunk and branches of a tree.
3. Tear pieces of colored paper and paste on the branches to create leaves.
4. Use a marker to write each family member’s name on or around the leaves.
Learn about family traditions and culture
Who’s in my family and what makes us special? Start by having a conversation about your own family and the cultural traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. Share pictures and stories of those special memories.
After talking, invite your child to create their own family portrait. Have them share what they think is most special about their family and culture.
Keep learning by going online with your child to research a tradition from a culture other than your own. Talk about the similarities you find to your own culture(s), as well as what makes each culture unique.
Enjoy your Friday together! Don’t forget to share pictures and stories about your family on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the hashtag #woyc20. Tag the museum at @ideaMuseum on Facebook and @ideaMuseumMesa on Twitter and Instagram.