If you’re seeing blue pinwheels on your daily commute, there’s a reason. April 2021 has been proclaimed Child Abuse Prevention Month both statewide and nationally, and the pinwheel (adopted in 2008 by Prevent Child Abuse America) is the national symbol for child abuse prevention. It is a time for communities and individuals to join in creating nurturing environments, developing kind, supportive relationships, and working to provide positive, esteem building experiences for children. National Child Abuse Prevention month is focused on this joint effort to strengthen families as well as support and protect children from abuse and neglect.
So why the pinwheel? It is the ideal symbol of childhood, playfulness and pure joy…….all the things we want most for any child.
To mark the month, Partnership staff members, Cynthia Jackson and Rene Fox, distributed pinwheels to childcare facilities and homes throughout the area. Over 200 pinwheels were placed along the streets and highways of Carteret County as a reminder that child abuse is preventable and that we all play in a part in keeping our children happy, healthy and safe.
In addition to the monthlong campaign, April 11 – April 16, 2021 has been designated as Week of the Young Child. Week of the Young Child 2021 is a NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) sponsored event. It is a week-long event celebrating early education, teachers, young children and their families. Their website lists resources for ways to celebrate the week:
Music Monday – Singing and dancing to music helps develop language and literacy skills as well as encourage movement.
Tasty Tuesday – Cooking together not only teaches healthy eating habits, but also teaches literacy and math skills.
Work Together Wednesday – Using an activity that requires children to work together – like building a structure out of blocks – helps develop social skills.
Artsy Thursday – Open ended art projects help children grow in creativity, problem solving, fine motor and social skills....not to mention imagination!
Family Friday – Celebrate family members and roles in children’s lives. They are their first and most important teachers.
For more information and resources visit the NAEYC website: www.naeyc.org/events/woyc/overview