PBS goes virtual with a wonderful world for preschoolers
PBS goes virtual with a wonderful new world for preschoolers
Long respected for high quality childrens television, PBS has taken those same high standards and applied them to a new virtual world for your preschoolers.
PBS Kids Play has all your kids’ old favorites as well as lots of new fun and educational activites.
What Can Kids Do Here?
Kids start out in their Home Room where they meet Dash, a very kid-friendly virtual mascot who’s there to provide help. Next they set out to explore new neigborhoods like Mama Mirabelle’s Home Movies, Curious George, The Bernstein Bears, and Mister Rogers Neighborhood.
But there’s more to do here than just explore.
- There are games that grow in difficulty as kids master each new level and skill set…and game winners can even claim a reward and store it in their very own Treasure Chest.
- There’s a fab art room where your kids’ projects are automatically saved and displayed on their Home Room walls.
- If your little one wants a break, there is an entire library of commercial-free videos.
Cool Tools for Parents
PBS hasn’t forgotten parents. The parent’s section allows you to track your child’s individual progress, get recommendations about what activities will take them to the the next level of development in math, science, language, literacy, creativity, healthy development, and social studies. And if that’s not enough, the PBS folks also included a timer you can set so you control the amount of screen time. Even with the computer off, there’s tons of stuff to print out extending the PBS experience to the car or your own kitchen table.
Fee for “Freshness”
Because the site is personalized to each child and fresh content is added weekly, PBS Kids Play charges a fee of $9.95 per month or $79 per year which is funneled back into PBS kids programming. Members of local PBS stations may be eligible for discounts (check your local station). If you’re not sure you want to buy, there’s a free 15-day trial available which expires automatically so there’s no need to give your credit card information.
Quick Clicks
- Parents can access progress reports showing the skills kids have mastered
- There’s no direct interaction between kids…so that’s a safety feature parent’s should feel comfortable with
- A flash player on your computer may be required for resolutions higher than 1024 x 768
- Up to four kids can create separate profiles on one account–great for big families
Take a Video Tour
PBS Kids Sneak Peek
Ready to Get Started?
PBS Kids Play
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