To further its mission of providing high-quality programming that entertains, educates and enriches the lives of America's children, PBS Kids and Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind "Sesame Street," kick off Happy Healthy Summer on the PBS Kids block of programs beginning June 20 on WPSX-TV. "Sesame Street's" Grover is the host of the summerlong multimedia campaign to inspire kids to make healthy choices early in life.
WPSX-TV's PBS Kids programming is broadcast from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 7 to 9 a.m. Saturdays and from 6 to 9 a.m. Sundays. For specific program times, visit http://www.wpsx.org
"PBS Kids understands the importance of proper nutrition and physical activity as part of a child's healthy development, and for more than 35 years, our children's programs have set out to provide a positive, engaging environment where kids can grow and learn from their favorite characters and role models," said Linda Simensky, senior director, PBS Kids programming. "From children's to primetime programming, PBS is committed to providing the learning tools necessary to help address many of today's health concerns facing America's families."
On Monday, June 20, the programs on the WPSX children's schedule will feature content to inspire kids to build healthy habits. Each week throughout the summer, episodes from "Sesame Street," "Dragon Tales," "Clifford the Big Red Dog" and "Barney," among others, will encourage kids to eat right, exercise and take regular trips to the dentist and doctor. Grover and various clips from "Sesame Street's" 36th season featuring the Muppets also will offer healthy tips and advice for kids.
The PBS Kids Web site (http://pbskids.org) will feature healthy recipes and games about hygiene, nutrition, movement and sports. For example, kids can help Cookie Monster and Grover choose a balanced variety of fruits and vegetables at the grocery story in "Color Me Hungry" (http://pbskids.org/sesame online.) Activities on http://pbskids.org/healthysummer will change weekly to coincide with the weekly episode themes.
On the PBS Parents Web site (http://pbsparents.org), the "Expert Q&A" series will host Rosemarie Truglio, vice president of research and education, Sesame Workshop, for an online dialogue with parents. As part of the "Issues and Advice" section on the PBS Parents Web site, Jane Park, senior curriculum specialist and health adviser to Sesame Workshop's Healthy Habits for Life curriculum, offers an insightful article on encouraging healthy eating habits, even among the pickiest eaters.
According to a 2004 Harris Interactive study, PBS Kids is the only kids' television brand to achieve "world-class" brand status among parents, receiving the highest quality score for all children's television brands measured among U.S. parents with children ages 2-11.
With additional PBS resources to complement its programming, including PBS TeacherSource, PBS Ready To Learn services and literacy events across the country, PBS Kids is providing the tools necessary for positive child development. WPSX-TV serves 29 counties in Pennsylvania and southern New York with informational and educational programming.