Why PBS Kids Stands Apart
Not all children's television is created equal. PBS Kids has long distinguished itself by placing educational research at the center of its content development. Every program on PBS Kids is developed with guidance from child development experts, educators, and researchers — and each must meet specific learning objectives before it airs.
This is a direct result of public broadcasting's mission: to serve children's educational needs, not just to entertain them.
How PBS Kids Programs Are Developed
The development process for a PBS Kids show typically involves:
- Identifying a learning goal — Whether it's early literacy, math concepts, social-emotional skills, or science curiosity, each show is built around a defined educational purpose.
- Consulting experts — Child psychologists, curriculum specialists, and teachers review scripts and concepts.
- Formative research — Pilot episodes are tested with actual children to measure comprehension and engagement.
- Summative evaluation — After broadcast, independent researchers assess whether the program meets its stated learning goals.
Shows like Sesame Street (historically), Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, Curious George, and Molly of Denali are all products of this rigorous process.
Learning Areas Covered by PBS Kids Programming
- Early Literacy & Language: Phonics, vocabulary, storytelling comprehension
- Mathematics: Counting, patterns, shapes, problem-solving
- Science & Engineering: Curiosity, observation, basic scientific thinking
- Social-Emotional Learning: Managing emotions, empathy, conflict resolution
- Cultural Awareness: Diverse characters and settings that reflect America's communities
Digital Resources Beyond the Screen
PBS Kids extends far beyond broadcast television. The PBS Kids website and app offer:
- Free educational games tied to specific shows and learning goals
- Activity ideas and printables for parents
- A dedicated PBS Kids for Parents section with child development articles
- A teacher resources hub aligned to Common Core and state standards
These resources are entirely free, making them especially valuable for families and schools with limited budgets.
Using PBS Kids in the Classroom
Teachers have long used PBS Kids content as a classroom supplement. Here are some practical ways educators can integrate it:
- Video clips as lesson starters: Short clips from Wild Kratts or SciGirls can spark curiosity before a science lesson.
- Interactive games as learning stations: Math games from Peg + Cat or Odd Squad work well in rotation stations.
- Discussion prompts: Episodes of Arthur or Daniel Tiger provide excellent social-emotional learning discussion starters.
- Parent communication: Share PBS Kids resources in newsletters to extend learning at home.
Media Literacy: Teaching Kids to Think Critically About What They Watch
Beyond the content itself, PBS Kids programming can be a gateway to broader media literacy education. Even young children can learn to ask questions like: Who made this? What are they trying to tell me? Is this real or pretend?
PBS LearningMedia, the companion platform for older students and educators, builds on these foundations with documentary clips, primary sources, and lesson plans designed to develop critical media consumers at every grade level.
The Bottom Line for Parents and Educators
PBS Kids represents one of the best free educational media resources available in the United States. Its research-backed approach, free digital extensions, and curriculum-aligned teacher tools make it a valuable asset for any home or classroom — especially for families who may not have access to paid educational platforms.