For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Marty Fischhoff
248-305-3729
mfischhoff@dptv.org
Detroit Public TV to Provide Essential Educational Resources to Caregivers During Coronavirus Crisis
Working with educators and school districts, it mobilizes Detroit PBS KIDS’ rich children’s programming and digital materials to keep students learning
With schools closed beginning on Monday, March 16, at the order of Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Detroit Public TV (DPTV) is stepping forward to ensure that learning still takes place in the homes of thousands of students.
Its Education team is working with school districts, educators and parents to make available its unparalleled Detroit PBS KIDS programming and its rich trove of education resources – all of which are curriculum-based and teacher-tested.
“As your public media station, we are gearing up to serve as partners, in any way the community needs us, to provide tools and educational instruction during this difficult period to keep students engaged in learning and involving their parents in those efforts,” said Rich Homberg, DPTV’s President and CEO.
“It’s a crucial part of public media’s mission to ensure all kids have access to continued free educational resources at home or wherever else they might be cared for.”
In partnership with community educators and in collaboration with PBS stations across Michigan, Detroit Public TV will provide educational programming and associated digital resources that adhere to Michigan’s state curriculum to foster at-home learning across all grade levels.
Detroit Public TV and PBS educational programming and resources have been shown by multiple evaluations to be effective tools for teachers and parents. They are curriculum-based by state, and they have been classroom-tested by teachers.
The Detroit PBS KIDS Channel (56.2) is available 24 hours a day seven days a week with kids’ favorite shows – Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Arthur, Pinkalicious and Peterrific, Wild Kratts, the Odd Squad and many others. The programming also can be accessed on the DPTV website and on the free PBS KIDS app, available on a wide range of platforms.
Beyond that, DPTV will provide daily communication with suggestions for content, activities and learning opportunities through newsletters and social media, as well as at DetroitPBSKIDS.org. These useful teaching aids will be organized by age level.
“The Detroit PBS KIDS Education team will regularly receive updates from school administrators and educators to make sure we are helping them meet the unexpected needs of children and families, as they evolve,” Georgeann Herbert, DPTV Senior Vice President of Strategy, said.
“We know the challenges ahead for all of us. But we share a common commitment with parents and educators to ensure that we protect children as much as possible during this health emergency and ensure they continue to thrive.”
Below is the first of DPTV’s daily newsletters to parents, caregivers and others who will be working with students in the days ahead.
The DPTV Education team can be reach by email at Education@DPTV.org
Detroit PBS KIDS Daily Newsletter
In-Home Learning and Fun!
You probably grew up watching PBS KIDS and know it is a safe and nurturing place for children. As we begin the first day of at-home learning for thousands of children on Monday, Detroit PBS KIDS wants to be your partner in providing the very best in educational programming and resources. We will give you ideas daily to support in-home learning and fun activities that bring to life the learning provided by Detroit PBS KIDS television programming.
PARENTS: Making Kids Feel Safe
This is a stressful time for everyone and especially for our youngest learners, whose routines are about to undergo a major change – change that they may not fully understand.
If you aren’t sure how to start the conversation, this short article on how to talk to your kids should help.
We recommend making the conversation E.A.S.Y. when discussing issues like this with young children:
- Eye level
- Age Appropriate Language
- Soft voice
- Yield to allow children to share thoughts or ask questions
Need inspiration? Check out this video on talking about the virus from DPTV’s Early Education Manager, Tara Hardy, to help you begin.
Looking for more? The Daniel Tiger team has a suggested activity to help calm your 2-8-year-old.
Check out even more resources about coronavirus (COVID-19).
PARENTS: Learning Resources and Activities
Featured App: PBS KIDS Games
PBS KIDS Games app has more than 100 free games for your 2-8-year-olds. In this safe learning environment, kids learn science, math reading, creativity and more. Play mazes, puzzles, dress-up, coloring and more. The games feature their favorite PBS KIDS characters and help teach everything from the ABC’s and shapes to reading and math. Free for iOS and Android devices in the app store, and no in-app purchases required.
Preschool to Grade 2: Make a Boat
Will a toy car float? How about a tin pie plate? In this short video from The Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About That!, Nick and Sally test some objects in their backyard wading pool (a bathtub makes a good substitute), to see what will float and what won’t.
Grades 3-5: Measuring Length Precisely
In this video segment from Cyberchase, the CyberSquad must remove a voice box from a giant statue without touching the laser alarms that protect it. They need an exact measurement, and your student will be asked to help! A ruler is needed.
Grades 6-8:Dunk Tank!
In this interactive math game, learners explore mean, media, mode, range and how to recognize which central tendency best represents a set of data.
Grades 9-12: Making Cents
This video series teaches teens and pre-teens how to manage their money and foster an entrepreneurial spirit.
TEACHERS:
If you are a teacher preparing to guide student learning online, DPTV and the PBS Education team have compiled an extensive list of curriculum-aligned resources online. PBS LearningMedia is a Google Classroom friendly collection of videos, interactives, lesson plans and more.
PBS LearningMedia is hosting the webinar, Distance Learning With PBS LearningMedia, for educators of all ages on Wednesday, March 18. This one-hour virtual learning event, hosted by PBS master trainers and educators, will highlight a variety of tips, from student activities to digital tools and PBS LearningMedia hacks. Featuring insights applicable to elementary, middle and high school classrooms, the session will focus on skills, tips and techniques that educators can apply immediately to prepare for successful distance learning, whether working with students in person or sharing lessons online. Register for the webinar
SPECIAL EVENTS: Women’s History Month
March is Women’s History Month, and DPTV is offering programming and resources to celebrate.
On Monday, March 16, Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum will premiere a new episode, “I am Madam President.” Instead of going back to the past, Xavier, Yadina and Brad will look to the future. What will they see?
Airs on Detroit PBS KIDS (56.2) at 7:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Monday, March 16 and available on demand Tuesday through the PBS KIDS app.
And check out these tips for Raising a Self-Confident Girl. (They work great for boys, too!)
###
