KSMQ | Tips for Selecting Quality TV

PBS programming encourages developmental skills, a natural curiosity
and a love of reading. KSMQ provides materials that guide parents, providers
or educators on how selective viewing, interactive viewing and co-viewing can
nurture children to be lifelong learners. The following tips and programs listed
after them are a great way to use television as a positive learning tool.

When is Television a Positive Learning Tool?

		It is developmentally appropriate—a good match between children’s growing needs and the subject matter.

		It encourages creativity and critical thinking.

		It introduces children to skills and ideas they need to learn.

		It models ways to solve problems and get along with others.

		It encourages children to dance or sing along.

		It entertains and teaches.

		It reinforces the values parents and caregivers believe in.

		It inspires children to appreciate other cultures.

		It inspires children to want to learn and read more.

When is Television a Problem?

		It occupies too much of a child’s time.

		It teaches values that are counter to what parents and caregivers believe in.

		It teaches children ideas, words, or behaviors that may need to be “un-taught” by parents and caregivers.

		It is not created for children audiences.

		It presents violence as a means of problem solving.

		It presents gender, racial or cultural stereotypes.

		It encourages children to think they need to purchase products.