FOR KIDS : Fun, Games and Child’s Play at Autry Museum

The stuff that kids learn from isn’t always found in books. Sometimes it’s just that-- stuff like finger-painting and Play-Doh or silly little dances with scarves.

“Small activities, with lots of messy hands-on experimenting, is the best way that young children learn. It brings out their curiosity. They can explore their creativity without killing their self-esteem,” said Ora Alcox, coordinator for Saturday’s kickoff of National Week of the Young Child at the Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum.

Alcox is no stranger to children. She has been director of Tara Child Development, a preschool in Culver City, for eight years, and president of the South Bay district for the Southern California Assn. for Education of Young Children the past three years.

Usually the 13 districts of the organization, which was founded in 1971, celebrate the national week by promoting small local events. But this year, the centralized museum location is expected to help draw about 3,000 children to the free, daylong event.

The program is geared for children up to 8 years old, but is also a springboard to remind parents and the public that child care and educational needs are vital to every community.

“Educators, especially those who work with young children, don’t just happen to be good. Most are trained professionals, with college degrees. And yet, they’re often treated without respect. And it’s their work that is the very foundation that will later help a child excel in school,” said the Inglewood resident who is also a member of the Creek Indian nation.

“Ora also understands the importance of introducing a variety of ethnic cultures into the lives of young children,” said Sandy Dixon, a third-grade teacher at Hooper Avenue Elementary for the last seven years. Dixon, a Hopi Indian, will demonstrate and teach bead-making techniques that she has learned from several other Native American tribes Saturday.

Dixon’s workshop is one of the many outdoor activities Saturday. Others include a dance movement class with Carol Tillman, woodworking with Mary Biggars, recyclable art by Gloria Gutierrez, parachute play with the Los Angeles Police Department Explorer Scouts, cowboy roping demonstrations, a petting zoo, Play-Doh and bubble activities under the direction of Alcox and other staff members.

A fashion show, musical concerts and finger puppet shows are also scheduled, along with information booths. At 10:30 a.m., there will be a parade and a salute to the Month of the Military Child.

“We’ve always been very interested in promoting children’s education,” said Geri Robalik of the museum. “Hopefully, this will be the first of many young children’s celebrations held here.”

National Week of the Young Child kickoff event Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles. Free. Call (213) 667-2000. for foto slugged EARRING