NEWS
The Creativity Project to Host Summer Camp Workshop
The Creativity Project will hold a summer camp workshop in late April to allow educators, camp directors, and program leaders to examine their approach to summer camp.
The Creativity Project will hold a summer camp workshop in late April to allow educators, camp directors, and program leaders to examine their approach to summer camp.
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The workshop will emphasize nurturing curiosity, imagination, and child-led exploration, and participants will learn to redefine curiosity in their summer programs. This will involve shifting from structured crafts to more open-ended art and play experiences that engage children in deeper learning.
Participants will discover how to curate a selection of accessible, inexpensive materials that promote innovation, storytelling, and exploration. They will also learn strategies that foster creativity without over-directing, allowing children to develop confidence and problem-solving skills.
The workshop will explore how hands-on, sensory-rich activities support social-emotional learning, collaboration, and a sense of wonder. It will involve a discussion on how to adapt activities to different age groups and developmental levels, while fostering inclusive, engaging experiences.
Participants will leave with a variety of ready-to-use ideas, flexible structures, and prompts to transform their summer programs into a hub of creativity.
The workshop will begin at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30.
The fee to attend the workshop is $25. Those interested in attending should enroll now.
Registration Open for Pittsburgh Youth Cricket Academy Tournaments
Registration is open for the Pittsburgh Youth Cricket Academy’s spring and summer tournaments.
Registration is open for the Pittsburgh Youth Cricket Academy’s spring and summer tournaments.
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The academy will offer registration throughout April and tryouts will be held on May 11 and 18 from 9 a.m. to noon.
Practice sessions will run from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on May 20 and 27. Then, the spring tournament will take place in June, while the summer tournament will be held in August.
There is a $300 registration fee for participants. Those interested in participating should register now.
The complete schedules will be released in late April. For more information, call 412-345-1140.
Resources for April Observances
Various organizations, states, and nations recognize several observances each month. Resources help parents, caregivers, and childcare professionals acknowledge and navigate them.
Various organizations, states, and nations recognize several observances each month. Resources help parents, caregivers, and childcare professionals acknowledge and navigate them.
Here is a list of resources for April observances:
Month-Long Observances
Month of the Young Child
Month of the Young Child, Trying Together
2025 Annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators Dinner, Trying Together
April is the Month of the Young Child, Trying Together
Celebrate Diversity Month
A Celebration of Diversity in Pittsburgh, Visit Pittsburgh
Events and News, Pittsburgh Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Week-Long Observances
April 6-12 is the Week of the Young Child
Week of the Young Child, National Association for the Education of Young Children
Week of the Young Child Overview, National Association for the Education of Young Children
Day Observances
April 21 is National Kindergarten Day
National Kindergarten Day, National Day Calendar
Kindergarten Transition, Trying Together
Kindergarten Registration Information Available on PA Promise for Children Site, Trying Together
April 22 is Earth Day
Earth Day Events, Pittsburgh Earth Day
Earth Month, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy
History of Earth Day, National Geographic Kids
April 23 is World Book Day
Book Request Form, Reading Ready Pittsburgh
Buzzword Words & Activities, Buzzword
World Book Day, Worldbookday.com
World Book Day 2025, National Literacy Trust
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Book Lists, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
IECMHC Cites Music and Movement as Important to Child Development
Although spring is just around the corner, winter weather can continue into March - and even April - so it is important for parents and guardians to find ways for children to remain active while indoors.
Although spring is just around the corner, winter weather can continue into March - and even April - so it is important for parents and guardians to find ways for children to remain active while indoors.
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The Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) program’s March newsletter focuses on music and movement in the classroom and includes several resources
The IECMHC cites several benefits of music and movement for children in the early childhood education classroom. Through music and movement, children can:
Be creative by expressing themselves through dance, lyrics, and storytelling
Undergo emotional development by learning to recognize and process emotions and developing empathy
Enhance motor skills by improving coordination, balance, and strength through dancing, clapping, and jumping
Enhance cognitive skills by developing memory, categorization, and problem-solving abilities
Enhance social skills through the development of emotional intelligence, which is linked to success in many areas of life
The IECMHC also suggests trying to strike a healthy balance when it comes to screen time - or the use of smartphones, tables, computers, or other devices - for children. To foster well-rounded development, it suggests substituting the following for screen time: art, reading, interactive games, outdoor play, music and movement.
Further Resources
The IECMHC provides a wide variety of resources revolving around the importance of music and movement for children.
These include an article on the importance of music and movement in early childhood education and how to use music, rhythm, and movement to enhance children’s self-regulation.
Among the IECMHC’s resources are information on music and movement relating to:
Genius of Play Releases Book for National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
The Genius of Play has released a book for children in honor of March’s National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
The Genius of Play has released a book for children in honor of March’s National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
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The book - “Let’s Play: A Playbook for Kids of All Abilities” - focuses on how play provides an opportunity to engage in activities that best support their development. It notes that when there is focus on a child’s strengths, interests, and areas in which they need more support, a play approach offers opportunities to participate in the challenge level that is suitable for them.
The free guide offers families a variety of adaptive, play-based activities to help children meet developmental milestones and promote social inclusion while having fun.
The book can be downloaded on The Genius of Play’s website.
The Genius of Play also offers play ideas for every age range, interest, and ability. Its resources include playbooks featuring games that help children to develop emotional intelligence, physical skills, and STEAM knowledge as well as activity sheets and other activities.
The Genius of Play is a national movement spearheaded by The Toy Association to raise awareness about play’s vital role in child development.
PA Promise for Children Releases Tips on Staying Healthy in the Spring
PA Promise for Children has released a list of tips for families on how children can stay healthy during the spring.
PA Promise for Children has released a list of tips for families on how children can stay healthy during the spring.
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Each of PA Promise’s tips are accompanied by an article on the topic.
One suggestion for families is to plant a garden, which can provide such benefits as healthy eating, physical activity, and the application of science and motor skills. Another tip is to use the natural world as a learning tool to create time and space for play in nature.
Ensuring that children are dressed appropriately for outdoor play is another item on the list. Spring weather can change quickly - from warm temperatures to cooler ones or rain - so guardians should make sure that children have the clothing to stay dry and comfortable.
Another safety tip involving the outdoors is avoiding high exposure to pollen by keeping the home and car clear of it. Guardians should clear children’s clothing of outdoor pollen residues and be aware of a child’s particular allergies.
When it comes to snacks and meals, adults should ensure that children are getting their share of seasonal fruit and vegetables. These taste better, are better for one’s health, and are good for the environment.
For more information, visit PA Promise for Children’s website.