PBS KIDS Activity Starters
Be deliberate when inviting your student to watch a PBS KIDS show. These resources can help by adding meaningful conversation and easy activities to their experience.
KSPS PBS is committed to bridging educational gaps in our region by providing free learning resources directly to children and families in our highest needs communities through our school and community programs.
Did You Know...?
FEATURED RESOURCES
Understanding a Crowd’s Predictive Ability | Prediction by the Numbers
Examine a mathematical theory known as the “wisdom of crowds,” which holds that a crowd’s predictive ability is greater than that of an individual, in this video from NOVA: Prediction by the Numbers. Sir Francis Galton documented this phenomenon after witnessing a weight-guessing contest more than a hundred years ago at a fair.
Teach Your Way: September | PBS KIDS
Stay organized this school year using this editable teacher planner from PBS KIDS including:A monthly calendar with timely resources aligned to early learning themes and skills for PreK-2 students.A weekly planning page to schedule tasks and organize day-to-day activities for each of your blocks and/or subject areas.A lesson plan template (aka Idea Sketchpad) to purposefully plan for a lesson using media.
9/11, South Asian Americans & Islamophobia | Asian Americans
After the terrorist attacks, acts of racial profiling, hate crimes, and discrimination were committed against Americans of South Asian, Arab, Muslim and Middle Eastern descent because they were scapegoated for 9/11. Some questioned if they were terrorists or “un-American”, challenging their citizenship and loyalty to the U.S. According to comedian and activist Hari Kondabolu, they were “victimized twice.” First, as Americans, they were victimized by the terrorist attacks; second, they were being blamed by many Americans for the acts of terrorism. Over 500 hate crimes against South Asian Americans were reported during the period immediately after 9/11.
"Getting to Know You" Printables: Teachers, Families, and Students | PBS KIDS
Set the foundation for effective, two-way communication with your students and their families using these "Getting to Know You" printables from PBS KIDS. Use the editable letter template to introduce yourself to your students and families. Get to know your students from their perspectives, using the activity booklet. Send home the questionnaire brochure for families to respond with their insights about their child.
9/11 to today: Ways we have changed
The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 set in motion events that would change the course of life in the U.S. and around the world. In this article is a short list illustrating how much the world has — and has not — changed since 9/11.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
MUHAMMAD ALI RESOURCES
Muhammad Ali | Ken Burns in the Classroom
This eight-hour documentary brings to life one of the most indelible figures of the 20th century, a three-time heavyweight boxing champion who captivated millions of fans across the world with his mesmerizing combination of speed, grace, and power in the ring, and charm and playful boasting outside of it. Ali insisted on being himself unconditionally and became a global icon and inspiration to people everywhere.
Red Bike Moment | Muhammad Ali Center
All of us have memories to reflect upon which reveal insights into how we became who we are today. More often than not these are remembered as brief moments. Muhammad Ali came into being through such a defining moment that it completely changed the course of then twelve-year-old Cassius Clay’s life.
VIDEO RESOURCES
Carl Maxey: A Fighting Life | A Civil Rights Pioneer in the Northwest
Based on the biography by Jim Kershner of the same name, KSPS's Carl Maxey: A Fighting Life is the inspiring life story of a man who changed attitudes about civil and gender rights in Eastern Washington. He was a tireless fighter for racial equality and justice on the state and national level.
Injustice at Home (Full Documentary)
During WWII, almost the entire population of Japanese Americans on the West Coast were forcibly removed from their homes and incarcerated. Their only crime was looking like the enemy. Featuring the inspiring stories of people in our community, this one hour documentary focuses on Japanese Americans during WWII, both inside and outside the evacuation zone; chronicling their struggles and perseverance.
Career Explore Northwest
CareerExploreNW is a community tool designed to help middle and high school students explore college and career pathways through job spotlight videos and an informational website.
Parenting Minutes
KSPS is honored to be one of six PBS stations across the nation selected to participate in a special community project for families: Parenting Minutes. All summer long, in partnership with the Spokane County Library District, NEWESD 101, and Thirteen WNET New York, KSPS will share short videos from the Parenting Minutes series that focus on key topics related to early childhood learning . Each video page contains research-based tips and facts, in English and Spanish, as well as links to more FREE resources and information.
Money Moments with STCU
At every stage of life, money plays an important role. We’ve teamed up with STCU to share how we can all handle these big moments with financial savvy. For more resources and financial tips, check out the link to learn more!
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
PBS LearningMedia
PBS LearningMedia is a digital educational platform that offers thousands of free video and curriculum resources aligned to state and national standards.
KSPS PBS Learning Media Education Collection
This collection features over 100 locally produced video and curriculum resources that support the teaching of history and culture of the Inland Northwest.
Contact Us
Education Director
Bukola Breczinski
bbreczinski@ksps.org
509.443.7748
Education Specialist
Braden Marjerison
bmarjerison@ksps.org
509.443.7735