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Community celebrates the first birthday of WKAR Family and the PBS KIDS 24/7 channel!

On Saturday, January 27 nearly 800 children, parents and families celebrated the first birthday of WKAR Family and the PBS KIDS 24/7 channel at PBS KIDS Day at WKAR!

There were many special guests who helped bring in the fun, including Sparty, Laura Sams and Robert Sams from “Get Your Feet Wet LIVE”, Splash and Bubbles, Curious Crew and host Dr. Rob Stephenson, our sponsors and various community organizations.

“We are ecstatic with the turnout for PBS KIDS Day at WKAR,” said Susi Elkins, WKAR director of broadcasting and general manager. “Thanks to our sponsors and all the various community organizations that participated, families were able to not only have fun but also receive valuable information on local resources involving education and health.”

Dad and daughter taking a picture with owl.
Credit Amanda Pinckney / WKAR-MSU
/
WKAR-MSU

The open house and party featured many fun activities and games for kids to partake in. Many enjoyed taking pictures with Potter Park Zoo’s owl, exploring the impression table with Impression 5, or reading books with the Capital Area District Library.

“PBS KIDS Day is an absolutely exceptional endeavor in supporting families and children throughout our region,” said Robin Pizzo, WKAR director of education.

Kids also participated in MSU’s Department of Kinesiology’s obstacle course , baby treadmill, and tummy time, and, posed for a picture with Sparty, Splash and Bubbles!

“PBS KIDS Day at WKAR was so much fun,” said Julie Sochay, WKAR content and community engagement manager. “We loved celebrating this special day with so many of our local families, friends, teachers, and partners. Thank you to all those who joined us!”

splash and bubble with two girls holding WKAR signs
Credit Amanda Pinckney / WKAR-MSU
/
WKAR-MSU

In addition to the activities, WKAR presented a video of the Playtime Pad Research Project, a collaboration with WKAR, MSU's College of Communication Arts and SciencesPBS KIDSMSU's College of Education, and the Lansing School District. The project explores the effectiveness of tablet-based learning in early childhood math literacy, while providing access to the latest digital learning tools for students, teachers and parents.

“The data collected from student usage will better inform how technology can increase math proficiency,” said Pizzo on the significance of the Playtime Pad Research Project. “This is powerful when we look to increase student achievement at an early age and improve educational outcomes in the STEM fields.”

WKAR would like to thank those who celebrated the special day and looks forward to providing another year of fun and educational content.

For more pictures of the event please visit WKAR's Facebookand Flickrpages.

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