Mrs. Pizzo's Workshop

WKAR Director of Education Robin Pizzo
Credit LWP

These are challenging times in Michigan for families with school-aged children at home and for educators.

WKAR is here for you, with trusted resources from PBS, PBS Kids, and WKAR Family.

I hope you'll follow this page for WKAR At-Home Learning updates, answers to Frequently Asked Questions, and more.

For starters, here are some links I recommend:

Do you have a question that you'd like me to address here at Mrs. Pizzo's Workshop? Please send it to me at Robin@wkar.org. I can't guarantee I'll be able to respond to all questions, but I will do my best.

Stay well,

"Mrs. Pizzo"
Robin M. Pizzo, M.Ed.
Director of Education
WKAR Public Media
Robin@wkar.org

Ways to Connect

How do I help my child connect to other cultures and promote cultural competency in my home?

By • Aug 11, 2020

From Mrs. Pizzo's Workshop

Supporting cultural competence is a wonderful aspect of embracing diversity, empathy and inclusion. 

Are there any new programs we can enjoy with our children?

By • Aug 4, 2020

From Mrs. Pizzo's Workshop 

I love this question because I love that WKAR’s programming emphasizes high-quality content with shows from PBS KIDS, NOVA, and even Sesame Street.  Each promote the benefits of co-viewing defined as parent and child viewing multi-media together.

I'm feeling down in these uncertain times because I can't plan like I used to. Any suggestions?

By • Jul 28, 2020

From Mrs. Pizzo's Workshop

Okay, in full disclosure -- this is my own question. I asked it to force myself to reflect on what I'm feeling and relate to what I am hearing from other parents. When lack of planning angst feels overwhelming, take a deep breath and focus on what you can plan.

Educators seem to place a strong focus on reading for early learners. Is writing as important?

By • Jul 21, 2020

From Mrs. Pizzo's Workshop

Absolutely. Writing is just as important and should occur simultaneously with reading development. There is no competition here.

What are some high-interest topics for children preK through grade 3?

By • Jul 14, 2020

From Mrs. Pizzo's Workshop

PreK through third graders love learning, which means you can't go wrong when it comes to high-interest engagement with most subject areas. However, here are my top 3 topics that always bring children back for more exploration and information.

How do I help my child communicate?

By • Jul 7, 2020

From Mrs. Pizzo's Workshop

Talk, talk, talk! Communication Skills can be developed by talking even when your children are too young to talk back.

How do I help my children select the appropriate book level to read?

By • Jun 30, 2020

From Mrs. Pizzo's Workshop

Reading the appropriate book level is important aspect of developing proficient, independent readers. One of the simplest ways to know if a book is "just right" at any age level is by using the 5 Finger Rule. 

What is a simple way to promote learning all summer long?

By • Jun 23, 2020

From Mrs. Pizzo's Workshop

A: To keep learning simple and easy, model wonderment of the world around us.

How can I help prepare my child for school when it reopens?

By • Jun 16, 2020

From Mrs. Pizzo's Workshop

A: This is a loaded question and could take a dissertation to answer effectively. Therefore, let's focus on the number one request I receive from teachers regarding school readiness. Teachers often request support with social emotional development skills. These skills include self-regulation, cooperation and effective communication.

Now that it's summer, can I take a break from helping my child with their education?

By • Jun 9, 2020

From Mrs. Pizzo's Workshop

A: It is appropriate to take a rest from the structure of schooling or (in today's normal) at-home-learning but remember children are ALWAYS learning.

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