Kids & Education
Vermont Public continues our partnership with Vermont Agency of Education and Vermont Department of Libraries to meet the anywhere, anytime educational, social and emotional needs of Vermont children.
Latest Recommendations
For June - Cathy recommends...
"Looking for some educational family fun this summer — and a chance to win a free trip to Washington, D.C.? Help the kids in your life take the Good Citizen Challenge. This nonpartisan civics activity rewards participants for learning about their communities, keeping up with local news and helping others. Organized by Seven Days and its parenting publication Kids VT — with help from the Vermont Historical Society, Vermont Public Radio and Vermont PBS — the Challenge is open to all K-12 students. Participants must complete five activities in a row on the bingo-like Challenge scorecard. All who do get a Good Citizen sticker and patch and an invitation to a VIP reception at the Vermont State House this fall. They will also be entered into a drawing for a free trip to Washington, D.C.! Find more information and download the scorecard at goodcitizenvt.com."
Cathy Resmer, Deputy Publisher
Seven Days
Learn more about your community, country and world by doing the Good Citizen Challenge.
Vermont PBS and Agency of Education recommend
- Molly of Denali: Indigenous Cultural and Informational Text
- PBSLM: Creating a Caring Classroom Community
- PBSLM: Expanding the Narrative Using Media: A Planning Kit (All Grades).
- PBSLM: Find new SEL resources for your classroom (English/Spanish) with Alma’s Way (PreK-Grade 2)
- PBSLM: Media Literacy – Teaching Students to Critically Analyze Media: Empowering Young Media Consumers and Creators
For more info, contact:
- Emily Leute (AOE) at emily.leute@vermont.gov
- Heather Duhamel (PBS) at hduhamel@vermontpbs.org
Summer of Possibilities!
Support parents and caregivers this summer with curated resources they can use to spark everyday moments of learning and fun. Resources available through WIFI, interactive, or as printable resources included and noted.
The summer hub on PBS KIDS for Parents offers DIY activities, printables, games, and playtime suggestions; the summer collection on PBS LearningMedia offers PreK-5th grade teachers adaptable project ideas, fun science experiments, and a wide-range of “anytime” activities. Middle and High School Collections noted. Vermont flavor and connections here too!
Tools to Help You and Your Students Cope in Difficult Times
PBS Teacher Lounge The 3 R’s for Teacher Self Care: Reflect, Release, Recharge - Article
Difficult Times & Tough Talks - PBS LearningMedia Collection
Meet the Helpers - (Videos) Crisis Tips for Families and Caregivers
Just for Teachers!
As the nation navigates the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this film, A Trusted Space, and curriculum offers tools to mitigate the effects of grief, trauma, anxiety, and other emotional stressors affecting both students and teachers.
PreK-Grade 2
Social Emotional Learning
NEW Donkey Hodie (English/Spanish/WIFI or Print to Send Home)
- PBSLM Collection: Donkey Hodie
- Video & Activity Bundles (WIFI, Print to Send Home): Conversation Starters
- Summer fun: Web-based Games! Froyo Stand and Art Pals
- Crafts (Print to Send Home): Character Puppets
Storytelling Packet – BINGO, games, and more (Print to Send Home)
Find more at Summer Camp
Curiosity & Wonder
But Why Podcast – “Are Llamas Ticklish? And Other Silly Questions”
- Listen (WIFI/19 minutes)
- Learning Guide (PDF, Download, Print to Send Home)
Between the Lions Poem: Doggy Days and others (:40 seconds)
Summer of Possibilities Activity Book (PDF, Download)
Poetry and Music
Seasons of Change Poem: Seya’s Song (Interactive/WIFI)
In this online book from the International Children's Digital Library, a young American Indian describes the natural surroundings and activities of the S'Klallam, or Clallam, people through the seasons of the year. The book includes a glossary of S'Klallam words.
Lanston Hughs Jazz Poetry (Video/WIFI/Discussion)
Music and Pitch: STEAM Camp (Video/WIFI/Discussion)
A look ahead to summer: Come back in June to find local Vermont connections from VPR (on-air/online) who will share more about kid composers from Music-Comp!
Middle School
Storytelling and Poetry
PBSLM Summer of Learning Collection
- Reading, Writing, and Storytelling (WIFI/Download)
- NEW Virtual Tours (WIFI)
Poetry Everywhere Connection
- Essays, Videos, & Poetry Readings (WIFI/Download)
Vermont Connection! Clemmons Family Farm Storytelling Room (WIFI)
High School
Poetry and Story Science
PBSLM Poetry in America Collection
- Video and Printable Activities (WIFI, Teacher Resource Download)
- Opportunities, Full Episodes, and Events
Vermont Connection! Brave Little State Podcast How has the geology of Vermont affected its character?
Ukrainian War
Ukrainian War - appropriate for grades PreK, K and Grades 1-5
But Why Podcast - Why is Russia Invading Ukraine?
Download our learning guides: PDF|Google Slide|Transcript
How to talk to kids about war