The PBS Reno Reading Buddies program is a way to increase vocabulary, reading comprehension, writing, and instill confidence and leadership skills in our local students while developing self-esteem, social-emotional skills, and enhancing students’ love for books and reading. PBS Reno has two Reading Buddies programs: Martha Speaks and Arthur SEL (social-emotional learning).
Both Reading Buddies programs pair younger elementary students (Kindergarten-2nd graders) with older elementary students (3rd-5th graders) to meet one-on-one for several weeks. Each session introduces new vocabulary words and then reinforces them as the buddy pairs watch a selected PBS KIDS® episode, work collaboratively to read books, play games, and participate in hands-on activities. Students learn to listen for and utilize the new vocabulary words of the day during each segment of the lesson. At the end of the Reading Buddies program, PBS Reno honors participants with a new book to take home to add to their home libraries.
A 10-week program based on the children’s book series, which stars Martha, a beloved family dog, who accidentally is fed alphabet soup that gives her the power to talk and speak her mind to anyone willing to listen.
A 5-week curriculum that explores five topics — empathy, honesty, forgiveness, generosity, and mindfulness. In addition to these social- emotional skills, the program focuses on reading, writing, and buddy friendships. Arthur (an aardvark) is a PBS KIDS show also based on children’s books.
A local contest designed to promote the advancement of literacy skills through hands-on learning with children in grades K-3 submitting original stories.
PBS KIDS for Parents | Literacy Resources
PBS KIDS for Parents resources and activities to help children learn and grow their language and literacy skills.
PBS Reno and PBS have free, standards-aligned resources for all teachers that utilizes high-quality content to help transform learning.