Lehigh Valley Public Media’s PBS39 has launched a new PBS KIDS outreach program, which will benefit 10 educators and 160 pre-k students through the Greater Valley YMCA. The program, centered around helping young children through hands-on learning, introduces concepts that give children opportunities to practice new skills in different ways.

“We are thrilled to be able to continue supporting local educators by giving them exceptional resources like these,” said Chief Executive Officer of Lehigh Valley Public Media Tim Fallon. “It’s through PBS KIDS that we have opportunities to see our local educators and their students excel, and for that we are incredibly grateful.”

Every month for four months, each teacher will receive a “PBS KIDS Box,” which includes a tablet and a variety of hands-on materials for early childhood educators. Through grant funding, PBS39 provides curriculum-based lesson plans from PBS LearningMedia, as well as video clips, instructions and resources for the classroom and take-home activities, which help students practice at home with parents and caregivers.

“We are thrilled to partner with PBS39 in this effort,” said Crystal Messer, Vice President of Child Care, Greater Valley YMCA. “We look forward to being able to use these boxes not only this year but also in the future.”

Curriculum areas covered through this program include: literacy, math, science and social-emotional skills. Each box includes a tablet to ensure the teacher has the classroom technology to engage their students, as well as:

• Video clips to introduce the learning topic

• A hands-on activity, including any needed supplies, so children can explore the learning topic

• Teaching tips for you, to help you make the most of the experience

• A take home activity or prompt to help students practice at home with parents or caregivers

PBS39 looks forward to seeing the successes of The Greater YMCA’s students as a result of this initiative.

Contributed article