Brand new for 2024, the AZPBSkids LEARN! newsletter is designed to bring educators, parents, and families weekly highlights from our Educational Outreach team, and our partners — PBS LearningMedia and PBS KIDS for Parents.
ASU Open Door – Downtown Phoenix
Saturday, February 3
1 – 5 p.m.
Join in the fun at ASU Open Door this Saturday and visit Arizona PBS! Our AZPBSkids LEARN! team will be on hand with a “Work It Out Wombats!” activity station, a chance to visit with Clifford, sneak peek screenings of brand-new “Lyla in the Loop,” and of course visits to our control room. Come by for a fun afternoon for the whole family!
Our AZPBSkids LEARN! team was representing this week at the Eastern Arizona College’s Thatcher Campus for the 8th annual Cash for College scholarship event. The free event was an opportunity for students and their families to learn more about funding opportunities for two- and four-year colleges, as well as trade schools and certificate programs. Our team spoke to students about early childhood education scholarships available in 2024.
Is it time for spring or will we have six more weeks of winter? Why does a groundhog get to decide? Find out more about the history of this holiday and about Punxsutawney Phil. Grades: K-2, 3-5
Celebrate the 100th Day of School with activities all about the number 100. Use this Peg + Cat 100th Day of School educator guide to bring estimation and counting into the classroom. Grades: PreK-K
‘Lyla and the Loop’ Streaming on PBS KIDS Starting February 5
“Lyla in the Loop” is a funny and engaging new animated series for kids ages 4-8 about Lyla Loops and her fantastical blue sidekick, Stu, who use creative and strategic problem-solving and critical thinking skills to help their family, friends, and community! From building homemade carnival games to creating a new sandwich for the family restaurant — Lyla, Stu, and the whole Loops crew tackle challenges with equal servings of humor and heart. Grades: PreK-K, K-2
Valentine’s Day is a great time to celebrate love, friendship, and kindness with family and friends. We’ve got you covered! with PBS KIDS downloadable Valentines! Tell your friends that they are Pinkatastic, Out of this World or totally ODD-some with these printable cards from many of your favorite PBS KIDS characters.
One way your child can participate in the festivities around Valentine’s Day is to show care and appreciation to their family, friends, or fellow community members. Involve your child by asking them who they want to celebrate. They can write a card, make a gift, or do an act of kindness. Try making this heart necklace together to give to family and friends.
Learning Resources Are Now Available for Our Local Production ‘Black in Arizona’
“Black in Arizona” aims to spotlight the contributions of some of the most impactful Black Arizonans in the state’s history. Explore the stories, struggles, and successes of Arizona’s Black community. Learn about their experiences and the impact they are making in their communities. Find support materials and discussion questions for Social Studies, Civics, and American Identity and Diversity curriculum. Grades: 6-8
‘Athletic Coaching Essentials (ACE) | Game Changers Intermediate Series’
“ACE” (Athletic Coaching Essentials) is a digital sports training series from Arizona PBS. These sports training and instructional videos are designed for athletes at different skill levels, whether beginner, intermediate or advanced. Led by expert coaches, student-athletes, and community members, these tutorials cover the essential techniques and strategies for mastering key skills. Grades: 3-5, 6-8. 9-12
‘Teaching Black History: The Civil War and Reconstruction | Finding Your Roots’
February is Black History Month, and AZPBSkids LEARN! will feature many resources to help teachers and parents prepare for lessons in the classroom and at home. We start with a high school lesson.
In this Scholar Series session, professor and historian Eric Foner guides educators through teaching the Civil War and Reconstruction in classrooms. Foner discusses best practices for teaching Reconstruction, as well as tips on how to engage students and facilitate discussions in the classroom. He then leads teachers through a “Finding Your Roots” lesson that centers around Reconstruction featuring late actor, Michael K. Williams. Grades: 9-12
‘PBS News Weekend’ |14-Year Old Scientist Developing Soap That Could Treat Skin Cancer
Heman Bekele spent the last year developing a bar of soap that could treat skin cancer. It was the winning entry at the annual 3M Young Scientist Challenge, considered one of the top science and engineering competitions for fifth through eighth graders. PBS News Weekend caught up with Bekele and spoke with him about his impressive passion project.
Scholarships Available in Early Childhood Educator Program
Supported by Arizona’s early childhood agency First Things First (FTF), Arizona PBS’ early childhood educator scholarship program offers scholarships to aspiring early childhood educators completing Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials, associate and bachelor’s degrees. Over 700 college scholarships for early childhood education have been awarded to aspiring educators throughout the state.
Arizona PBS KIDS Family Night hopes to inspire weekly family viewing time to enjoy the best of PBS KIDS. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 7 – 9 p.m., PBS KIDS features themed programming and AZPBSkids LEARN! offers activities, recipes, and craft suggestions to complement the evening.
Create an immersive experience all at home, and see your kids learn and grow along with their favorite PBS characters.
Your PBS KIDS Favorites Explore Black History
This week on Family Night (February 2, 3, and 4 from 7 – 9 p.m.), enjoy a collection of PBS KIDS shows exploring Black history and what it means to stand up for something or someone. Important lessons and meaningful family time. Don’t miss out on Family Night with PBS KIDS!
These Pizza Pops are the perfect Family Night treat! Enjoy tasty snacks that any little chef (or big chef!) will love. And who doesn’t get excited about pizza on a stick?
Several of the historical figures Xavier, Brad, and Yadina from “Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum” meet on their adventures were storytellers themselves. In this activity, your child can use their own creativity and imagination to practice storytelling by rolling homemade dice to tell a unique story!
Talking About Compassion with ‘Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum’
Conversations have real power for kids — in helping both relationships and social skills grow! Talking about what you watch can be a significant way to have great interactions. These moments with Xavier, Brad, and Yadina help create ways to talk about some of life’s most important lessons and skills. Check out the video and accompanying questions provided.
