by Julie Poole, M.Ed, Connections Manager

NAEYC’s Week of the Young Child® (WOYC) was established in 1971 to bring national attention to the needs of young children and to recognize the critical role that early childhood programs and educators play in shaping a child’s future.

In the last 5 decades, WOYC has grown into a nationwide celebration embraced by childcare centers, preschools, and Head Start programs. It highlights the importance of early learning, including nutrition, physical activity, and social-emotional well-being. In 2026, the Week of the Young Child® runs from April 11–17, with themed celebrations taking place April 13–17.

Novick is excited to celebrate the Week of the Young Child®  alongside our partners by sharing engaging ways to bring nutrition education to the table as you explore each day’s theme.

April 13, Music Monday

Music supports language development, movement, and joy—all essential for growing children.

Try this:

• Create a “Food Group Dance Party,” where each movement represents a food group.
• Sing familiar tunes with healthy food lyrics.
• Use simple instruments (or classroom-safe items) to explore rhythm while discussing how food fuels our bodies.

April 14, Tasty Tuesday

This day is all about hands-on learning featuring healthy foods.

Try this:

• Prepare simple snacks together like fruit & yogurt parfaits or veggie pinwheels.
• Host a “rainbow tasting” to explore colorful fruits and vegetables.
• Introduce whole ingredients and talk about where foods come from.

 

April 15, Work Together Wednesday

Collaboration builds social skills and a sense of community.

Try this:

• Work together to assemble a group snack such as trail mix or smoothies.
• Assign roles such as table setter, helper, or server.
• Discuss all the people involved in getting food to our tables—from farmers to delivery teams.

April 16, Artsy Thursday

Creativity and self-expression take center stage!

Try this:

• “My Healthy Plate” Collage: Use magazines or printed images for children to create balanced meals.
• Farmers Market Dramatic Play: Set up a pretend market with toy foods and baskets.
• Build-a-Menu Craft: Let children design their own healthy meal menus.

These activities reinforce nutrition concepts while recognizing food as something that nourishes our bodies.

April 17, Family Friday:

Family engagement strengthens learning beyond the classroom.

Try this:

• Share simple, nutritious recipes for families to make at home.
• Invite families to share a photo of a favorite meal they enjoy together.
• Create a classroom cookbook with recipes and drawings from children.

As you celebrate the Week of the Young Child®, remember that even small moments such as trying a new food, sharing a meal, or learning where food comes from, can make a lasting impact. Together, we can nurture environments where children thrive, fueled by both meaningful experiences and nutritious meals and snacks.