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Hello Friends,

We often refer to PBS LearningMedia as a classroom tool to help students. But did you know there are opportunities for educators to experience and learn new skills too?

WSKG Education partners with PBS LearningMedia to bring out the best of both students and teachers alike. Education professionals can take advantage of free, self-paced courses, categorized by grade levels and disciplines. Looking to brush up on your classroom management skills, new teaching strategies, or deeper dives into specific subject areas? The Professional Development offerings can help, whatever you’re curious about.

These are self-paced, no deadline, and free for teachers and educators to access at anytime throughout the year. Check PBS LearningMedia Professional Development offerings today!

WSKG Education and PBS are able to offer these vital educational resources thanks to the support of our sustaining members. This year, cuts to federal funding for public media and for education have been devastating to our educational mission. If you value everything that WSKG Education has to offer, consider becoming a WSKG sustaining member as part of our current Fall Pledge Drive.

Catch up with Marley Vavra, WSKG's Early Learning Coordinator and some of her popular classroom activities you can do in school or at home.

Loops Lunch Special 🍽️

This month I wanted to highlight one of my favorite activities to bring to libraries across our region! We start off by watching the PBS KIDS show Lyla in the Loop, episode “Every Sand-which Way.” After the episode, kids get to create their own “Loop’s Lunch Special” on paper. Each child starts with an empty plate and chooses from a mix of food cutouts—everything from proteins and veggies to desserts and condiments! The activity sparks creativity, encourages decision-making, and always brings a few laughs (and some fun lunch ideas). It’s a great way to connect what kids see on screen to their own imagination and real-world choices. 🥪

Link to the clip –Every Sand-Which Way

Download Printable Activity

Halloween Mask Craft 🎭

With Halloween right around the corner, this craft is always a hit! I love to kick things off by watching Pinkalicious & Peterrific’s “Pink or Treat” episode — it’s become a yearly favorite for me. After the show, kids get to decorate their own PBS KIDS masks! I usually use the Pinkalicious eye mask template to go along with the episode, but PBS KIDS has a whole page of fun mask printables to choose from. Can you find your favorite character? If you make a mask, we’d love to see it — be sure to tag WSKG Public Media on Facebook! 🎃💗

Link to the clip –Pink or Treat

Download Printable Activity

"The Tell-Tale Heart" | Edgar Allan Poe: Buried Alive | PBS LearningMedia

Explore Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart” with this video from American Masters: Edgar Allan Poe – Buried Alive. Accompanying materials guide students in analyzing the story, exploring Poe’s writing style, and discussing why it remains popular today.

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AI Unlocked: Using AI Responsibly | PBS News Hour | PBS LearningMedia

This lesson introduces students to the ethical use of artificial intelligence. They’ll learn to recognize responsible AI practices and evaluate when using AI is appropriate for their work.

More About This Resource:

Developed by the Poynter Institute’s MediaWise and the Teen Fact-Checking Network in partnership with PBS News Student Reporting Labs, this collection includes videos and lessons that promote critical thinking and digital literacy.

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WSKG Kids at Steele Memorial Library

Fri 24 Oct, 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM: 🎃✨ Join us for a Pinkalicious Halloween at Steele Memorial Library! 💕👻 WSKG Kids is stopping by with a special PBS KIDS storytime and activities that are full of creativity, color, and Halloween fun.

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Trunk or Treat

WSKG Kids presents a FREE Trunk or Treat event. Join us Monday, October 27th from 4:30 - 6:30 PM at 601 Gates Road, Vestal, NY for a spooktacular FREE event! Bring the family to enjoy trunks decorated by local families and organizations who will be handing out candy and treats!

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Weather Hunters - Foggy Trick or Treat Video | PBS KIDS

Corky and Lily go trick-or-treating, but get lost when a sudden fog rolls in. They fight their fear and try to find their way as their parents search for them. When they finally reunite, the family continues their hunt for treats together.

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