The Learning Triangle
Watch, Do & Read
PBS 45 & 49 encourage you to use "The Learning Triangle" when you watch our children's shows with your preschoolers. After you WATCH a program, try to DO a related hands-on activity and then READ a related book.
Constructive Beginnings
Play, building, creating and imagining are all wonderful skills that children have. We, as adults, need to foster these interests by letting children explore with new tools and materials. Children are fascinated with real-life objects that we use in our daily lives; however, sometimes the items they want to explore may not be safe for them. The following Learning Triangle activities offer some alternatives to the “not-so-safe” originals.
Watch
Bob the Builder
Saturdays at 7:30 am; Sundays at 7 am
This animated series is aimed at preschoolers ages 2 to 5 years. Each episode follows the adventures of Bob and his machines: Scoop the leader/digger, Muck the digger/dumper, Dizzy the cement mixer, Lofty the crane and Roley the steamroller. Bob’s business partner, Wendy, and Pilchard the cat also help out in the builder’s yard. Other characters include Farmer Pickles, Travis and the naughty scarecrow Spud — who is always up to mischief.
The Berenstain Bears, The Big Road Race
Monday, Jan. 24 at 1:30 pm
Brother and his pals decide to join forces and build a car for the upcoming go-cart race.
Barney & Friends, BJ’s Really Cool House
Wednesday, Jan. 26 at 6:30 pm; Thursday, Jan. 27 at 11:30 am
The children learn that there are many types of homes and understand that homes may be made from many materials.
Barney & Friends, I’m a Builder
Tuesday, Feb. 8 at 6:30 pm; Wednesday, Feb. 9 at 11:30 am
Barney and the children are inspired to work together as a team and build a castle after watching construction vehicles at a construction site.
Do
Hammering “Nails”
Materials:
Foam tray
Wooden spoon
Golf tees
Children can practice hammering “nails” by pounding golf tees into a simple foam tray.
Tools for Beginners
Materials:
Needle-nose pliers
Tweezers
Tongs (large and small)
Children can use these items as beginning tools. Have the children use large tongs to transfer small items from one bowl to another. You can then gradually move to having them use smaller tongs and tweezers. This is great for developing fine (small) motor skills.
Shoe Box Town
Materials:
Shoe boxes
Craft items
Blocks Help your children decorate several different shoe boxes, which can represent different buildings in a town. You can use blocks as roads and tunnels. Have the children think of other household items they could use in their town.
From the Barney “Watch , Play, and Learn” Activity Guide
Read
How a House Is Built By Gail Gibbons
Building a House By Byron Barton
Construction Zone By Tana Hoban
Tools By Ann Morris
The Learning Triangle is written by Bree Silski, PBS 45 & 49’s Ready To Learn Coordinator
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