Age-appropriate Media
Choose trustworthy content that matches your child's age and development. Refer to reviews to help you select positive, kid-friendly media.
Media STEPs for Families
Follow MPT's Media STEPs and use trusted media to inspire learning at home. From outdoor fun and nature discoveries to conversation starters and activity guides, you will discover ways to play and learn with your children using hands-on activities and free digital content featuring your favorite PBS KIDS characters.
The resources below make it easier to manage the impact and influence media has on children as they learn and grow. Check back often for theme-based resources updated seasonally.
SELECT | TALK | EXPLORE | PLAY
Select
Find tips for choosing media to support early learning at home.
Learning Goals
Use these charts to select high-quality content and support early learning from science and literacy, to social skills and critical thinking.
» Learning Goals for PBS KIDS Apps
Healthy Media Habits
Find tips on how to start early and guide your family’s media habits towards mindful and responsible use of digital media.
» Digital Literacy - Raising Media Savvy Kids
» Kids and Media (English/Español)
» Parents of Young Children: Why Your Screen Time Matters, Too
Talk
Find quick tips for conversation starters to boost learning with your kids.
Active Viewing
Join the fun! Watch a favorite PBS KIDS show with your child. Co-viewing helps kids understand and think about what they see and learn.
» Early Learners Guide to Active Viewing and Engaged Learning
Family Media Plan
Build healthy media habits as a family. Together, you can make a plan to balance screen-free time and family time.
Conversation Starters
Make screen time an active learning time by asking your child questions and making connections to their real-world experiences.
» PBS KIDS Shows Conversation Guide
» Let’s Talk and Let’s Do Activity Starters | Elinor Wonders Why!
» Let’s Talk and Let’s Do Social Studies Activity Starters | Let’s Go Luna!
Explore
Find quick tips and fun learning games, activities and podcasts based on PBS KIDS programs.
Outdoor Fun
Spark curiosity and promote creativity while exploring outdoors with your children. The resources pair PBS KIDS videos, apps and games with nature-based learning activities.
» Best Free Apps That Take Kids from “Screen” to “Green”
PBS KIDS Apps and Games
Guide family learning at home using PBS KIDS digital games and videos. Make learning safe and fun with educational games from your favorite PBS KIDS shows.
Podcasts for Families
Get the whole family listening and learning with entertaining podcasts. Go on an audio adventure to explore career paths, practice computational thinking, and so much more!
» Listening to Podcasts Together Helps Children Learn
Play
Find tips for playful learning activities that are fun for the whole family.
Play and Learn Together
Discover the power of shared play with your family. Create meaningful moments that nurture your child’s growth and development.
» Play and Learn With Off-Screen Activities from PBS KIDS
Family Fun
Explore activities to do at home that are fun for the whole family, from crafts and experiments, to coloring pages and tasty recipes.
Make Time to Read
Have fun reading together as a family. Use the book collections and read-alouds to connect with your child and inspire a love for reading.