Since schools have closed in our area due to the coronavirus, here are some things you can do with your kids while they are learning at home:
1. Download a new PBS KIDS app!
Did you know that there are bunches of learning apps for young kids available from PBS KIDS? Find the whole list here: pbskids.org/apps. No need to download them ALL, choose one or two and save the rest for when you need some new ones. Some of the favorites are: Molly of Denali app, The Cat in the Hat Builds That! app, and Outdoor Family Fun with Plum app.
2. Play a virtual game at PBSKIDS.org
There are TONS and TONS of amazing and free learning games available from PBS KIDS. Every PBS KIDS series has connected learning games that help your young children put concepts into action. Here are some favorites: Daniel Tiger’s Guess the Feeling, Jet’s Bot Builder, and Cat in the Hat’s Bridge-a-rama. Head over to PBSKIDS.org to find them all!
3. Try a new PBS KIDS science experiment.
Have you ever noticed that your child is a lot like a scientist? Children are naturally curious, full of ideas and questions and motivated to investigate everything in the world around them. You don’t need to be a science expert to support your child’s science inquiry and learning, just try one of these simple science activities from PBS KIDS. Check out more activities.
4. Try cooking or baking with your child.
There’s a lot of math and science in cooking. PBS for Parents has a lot of recipes that you and your child can do together – from “Science Pancakes” to “Petri Dish Jell-o” to “Making Peg’s Perfect Pizza”, there are tons of kid-friendly options. Find more recipes here.
5. Pretend you are on a creature adventure!
Go outside and observe what animals and insects you see. Remember, observing uses our sense – hearing, smelling, seeing, feeling (probably not tasting!). What birds do you see? What sounds to do hear? Add your observations to the Wild Kratts' Nature Journal.
6. Include PBS KIDS character in your pretend play!
Kids think and process their information through their play. Use some of the PBS KIDS characters or worlds as some imaginative and creative ideas for their play - pretend you're going on a creature adventure with the Kratts, go visiting outer space with Jet, visit Prince Wednesday in his castle...There are so many great ideas!
Go to pbskids.org to check out all the characters!
7. Create a maker or tinker space.
PBS KIDS Design Squad has GREAT engineering challenges that push kids (of all ages!) to problem solve and use materials you have around the house to build and create. Design your own sneakers, create a zipline, make a moon rover…
8. Learn something new together. Our friends at PBS Nature shared these awesome “Nature Nuggets” short videos about animals that were profiled in the Nature series. Together you and your child can talk about what you see and hear, building science and literacy skills. (Our favorite is the spider!).
9. Listen to the Molly of Denali podcast.
That’s right we said LISTEN. Use your ears only and find out more about Molly Mabray. Over nine short episodes, you’ll meet Molly’s family, her friends, and even help her solve a mystery!
10. Tune in to APT’s Main Channel or PBS KIDS 24/7 Channel.
Every PBS KIDS series has specific learning goals that help young children build problem-solving skills, learn how to identify their emotions, practice social interactions, expand their curiosity and so much more. Head to https://aptv.org/Main/ or https://aptv.org/PBS-KIDS/ and see what’s on. Click on the show link to read the information about the episode. And remember, EVERY PBS KIDS series has connected learning activities.
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