PBS KIDS Reveals Work It Out Wombats!

PBS KIDS has unveiled Work It Out Wombats!, a new preschool series that will demonstrate computational thinking.

Produced by GBH Kids and Pipeline Studios, the series centers on Malik, Zadie and Zeke, three marsupial siblings who are always on the lookout for interesting problems to solve. Using the practices, processes and ideas at the core of computer science, the marsupials display a way of thinking that enables young children to express themselves and accomplish tasks.

Work It Out Wombats! is set to premiere on PBS KIDS in early 2023. Games based on the series will launch on the PBS KIDS website and games app in tandem with the series launch, as will resources for parents and caregivers and classroom-ready materials for educators.

The series is being developed as part of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and PBS Ready to Learn initiative, with funding from the U.S. Department of Education.

“Like most preschoolers, Malik, Zadie and Zeke are curious and naturally inclined to explore the world around them,” said Sara DeWitt, senior VP and general manager of PBS KIDS. “We’re excited to bring the wombats and all their fun adventures to kids across the country, inspiring them to work with others to solve problems and tackle challenges.”

“Preschoolers are passionate about achieving their goals, but they don’t always know the best way to go about meeting them,” said Marcy Gunther and Marisa Wolsky, executive producers for GBH Kids.“By using computational thinking, they have a powerful tool kit for self-expression, for building projects and for getting out of messes.”

Luis Lopez, executive producer for Pipeline Studios, added, “Our goal with Work It Out Wombats! is to empower our creative talent and artists to seamlessly blend education and entertainment as they bring the adventures, surprises, mysteries and hilarious mess-ups of the wombats and their friends and neighbors to life.”

“Work It Out Wombats! introduces problem-solving, critical thinking and collaboration to young learners in a fun and age-appropriate way, helping children get excited about learning and laying important groundwork for success in school and life,” said Debra Tica Sanchez, senior VP of educational media and learning experiences at the CPB.