USF's Children’s Festival Promotes Fun, Education

The University of South Florida College of Education is hosting its annual Children's Festival on Saturday, March 5, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The event, titled "Learning is WonderBull" is for children of all ages. "The purpose of the festival is to show children that learning is fun," says Kim Tucker communications director for USF's College of Education.

The Florida Center for Instruction Technology's iteach Lounge, as well as the XRKade Research Lab in the Department of Physical Education and Exercise Science will be open. Inside will be more than 30 booths and interactive games, including an "Instrument Petting Zoo, where children can touch and play various musical instruments,

"Games from Around the World" offers participants the opportunity to play marbles and create tangrams while learning about the culture of the country where the game originated. "Let Me Try!" helps children develop an understanding of what is it like to live with a disability by using a wheelchair and other tools.

Paulette Walker, program director of undergraduate programs and internships for USF's College of Education, says that USF students are very involved in the planning and execution of the event.

"Our students have created, and will run the booths and activities the children will experience, says Walker. She explains that mission of the festival has always been to promote fun and education.

"Dr. Ron Linder started the children's festival in the 1970s because he wanted children to be engaged in interactive learning and to have fun," says Walker. "The festival gets the whole family involved in the learning process, and everyone has a great time."

The Children's Festival will be on USF's Tampa campus in and around the College of Education building. The event is free and open to the public.

Writer: Kimberly Patterson
Sources: Kim Tucker and Paulette Walker, USF College of Education