Loss of educational progress during the summer can be minimized by watching and participating in public television series designed to teach children out of school. Three series, Reading Rainbow, 3-2-1 Contact, and Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, are discussed. (MT)

Four reproducible pages containing activities to help children understand the effect of television, to question what they watch, to study how they use television, and to explore aural and visual awareness. (MT)

Since 1996, the "Arthur" program on the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) has featured stories about the challenges of childhood for children ages 3 through 8, illustrating problem-solving and communication skills as well as the importance of self-respect and respect for others. This booklet provides creative ideas for ways to incorporate…

This book is a programming resource guide that uses the appeal and popularity of the "Arthur" Public Broadcasting System program characters Arthur, his sister D.W., and their family and friends to encourage children to come to the library, learn about its resources, discover new books and authors, and feel comfortable using all the…

This guide offers beginning reading activities for kindergarten and first grade students for classroom or home use, based on the "Arthur" books and the Public Broadcasting System program. Incorporating both whole-language and phonetic techniques, the activities are organized into four general themes: (1) "All about Arthur"; (2)…

Noting that helping children deal with the ups and downs of friendship is one of the challenges parents face, this activity booklet provides a read-aloud story for parents to share with their children to help them deal with friendship and peer relationships. The story features the Public Broadcasting System characters Arthur and his sister D.W.,…

The manual describes a variety of media approaches in the United States, Hong Kong, India, and Pakistan to changing attitudes toward the disabled. Four principles of media communications are stressed: (1) children's television is an important vehicle for changing attitudes; (2) it is vital to know the audience; (3) active participation by the…

Describing community cable as television's best chance at zeroing in on the needs and interests of a specific local audience, as well as a fertile environment for breeding a new variety of children's television, this handbook discusses the potential of and issues and factors involved in local programming. Topics addressed are why community cable…

Most children spend more time with media than in school and much more time with media than in meaningful conversation with their parents. Recent research demonstrates how the media act as powerful influences on children's development--on their behaviors, attitudes, language, and values--from the earliest ages. This booklet is intended to help…

When there is something we want to know, we usually ask experts, but rarely do we ask children about their own childhood. This paper looks at children's perceptions and responses in relation to programming on children's television. Topics include: (1) what are children's programs?; (2) when do children become adults?; (3) criteria for quality; (4)…

Adapted from a series of 20 monthly columns which originally appeared in Highlights for Children, Inc.'s "Newsletter of Parenting," the material in this booklet explores: (1) ways in which television influences viewers; (2) what television teaches; and (3) some positive aspects of television. It also suggests activities for parents which…

Many experts agree that high-quality television can be an excellent supplement to active learning in the classroom and at home. This guide contains activities for children ages 3 to 6, each activity incorporating a theme or topic related to an episode of "Arthur," a Public Broadcasting System program for young children. Many of the…

Noting that starting school is a major milestone for young children as well as for their parents, this activity booklet provides a read-aloud story for parents to share with their children to help them feel confident and comfortable in school. The story features the Public Broadcasting System characters Arthur and his sister D.W., and includes…

Noting that sibling conflict, although common, can be stressful to family members, this activity booklet is designed as a resource for families to help children learn how to work out their arguments and enjoy each other's company. The activity booklet provides a read-aloud story for parents to share with their children featuring the Public…

This resource booklet addresses adults' concerns about developing appropriate responses to "superhero play" among young children. In order for adults to successfully change patterns of superhero play, it is suggested that they first become familiar with superhero programs and understand the basis of their appeal. The issue discusses…