The new preschool show, which promotes early literacy skills that empower young audiences to navigate their world, premieres this Fall.
PBS KIDS has unveiled , a new animated series designed to support early literacy skills for preschoolers.The project showcases various kinds of texts kids may see in their everyday lives, from signs and posters to labels and movie tickets, to help them understand, navigate, and participate in the world around them.
“ beautifully blends fun and learning by introducing young viewers to the importance of everyday problem solving, literacy, and life skills in a way that's relatable and engaging," said Sara DeWitt, Senior Vice President and General Manager, PBS KIDS.“We’re excited to bring this series and its endearing stories that celebrate family, community, and the power of literacy to families across the U.S.” follows the adventures of 6-year-old fraternal twins Phoebe and Jay Yarber, who live with their family in the fantastical Tobsy Towers.At the heart of is a foundational literacy curriculum which highlights the importance of developing preschoolers’ functional literacy and skills, empowering them to use and create functional texts.
From using a flyer to help a neighbor find a lost pet, to reading clothing labels to find the right size shirt, Phoebe & Jay model for young viewers how they, too, can use everyday texts to navigate their daily activities.“The opportunity to help teach kids at home how to navigate life’s challenges with humor and positivity through a foundational literacy curriculum has been and continues to be an amazing adventure and gift,” said co-creator Genie Deez.“Growing up in a low-income environment, we didn’t see too many Black kids who spoke or looked like us on television, and we’re excited to feature an awesome cast of characters dealing with similar environmental influences.
I was also inspired by my own Grandma Annie, who helped raise me and my brother.” “We’re so excited to bring this series to audiences across the country with PBS KIDS,” added co-creator Thy Than.“The inspiration for our stories comes from our lived experience, and they embody the belief that ‘things don’t have to be the best, to make the best of things.’” Funding for was provided by a grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and a grant from the U.S.Department of Education as part of the Ready To Learn Initiative, a federal program.
is created and executive produced by Deez and Than and is produced by Phoebe & Jay Productions and Mainframe Studios.Tanya Green is supervising producer.Than is supervising director.
Mike Alcock and Mark Sinclair are series co-directors.Aydrea Walden is head writer.Michael Hefferon and Kim Dent Wilder executive produce for Mainframe.
Wendy Klein and Nancy Steingard also executive produce.Advisors for the series include lead curriculum advisor Kelly Cartwright, PhD, Spangler Distinguished Professor of Early Child Literacy at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte; Dr.Geraldine Oades-Sese, Ph.D, licensed psychologist, children’s book author, and former Adjunct Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Tim Ojetunde, MEd, educator from South LA, Culture Specialist; and Cathy Tran, PhD, Writer’s Room Curriculum Consultant.
premiere on PBS KIDS this Fall.
Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologist—L'Wren brings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.
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