tips for parents

Television That Teaches

PBS KIDS children’s programs help kids learn social skills. They
also help kids learn reading, writing, and math skills.

1 Build on Your Child’s Curiosity

PBS KIDS children’s programs support children’s curiosity about the
world. Notice which shows, activities, and topics interest your child.
Do an activity from the show together. Read a book or draw pictures
about the show. This sends your child the message that his or her
interests and ideas are worth exploring.

2 Encourage Positive Behavior

Research says that children learn by imitating the people around
them. This includes the people they see on TV. The characters on
PBS KIDS children’s programs set good examples. They act with
respect, kindness, and consideration. They also get excited about
reading and writing, which encourages a love of books.

3 Help Your Child Get Ready for School

The characters in PBS KIDS programs use the skills your child needs to
succeed in the classroom. As you watch shows together, join in with
the rhyming songs and counting games. Talk about what you see and
what your child thinks might happen next. Your child will learn new
words and ideas, and build early reading and math skills.

Visit the
BETWEEN THE LIONS Web site at
pbskids.org/lions. You’ll find
family activities, parent tips,
and stories!

Try This!
Talk about the positive ways
characters on your child’s favorite
shows behave. Ask:
• How is Lionel a good brother
to Leona?
• How do you help your brother
or sister?

BETWEEN THE LIONS is produced by WGBH Boston, Sirius Thinking, Ltd, and Mississippi Public Broadcasting. BETWEEN THE LIONS is funded in part by The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a cooperative agreement from the
U.S. Department of Education’s Ready To Learn grant, and by the Barksdale Reading Institute. National corporate funding is provided by Chick-fil-A. Development of the contents herein was funded in part by the Park
Foundation and the Civil Society Institute. This document was developed in part under a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Department of Education, The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and the Public
Broadcasting Service for the Ready To Learn Initiative, PR#s U295A050003 and U295B050003. However, these contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education and you should not assume
endorsement by the Federal Government. ©2002, 2009 WGBH Educational Foundation and Sirius Thinking Ltd. All rights reserved. BETWEEN THE LIONS, Get Wild About Reading and the BTL characters and related indicia
are trademarks or registered trademarks of WGBH Educational Foundation. All third party trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Funding for the original development of this fact sheet was provided by
the AT&T Family Care Development Fund.