Starting preschool can be exciting…and sometimes scary! But Elmo and his friends are here to help. Together with your soon-to-be preschooler, listen anytime, anywhere to real kids, real parents, a real teacher, and Elmo—all on the topic of preschool! In each episode, there’s also an interactive game.

Physical activity can help both children and adults focus their minds. As you watch, notice how physical activity harnesses and focuses children’s natural energy as children build gross-motor skills and engage playfully with adults. Consider these ways to integrate “energy bursts” into your daily routines, then brainstorm some ideas of your own.

Children grow when they can teach what they learn. Children have a “school identity” and a “home identity,” and there’s a great way to bridge the two in a way that enriches, expands, reinforces learning. Encourage children to become “teachers” at home as they explain and demonstrate to their families what they’re learning all day—children gain confidence when they can share what they know!

Starting kindergarten can be exciting…and sometimes scary! But Elmo and his friends are here to help. Together with your soon-to-be kindergartner, listen anytime, anywhere to real kids, real parents, a real teacher, and Elmo—all on the topic of kindergarten! In each episode, there’s also an interactive game.

Whether it’s before beginning kindergarten or at the start of the year, a peek into another child’s day, in a similar setting, can ease children’s anxieties. Together with children, watch Dhaviya learn, play, and help in kindergarten and at home.

Having the same routines in different settings enriches learning. Kids may have the same responsibilities in different settings, but routines can help them connect lessons between school and home. As you watch, notice what is the same and different about the routines of table-setting and handwashing at school and at home.

Teachers and parents form a powerful learning team when they work together to lay the foundation for success in school—and in life! Getting involved in school activities encourages learning inside and outside the classroom. Because everyone on the team has the same goal: to provide safe spaces—with lots of love and care—where children can grow and thrive.

The pandemic impacted many children’s language and literacy skills, but their brains are malleable and adults can help build skills through rich conversations.

Use children’s curiosity about places, people, and things around them to get them excited about learning and preparing for school.

Watch Abby and Rudy add to their wonder journal, then help children create their own.

Children can learn math, science, and more through creating art.

With a little love, and modeling how to think aloud, you can help children become problem solvers. Help children build problem-solving skills to turn “Oops” into “Aha!”

Oral storytelling can be opportunities for great conversations and building vocabulary. Watch Rosita and her Abuela turn the night sky into a storytelling adventure.

Regular communication with your child’s teacher will help your child learn, grow and thrive in the pre-K classroom.