Join members of the Fred Rogers Productions team to learn about Many Ways to Show You Care, a multiplatform content initiative for children ages 2-6, their families, and caregivers. The initiative shows that caregiving is part of a loving family. The project includes documentary shorts, a Fred Rogers-inspired music video, educator lesson plans, and family activities. Now available on pbskids.org, the PBS KIDS for Parents YouTube channel, and PBS LearningMedia, the series is a child-focused companion piece to Caregiving, the general audience primetime PBS documentary, which premiered in June and was produced by Lea Pictures and WETA Washington, D.C., in association with Ark Media.
In the documentary shorts, families will be introduced to three children who take part in helping family members in a variety of ways. Each piece is hosted by beloved PBS KIDS characters, including Daniel Tiger from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Donkey Hodie from Donkey Hodie, and Alma Rivera from Alma’s Way. The characters connect the initiative’s caregiving themes to the intentional and trusted content made by Fred Rogers Productions.
Hear from Ellen Doherty, FRP’s chief creative officer and executive producer of Many Ways to Show You Care, who will provide insight into how this unique initiative began; Margaret Cavalier, producer for the project, who will give context and background to the documentary shorts; Mallory Mbalia, director of learning and education, who will share how the lesson plans and educational materials can be put to use in and outside the classroom; and Brittany Smith, director of community engagement, as she speaks on the caregiving-focused activities developed for kids and families. Featuring a Q&A with panelists and attendees, the session will also provide insight into how Many Ways to Show You Care came to be, how it continues to build on the legacy of Fred Rogers, and more.
Learning Goals / Key Takeaways:
- Hear how the FRP team was inspired to create a joy-filled multiplatform content initiative highlighting caregiving as a natural part of family life in age-appropriate stories.
- Learn about lesson plans for classrooms and informal education spaces along with turn-key resources for families and community engagements.
