Category Archives: Uncategorized

Happy Birthday to The Children’s and Teens’ Book Connection

Today The Children’s and Teens’ Book Connection is 13 years old! I don’t always make note of such milestones, but with The Book Connection having turned 15 on July 4th, and this blog only two years away from that, I want to celebrate.

Thanks for your loyal readership through the years! I hope you’ll share this blog with anyone you think might be interested.

A Summer of Possibilities From PBS KIDS

Summer break is almost here. As families, educators and little learners look to summer break as a time to reset, PBS KIDS is here to help them celebrate the simple joys and special moments together.

To kick off a summer of possibilities, PBS KIDS and local stations across the country will offer new content, resources, and community-based support geared toward fun and learning all summer long that encourages new adventures and true appreciation for the little things. 

PBS KIDS viewers will get a chance to stream their favorite series, including new episodes from DONKEY HODIE (June 6-9), ODD SQUAD (July 4-8), ALMA’S WAY (July 11-14), and MOLLY OF DENALI (July 18-21). A new one-hour special, DANIEL VISITS A NEW NEIGHBORHOOD, will premiere on June 20 and new shorts from XAVIER RIDDLE AND THE SECRET MUSEUM will debut in July, which will explore themes like compassion, kindness, gratitude, curiosity, and more.


Parents can find resources that inspire their kids’ curiosity and play this summer through the PBS KIDS for Parents summer hub, which will be regularly updated with new content. Resources include:

·       A printable summer checklist to encourage kids to explore new things and a list of unique summer activities to try

·       Recommended apps for summer learning (and road trip distraction)

·       A PBS KIDS activity book, filled with fun prompts and games to keep kids engaged 

·       A summer reading guide (my favorite part)

 
Kids can also find curated game collections on pbskids.org and video playlists on the PBS KIDS Video app and the PBS KIDS YouTube channel.

For educators teaching this summer or preparing for the school year to come, PBS KIDS provides resources great for both student growth and teacher professional development, including:

·       The Summer Camp: Fill Each Day with Possibilities! Collection

·       These printable PBS KIDS activity starters that include conversation cards to engage with content as well as a puppet theater kit to support storytelling

·       This summer  activity book

What possibilities lie ahead for your family this summer?



Celebrate Earth Day with Resources from PBS KIDS

Earth Day is celebrated around the world annually on April 22. PBS KIDS recognizes that it’s important to teach little ones about the changes around us and the importance of protecting nature, too. Here are some resources to nurture learning outside the classroom:

  • How do you celebrate Earth Day? Get inspired with 15 ways to celebrate Earth Day with kids.
  • These PBS KIDS Explore the Outdoors hubs feed kids’ curiosity about nature, animals, and the changes that come with warmer months.  
  • What does ‘recycle’ mean? Learn about turning something old into something new with Daniel Tiger.
  • ‘Nature is Our Neighbor’ is a catchy Wild Kratts original–filled with fun visuals and easy ways for everyone to pitch in and save our planet! 
  • Want to learn more about composting? Elinor Wonders Why shows us what the compost cycle is all about here. 
  • As busy routines pick back up, this article shares a handful of reminders of why getting outside can be so special to slow down as a family.

Check out PBS KIDS for Parents to find more helpful resources.