Suncoast festival for learning
The third annual Remake Learning Days, the largest global festival celebrating learning, returns to the Suncoast region on April 20 and runs through May 4.
Due to the success of the previous two festivals, this year’s Suncoast Remake Learning Days has been extended from 10 to 15 days, giving families additional time and a third Saturday to participate. A diverse group of Suncoast creators, schools, nonprofits and civic organizations in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties will help children and their families unlock worlds of knowledge and fun by engaging in dynamic learning experiences outside of the classroom.
The 304 events of SRLD 2024 are organized by six learning themes: Arts, Maker, Outdoor Learning, Science, Technology, and Youth Voice. Events take place at museums, libraries, schools, community centers, and other local venues. Through The Patterson Foundation, the collaborative learning events are all accessible and free.
“Learning happens everywhere. Expanding access beyond the classroom to all kinds of hands-on learning opportunities helps kids and their families to be lifelong learners,” said Beth Duda, director of the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading and Suncoast Remake Learning Days for The Patterson Foundation. “These free, family-friendly events provide wonder, discovery, and amazing, memorable experiences for families to share, right in their own neighborhoods.”
Participants in SRLD 2024 can choose to:
· Discover how big trucks move at “Big Truck Day” and check out 30 different big trucks, with the opportunity to pull the levers, honk the horns, and participate in a variety of activities at CoolToday Park in Venice, hosted by Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources.
· Paint on a rock and share it with the world in the rock garden (or take it with you) as you tour the Visual Art Center in Punta Gorda and see the “Blooms and Bugs” elementary art show.
· Be inspired to consider a career in veterinary medicine through hands-on learning with animals and a visit from a veterinarian at the “Animal Fest at AHA,” hosted by Arcadia Housing Authority.
· Travel “Around the World in 180 Minutes” to visit the seven continents, 35 countries and four oceans represented at North Port’s Cranberry Elementary School’s mega-event featuring 50plus community outreach organizations.
· “Soar in 4” at the Bishop Science Museum in Bradenton with a tour of the museum and instruction in how to use the provided free materials and books to support classroom learning at home.
· Develop awareness of early math and science for families and children ages 8 months to 8 years old at “BLOCK Fest,” a hands-on research-based exhibit that uses guided play and conversation to drive home the importance of early math and science learning for school readiness, hosted by the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County.
App available in English/Spanish
For a full calendar of events, download the free SRLD2024 app or visit SuncoastRemakeLearningDays.org. The app is available in English and Spanish via GooglePlay. Festivalgoers can also sign up for events that require advance registration, get maps and parking instructions, and receive updates. “Remake Learning Days aims to connect people and organizations by supporting engaging and high-quality events that spark curiosity and allow families in the region to learn and grow together,” said Debra Jacobs, president of The Patterson Foundation. “These multicultural experiences help strengthen the community as a whole and contribute to making the Suncoast region a thriving community.”
Submitted by Susan Yannetti