Ready to Learn | Learning Triangle

Storybooks + TV and media that teaches + Activities

READ

Find books that are a good match to the topics and concepts of the Vegas PBS show or segments you watch.
VIEW
Use the DVR to record a show and pick out small segments of the Vegas PBS program you want to use. Or, visit the PBS KIDS Video Player to select a clip based on a show or topic.
DO
Do activities that relate to what you watched or play an eduational PBS KIDS mobile app that coincides with the program. Be sure to talk aout how the activity is connected to what you watched on Vegas PBS.

Reading Tips

Reading with children is a special way to spend time together and helps young children to build a vocabulary and understand the world around them.

When reading a book to your child:

  • Turn off the TV, find a comfortable space to be together, and enjoy sharing the pleasure of a special story. Set aside a time each day to share a book or two together!

  • Show your child the front of the book (the beginning) and the back of the book (the end)

  • With your child, look over the cover of the book and ask him what he thinks the story will be about

  • From time to time, ask your child a question about the story or pictures

  • While reading, ask your child what he thinks might happen next

  • Ask your child to tell you the name of his favorite character in the story

  • Together with your child, make up a new ending to the story

  • After reading a story to your child several times, let her "read" the story to you by looking at the pictures

Television Viewing Tips

Watching our Vegas PBS children's lineup helps children develop the skills they need to become successful in school and life – especially when supervising adults follow caregiver viewing tips.

When watching TV with your child:

  • Preview the show before you encourage your children to watch it. Choose TV that is geared to your children's ages and interests.

  • DVR or stream programs your children love. Watch the whole show or just segments within a show again and again.

  • Encourage children to ask questions, move to the music and express their reactions to the things they see and hear on TV.

  • Pause television to ask open ended questions, such as, "What do you think will happen next?" Discuss new vocabulary words and make connections between television and books you read.

  • Turn on the closed captions to provide additional exposure to text.

  • Limit television time. Young children need lots of time to move, talk, play and be with others. TV can be a learning tool, but it can‛t replace hands-on learning or take the place of care children need from you.

Doing Activities

The learning doesn't have to stop after you turn the TV off or close a book. Below are a few activity ideas for building on what you watch on TV or read in a book.

  • Make an "I Can Do" list
    Whenever your children learn a new skill, such as "I can slide" or "I know about dogs," add it to the list

  • Play "The Continuing Story Game"
    Start a story and stop right in the middle of a sentence. For instance, "One day, when I was in the park and saw three elephants...." Ask your children to add to the story and to stop when they want you to take it over. Keep the story going until one of you comes up with an ending.