PBS Parents Play & Learn

PBS Parents Play & Learn is an interactive app created by PBS to help parents support their children's early learning through engaging, play-based activities. Designed for young children, particularly toddlers and preschoolers, this app offers a wide range of games and activities that encourage literacy, math, science, and social-emotional skills. Each game is crafted with input from early childhood education experts, ensuring that activities are both educational and appropriate for young learners. PBS Parents Play & Learn incorporates beloved PBS Kids characters, making learning enjoyable and familiar for children while providing parents with tools and tips to support learning at home. The app is divided into various themes such as "Grocery Store," "Park," "Restaurant," and "Zoo," each of which focuses on a specific set of skills. Children can engage in activities that teach counting, letter recognition, matching, sorting, and problem-solving, all presented in a colorful, friendly interface. Alongside the games, the app provides suggestions for off-screen activities, helping parents extend learning into everyday life. With built-in tips, tracking tools, and resources, PBS Parents Play & Learn supports a whole-family approach to early childhood education, making it a valuable tool for parents and caregivers.

Download and Install Download PBS Parents Play & Learn from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) to access the app on mobile devices. Open the app once installed to begin setting up your child’s learning experience. Create a Profile Set up a profile for your child by entering their name and age to customize the activities based on their developmental stage. Multiple profiles can be created for families with more than one child, ensuring a tailored learning experience for each child. Explore Themed Learning Areas The app includes various themes, such as "Grocery Store," "Park," "Bath Time," "Zoo," and "Restaurant," each designed to teach specific skills through play. Tap on any theme to explore the related games and activities, which introduce learning concepts in a fun, familiar context. Start with Basic Literacy and Math Games Begin with literacy games that focus on letter recognition, vocabulary, and matching words to pictures, helping kids build a foundation in language skills. Math games cover counting, sorting, patterns, and basic addition, introducing early math concepts in a playful way. Engage in Social-Emotional Learning Activities Use activities like "Feelings at the Park" or "Sharing at the Playground" to help children understand and express emotions, develop empathy, and practice social skills. Social-emotional games encourage positive interactions and help kids learn the importance of cooperation, kindness, and respect. Practice Daily Skills in Real-Life Contexts Each theme includes activities that mirror real-life situations, such as counting groceries, identifying colors in the park, or sorting shapes in the bath. These games reinforce skills that children can use in everyday life, helping them understand how learning connects to their world. Use Parent Tips for Off-Screen Activities The app provides parents with suggestions for related activities that can be done without the app, such as counting items in a real grocery store or practicing shapes with objects at home. These off-screen activities encourage children to apply what they’ve learned in real-world situations, reinforcing skills through hands-on play. Encourage Language Development with Vocabulary Games Vocabulary games introduce new words and phrases, helping children expand their language skills in context. Encourage your child to repeat words and practice saying them aloud, building confidence in their ability to communicate. Explore Science and Nature Themes Themes like "Park" and "Zoo" include activities that teach basic science concepts, such as identifying animals, understanding habitats, and observing weather patterns. These games foster curiosity and introduce children to the natural world, promoting early science exploration. Monitor Progress and Revisit Favorite Activities Track your child’s progress through the app’s built-in progress tracker, which provides insights into completed activities and skills they’re working on. Encourage your child to revisit games they enjoy or areas where they may need more practice, as repetition strengthens learning. Introduce Pattern Recognition and Matching Games Many activities focus on patterns, sequencing, and matching, helping children develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These games improve visual recognition and logical thinking, building foundational math and cognitive skills. Use Counting and Sorting Games to Build Math Skills Counting games let kids practice counting objects, learning numbers, and understanding quantities. Sorting games encourage kids to group objects by color, shape, or size, enhancing categorization and early math skills. Reward Progress with Positive Reinforcement Each completed activity earns children digital rewards, providing positive reinforcement and motivating them to continue learning. Recognizing progress and effort encourages kids to keep exploring new games and learning opportunities. Play Together in Family Mode Engage with the app’s Family Mode, where parents can play along with their child, encouraging interaction and collaborative learning. Family Mode activities allow parents to model skills and reinforce positive behaviors, making screen time more interactive and meaningful. Discover Seasonal and Holiday Themes The app often includes special seasonal or holiday-themed activities that introduce timely concepts, like counting holiday items or identifying seasonal colors. Seasonal themes add variety and keep the learning experience fresh, helping kids connect their learning with real-world events. Encourage Language and Storytelling Use language activities that involve storytelling or sequencing to help children practice structuring sentences and communicating ideas. Encourage kids to talk about the stories they see in the games, helping them develop comprehension and narrative skills. Access the Parent Resource Center for Tips and Ideas The app’s Parent Resource Center provides articles, tips, and activity suggestions that offer ways to support early learning beyond the app. Resources cover a range of topics, from literacy and math to social skills, making it easy to incorporate educational moments into everyday routines. Set Daily Learning Goals Set daily goals, such as completing two games or practicing counting for a few minutes each day, to establish a regular learning routine. These goals help children build consistency in learning and make progress in small, manageable steps. Encourage Free Play and Exploration Let your child freely explore the themes and activities, choosing games that interest them and following their curiosity. Free play allows kids to engage at their own pace, developing a positive attitude toward learning through discovery. Celebrate Learning Achievements and Milestones Celebrate each completed theme or new skill to keep motivation high and help your child feel proud of their progress. Simple praise or small rewards create a positive association with learning, building confidence as children continue to grow.