POINTERS FOR PARENTS Preschoolers Explore Cultures, Learn Through Music

(NAPSI)-As the number of children in the United States exposed to both Spanish and English continues to increase, there is a growing need for children’s media that communicates using both Spanish and English. To address this need, the leading provider of educational children’s media is increasing the amount of Spanish words and phrases in its preschool destination. To kick off its third season, PBS KIDS preschool destination introduces Miss Rosa, played by teacher and actress Jennifer Peña, to encourage children to discover new experiences by presenting Spanish words and phrases. Miss Rosa’s daily lessons are featured in-between the No.1 preschool series “Curious George,” “Super Why!,” “Dragon Tales” and “Clifford the Big Red Dog” (check local listings). In addition, to get children up and moving and introduce a new way to learn, Mr. Steve, played by award-winning children’s recording artist Steve Roslonek, performs new original music that ties into the day’s curriculum theme. The interactive songs invite kids to sing and dance along and tap into a variety of age-appropriate topics including transportation, rhyming and counting. “The new season of the PBS KIDS preschool destination is designed to encourage children’s curiosity about the world around them by providing an interactive and contemporary environment with new people and cultures,” says Lesli Rotenberg, SVP Children’s Media, PBS. “With the addition of a Spanish teacher and a music teacher, we’re offering all children the opportunity to benefit from an enriching and diverse preschool experience.” To round out the new season, a new on-air segment with PBS KIDS icon Dash highlights a series of online “minigames” at pbskids.org that reveals Dash’s Secret Treasure. The games were developed to provide short learning moments that emphasize age-appropriate content such as shapes and literacy skills. Building upon PBS’ legacy of quality children’s programming, the PBS KIDS preschool destination is one more place families can turn to for resources, role models and activities to help kids develop the skills they need for success in school and in life. Photo credit: Sasha Nialla Jennifer Peña as Miss Rosa encourages children to explore new cultures and experiences.

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