By NICOLE VALICEK
MINISTER for Children and Early Childhood Development Wendy Lovell was in town last week to launch the week-long celebrations of the youngest people in the community.
Ms Lovell officially launched Children’s Week last Monday 21 October at Little Kids’ Day In at Scienceworks – a fun day for children under six, their parents and carers.
She said the free hands-on learning day was one of many Children’s Week activities that “engage curious minds through discovery, exploration and play”.
“Playing is, after all, one of the most powerful vehicles for learning, with benefits that can last a lifetime,” she said.
“Playing with objects accelerates creativity and independence, while giving language and social skills the best chance to grow.”
As part of the Little Kids’ Day In early learners are given free rein of the Scienceworks exhibitions and sites, allowing them to explore and discover in their own time, without older children in the space.
“At Scienceworks, we know how important it is for children of all ages to have access to a range of welcoming and inspiring educational experiences,” Manager Scienceworks Dr Nurin Veis said.
Since commencing in February 2012, more than 14,000 children and their families have attended Little Kids’ Day In, which is held twice every term.
