TVKIDS
PBS KIDS has unveiled its upcoming slate of new and returning series, including the launch of Skillsville on March 3.
Skillsville, created by Twin Cities PBS (TPT), centers on three best friends who love to play together on the playground and in their favorite digital game. In the game, they work together and learn useful strategies to complete challenges and earn career-related badges before returning to the real world to put their skills to use.
Skillsville will launch on PBS KIDS in English and Spanish on March 3.
“Games aren’t just fun; they can also provide learning-rich opportunities for kids–letting them make mistakes, experiment through trial and error, pursue their goals and remain persistent,” said Sara DeWitt, senior VP and general manager of PBS KIDS. “Skillsville will encourage kids to explore these fundamental skills in a variety of relatable situations, which will support them in building a strong foundation for achieving success in school, in the future career path they choose, and in life.”
“Skillsville uses something kids already love—gaming—to help them practice essential life skills that can shape their future,” said Carol-Lynn Parente, executive producer and co-creator at TPT. “Our goal is to empower young viewers with simple, effective self-regulation strategies as the tools they can use to overcome challenges and pursue their dreams. By combining the fun of career exploration with practical skills like pausing to think, planning, organizing and persevering through setbacks, Skillsville inspires kids to see themselves as problem-solvers and change-makers who can lean on their unique strengths to help their community.”
Work It Out Wombats will be returning on March 17 with five new episodes. From GBH and Pipeline Studios, the series features a playful trio of marsupial siblings who help preschoolers solve meaningful problems, learn flexible thinking and how to express themselves while exploring key computer science concepts. Season two of the Work It Out Wombats! podcast launches on March 20.
Also, the new series Mystery League, from Arkansas PBS, will premiere on March 21. The series follows three detectives in the fifth grade who solve mysteries in their school and around their small town, discovering the meaning of friendship and power of community along the way. It explores concepts behind civics, economics and leadership. Each episode includes an animated musical interstitial.
Lyla in the Loop returned with four new episodes on February 3, and Pinkalicious * Peterrific debuted three new episodes on February 10.
