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, friendship skills, and enhancing students’ love for books and reading. PBS Reno has two Reading Buddies programs: Martha Speaks and Arthur.
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.
A 10-session 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-session curriculum that explores five topics — empathy, honesty, forgiveness, generosity, and mindfulness. In addition to these friendship 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 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.