Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Bright Idea:
Encourage kids to connect their digital story in Toontastic with real life. Kids can re-create
something that happened on a family vacation or in school. They can also make one up
and then act it out in a live performance.
DO THE MATH
Countless options await as kids practice and apply an array of math skills. Encouraging characters help young kids build
confidence and excitement about basic operations like addition and subtraction. Older kids see how math can be applied
to everyday situations.
DO THE MATH
Countless options await as kids practice and apply an array of math skills. Encouraging characters help young kids build
confidence and excitement about basic operations like addition and subtraction. Older kids see how math can be applied
to everyday situations.
BUDDING SCIENTISTS
With just a few clicks, kids can take virtual journeys to the bottom of the ocean or the surface of the sun. Picture young
kids delight as they go back in time to visit the dinosaurs or take a trip inside the human body.
BUDDING SCIENTISTS
With just a few clicks, kids can take virtual journeys to the bottom of the ocean or the surface of the sun. Picture young
kids delight as they go back in time to visit the dinosaurs or take a trip inside the human body.
Bright Idea:
Help kids transfer the skills they learn in Sids Science Fair to hands-on practice.
Find objects in your home (buttons, blocks, dry cereal) for them to classify and chart.
Ask How are the objects different? to help them identify characteristics.
Bright Idea:
Expose kids who enjoy playing Ni Hao, Kai-Lan to other cultures. Read books about
how different groups celebrate important dates, such as New Years. Invite kids to act
out these rituals.
ARTS APPRECIATION
A paint box of possibilities awaits as kids explore new shades of art and music. A mobile art set with virtual paintbrushes,
crayons, and more encourages young kids to draw and paint with abandon.
Bright Idea
Make music with kids using real instruments. Even simple homemade instruments give
young kids a chance to explore rhythm and sound. Make a shaker by putting uncooked rice
in a sealable container, or make a set of drums out of buckets and tin cans.
Bright Idea:
Invite kids to show off skills theyve learned in Doras Cooking Club. Plan a family meal
together. Name ingredients, and ask kids to help gather them. Then ask kids for help with
measuring and counting a contribution that will help with math, too.
MULTI-SUBJECT MIX
Exposure to a variety of topics helps keep kids attention and gives them a boost in several areas. Younger kids can
benefit from puzzles to help them learn grammar, math, motor skills, and more all at once.
MULTI-SUBJECT MIX
Exposure to a variety of topics helps keep kids attention and gives them a boost in several areas. Younger kids can
benefit from puzzles to help them learn grammar, math, motor skills, and more all at once.
Bright Idea:
Connect with kids teachers to find out which areas they might need some refreshers in,
then use PBS KIDS Labs search filters to pick games that help them practice those skills.
Encourage kids to set goals for the games to keep them engaged.
Bright Idea:
Habla espaol? Even if you dont, learn Spanish words and phrases alongside your
child using Oh Noah!. No need to shoot for perfection, either. Seeing you make mistakes
can convey to your child that its OK to struggle a bit while learning.
GET CREATIVE
Lots of new games give kids the freedom to experiment and tinker. This out-of-the box thinking can lead to new ideas and
creations like young kids brainstorming new combinations in word and letter games.
GET CREATIVE
Lots of new games give kids the freedom to experiment and tinker. This out-of-the box thinking can lead to new ideas and
creations like young kids brainstorming new combinations in word and letter games.
Bright Ideas:
Take kids to the zoo, and ask them to name the animals and objects they see, building on the
vocabulary learned in ItzaZoo. When you return, ask kids to draw pictures about the experience and
tell you stories about what they saw.
Pair kids up with a family member to create a story on the Storybird website. The collaborative
experience is a great way to learn about and document family history. Kids can then save and share
stories with other family members over long distances.
Bright Ideas:
Use the vocabulary kids learn in Peek-a-Zoo to help your kids identify their own or others
emotions. Ask questions like How do you know shes happy? to help them identify indicators of
different emotions.
Ask kids who like LeapFrog Explorer Learning Game: Pet Pals 2: Best of Friends! to help care for
family pets. Emphasize that family pet care is a team effort, and give kids age-appropriate tasks.
Even young kids can fill food bowls or brush furry pets.
Bright Idea:
Take a cue from Toca Doctor, and encourage kids to help you address their own injuries -- or siblings. Model a
curious and positive approach to the body. Ask kids questions to involve them in their own healing.
Bright Idea:
Help preschoolers reinforce learning during everyday activities. Practice counting objects
around the house, or ask them to identify shapes of objects. When possible, make the
learning purposeful count how many forks youll need for dinner, for example.
Bright Idea:
Use StoryBuilder as a jumping-off point for writing practice. Help kids write down one of
their recorded stories and develop it by adding more details and events.
DO THE MATH
Countless options await as kids practice and apply an array of math skills. Theyll see how math can be applied to
everyday situations and learn foundational algebra concepts through snappy-looking symbols.
DO THE MATH
Countless options await as kids practice and apply an array of math skills. Theyll see how math can be applied to
everyday situations and learn foundational algebra concepts through snappy-looking symbols.
Bright Idea:
Encourage kids to connect their digital story in Toontastic with real life. Kids can re-create
something that happened on a family vacation or in school. They can also make one up and
then act it out in a live performance.
BUDDING SCIENTISTS
With just a few clicks, kids can take virtual journeys to the bottom of the ocean or the surface of the sun.
Picture kids delight as they go back in time to visit the dinosaurs, take a trip inside the human body, and learn
to pick out constellations.
BUDDING SCIENTISTS
With just a few clicks, kids can take virtual journeys to the bottom of the ocean or the surface of the sun.
Picture kids delight as they go back in time to visit the dinosaurs, take a trip inside the human body, and learn
to pick out constellations.
Bright Idea:
Extend the learning for kids who love The Oregon Trail by taking them to a history
museum or, if you live near one, a pioneer village. You can also ask your librarian to
suggest historical-fiction titles set in this era for your kids.
ARTS APPRECIATION
A paint box of possibilities awaits as kids explore new shades of art and music. Theyll get lessons on essential
techniques like shading and perspective and even mix their own multi-voice music.
Bright Ideas:
Make music with kids using real instruments. Even simple homemade instruments give kids
a chance to explore rhythm and sound. Make a shaker by putting uncooked rice in a sealable
container, or make a set of drums out of buckets and tin cans.
Take kids to an art museum so they can see firsthand the techniques presented in Art Academy.
Seeing art in person can inspire young artists to create and share work. Encourage kids to submit
pieces to youth art shows in their school or community.
Bright Idea:
Encourage kids who are interested in journalism to apply to be a reporter for The Scholastic Kids Press
Corps. Even if they dont win the spot, theyll gain valuable practice presenting their qualifications.
Challenge kids who love FIFA Soccer 12 to a one-on-one match on a sunny weekend. It will give
kids the chance to share what they know about soccer rules and gameplay, and you can both
benefit from the exercise and family time.
MULTI-SUBJECT MIX
Exposure to a variety of topics helps keep kids attention and gives them a boost in several areas. Younger kids can use
puzzles to help learn grammar, math, and more all at once. Apps for older kids have vast collections of articles, and
instructive websites help reinforce core lessons from school.
Bright Idea:
Notice which topics make your kids tick. Encourage them to find out as much as possible
about these subjects on the HowStuffWorks website or app. After theyve done their
research, challenge them. Do the sites quizzes at the same time, and see who scores better.
Bright Idea:
Challenge kids to use math and logic like they do in Professor Layton and the Last
Specter to solve real-life puzzles. For instance, challenge them to figure out how long it
takes to get to school based on the cars average speed.
GET CREATIVE
Lots of new games give kids the freedom to experiment and tinker. This out-of-the box thinking can lead to new ideas and
creations. Younger kids brainstorm new combinations in word and letter games. Older kids put their personal stamp on
games by designing their own contributions.
Bright Ideas:
Take Minecraft fans to visit a real construction site. Are there blueprints or plans they can
look at? Is there a model? You could even introduce them to real builders and architects
and encourage them to ask questions.
Bright Ideas:
Encourage kids who enjoy the forums on Kidzworld to join a club about their favorite hobby.
They can participate in an informal group that meets outside of school or an official school
club. If there isnt a club, suggest they start one.
TECH TOOLS
To succeed in tomorrows world, having a good grasp on computer and technology skills is key. Kids can learn the basics
of computer programming and video game creation through inventive, forward-thinking games.
Bright Ideas:
Encourage kids to make spin-offs of their Gamestar Mechanic creations, such as board games,
written game reviews, or artwork advertising the game. Give them art supplies, and help them locate
examples to learn from.
Help kids process what they learn in Scratch by reading through blocks linearly with them and
encouraging them to say aloud what theyre doing step by step.
Bright Ideas:
Encourage kids to use ZisBoomBah to figure out whether what theyre eating is balanced. Have
them enter in real food choices they make both from healthy and less healthy meals. Help them
understand the feedback they get. Its great food for thought!
Have a dance-off. Dance Central 2 is a great way to bond during family reunions or parties. Pick
songs that everyone will like, and face off for some healthy competition. You can also place people
in teams and keep track of scores.
Bright Idea:
Encourage kids to write their own mock HowStuffWorks article on a subject matter
theyre knowledgeable in or to satisfy a school writing assignment. Kids can broaden
their understanding of a topic through writing practice.
CROSS-AGE PICKS
Many of our picks are great for kids of all ages. Find awesome apps, great games, and wonderful websites that can be
introduced to younger kids but can also age up to kids 7-12.
CROSS-AGE PICKS
Many of our picks are great for kids of all ages. Find awesome apps, great games, and wonderful websites that can be
introduced to younger kids but can also age up to kids 7-12.
CROSS-AGE PICKS
Many of our picks are great for kids of all ages. Find awesome apps, great games, and wonderful websites that can be
introduced to younger kids but can also age up to kids 7-12.
Bright Idea:
Direct teens to HippoCampus to review material for school. Ask them to teach you a new
concept they learned, using their own examples.
Bright Ideas:
Look at DoSomething.org with teens, and help them identify the issues they care about. Encourage
kids to join or organize a club that does something for the community. Remind them that they can
start small and build up.
Ask teens to use Codeacademy to build a game for the family to play. Schedule a family video game
night for the games debut. Ask your budding game designer to explain how he or she built the game,
including any problems encountered along the way.
CROSS-AGE PICKS
Many of our picks are great for kids of all ages. Find awesome apps, great games, and wonderful websites that can
be introduced to younger kids but can also age up to kids 13-17.
CROSS-AGE PICKS
Many of our picks are great for kids of all ages. Find awesome apps, great games, and wonderful websites that can
be introduced to younger kids but can also age up to kids 13-1 .
CROSS-AGE PICKS
Many of our picks are great for kids of all ages. Find awesome apps, great games, and wonderful websites that can
be introduced to younger kids but can also age up to kids 13-1 .
CROSS-AGE PICKS
Many of our picks are great for kids of all ages. Find awesome apps, great games, and wonderful websites that can
be introduced to younger kids but can also age up to kids 13-17.
CROSS-AGE PICKS
Many of our picks are great for kids of all ages. Find awesome apps, great games, and wonderful websites that can
be introduced to younger kids but can also age up to kids 13-17.