The Grand Forks Herald – Pamela Knudson
“It may look like children are just playing—as they giggle, babble and analyze items that have caught their eye and sparked their curiosity. But they’re actually engrossed in the important work of building the foundation on which future learning depends, early childhood education specialists say. In the earliest years of a child’s life, the brain is buzzing with activity, rapidly constructing the framework for learning. It’s a critical time “because everything they’re experiencing is brand new,” said Dawnita Nilles, child-care licensor for Grand Forks County Social Services. “Any experience a child has is creating a chemical reaction in the brain,” said Judy Milavetz, early childhood educator. Both women are organizers of the Hands-on Learning Fair, set for Saturday at Purpur Arena in Grand Forks.”(more)