Arkansas PBS > Engage > Pressroom > AETN to celebrate National Summer Learning Day July 14 with events, programming, resources
Posted 14 Jul 2016
The Arkansas Educational Television Network will celebrate National Summer Learning Day Thursday, July 14, with special programming and events.
Summer Learning Day encourages kids and families to explore, play and learn throughout the summer, helping to prevent the 'summer slide' in which children lose academic skills during the extended break from school.
AETN, the Arkansas Out of School Network and the Arkansas Campaign for Grade-Level Reading will celebrate the day in Conway, Thursday, July 14, to recognize Choosing to Excel, led by Thelma Moten, as a Summer Learning Bright Spot. Choosing to Excel offers innovative summer learning activities and opportunities that keep kids on track during the summer and all year long. The event will feature the work of the children who have been participating this summer, STEM activities for kids and resources for parents. The event will be held at the Conway Ministry Center, 766 Harkrider Street, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Special guests include Conway Mayor Tab Townsell, Conway Schools Superintendent Dr. Greg Murry, and Sen. Jason Rapert.
Special programming for Summer Learning Day includes:
In addition to programming, HarperCollins Publishers’ 'I Can Read!' Books and PBS KIDS have partnered to offer free reading party kits to help families host 'I Can Readathon!' at-home events. Materials include an 'I Can Read!' activity booklet, reading logs, activity pages, certificates and more that can be downloaded at icanread.com. Parents and educators can win an 'I Can Readathon' party kit from AETN through the network’s Facebook page (facebook.com/aetntv) during July.
AETN is offering PBS KIDS educational resources to help families in Arkansas close the gaps in summer learning and overall achievement. Summer activities, reading charts, coloring sheets and other materials featuring favorite PBS KIDS characters are available at aetn.org/kids.
Extended learning ideas, child development tracking and recommended games and activities for parents and caregivers are available for free at pbskids.org/learn. PBS KIDS also offers a variety of free apps for parents and kids that support summer learning and exploration, including the new PBS KIDS Games app. Information is available at pbskids.org/apps. PBS KIDS programming and content is available for free on the PBS KIDS Video App, which can be downloaded from iTunes, Google Play and Amazon.
Parents, educators and camp counselors are invited to explore Camp PBS LearningMedia, which features curriculum-based, exploratory resources and educational activities for kids. Additional information is available at pbslearningmedia.org.
PBS KIDS, the number one educational media brand for kids, offers all children the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, digital platforms and community-based programs. Kidscreen- and Webby Award-winning pbskids.org provides engaging interactive content, including digital games and streaming video. PBS KIDS also offers mobile apps to help support young children’s learning.
The Arkansas Educational Television Network is Arkansas’s statewide public television network that enhances lives by providing lifelong learning opportunities for people from all walks of life. AETN delivers local, award-winning productions and classic, trusted PBS programs aimed at sharing Arkansas and the world with viewers. AETN depends on the generosity of Arkansans and the State of Arkansas to continue offering quality programming. Additional information is available at aetn.org. AETN is broadcast on KETS (Little Rock), KEMV (Mountain View), KETG (Arkadelphia), KAFT (Fayetteville), KTEJ (Jonesboro) and KETZ (El Dorado).