KET - New children’s programs on KET focus on science, reading

New children’s programs on KET focus on science, reading

For Release: 2008-08-18 11:07:00

This fall, KET introduces two new children’s programs: Sid the Science Kid, co-produced by The Jim Henson Company, and Martha Speaks, based on the best-selling books by Susan Meddaugh. Sid the Science Kid airs weekdays, beginning Sept. 1 at 8:30/7:30 a.m. CT and 12:30 p.m./11:30 a.m. CT on KET1. Martha Speaks airs weekdays, beginning Sept. 1 at 7:30/6:30 a.m. CT and 3:30/2:30 p.m. CT on KET1.

Sid the Science Kid uses comedy to promote exploration, discovery and science readiness among preschoolers. The energetic and inquisitive star starts each episode with a new question –– “Why are my shoes shrinking?” or “Why do bananas get mushy?” –– and embarks on a fun-filled day of finding answers. Sid encourages preschoolers to think about how to get answers to their own questions by exploring the world around them. Weekly themes for the series include transformation, tools and measurement, senses, health and backyard science.

Joining Sid are Gabriela, his self-confident and athletic best friend; teacher Susie, who makes science fun; feisty Grandma; Mom and Dad, always ready to encourage and get involved in Sid’s explorations; and many more fun characters.

Martha Speaks stars a beloved family dog that eats alphabet soup, giving her the power of human speech and the chance to speak her mind to anyone who will listen.

“I can’t tell you how much fun it is to see Martha become animated,” says Meddaugh, author and illustrator of the book series. “She’ll speak and speak and speak, but she will have a lot to learn.”

Each episode showcases Martha’s linguistic abilities and the hilarious consequences they provoke — all with a goal of engaging kids and expanding their vocabulary. For instance, when Martha wants to be just like the hero of her favorite book, Firehouse Freddie, she introduces the words “reality,” “fantasy,” “fiction” and “imagine.” When Martha tries to care for an ailing friend, young viewers learn the meaning of “remedy,” “recuperate,” “cure” and “recover.”

Sid the Science Kid is a co-production of The Jim Henson Company and KCET/Los Angeles. Martha Speaks is a co-production of WGBH/Boston and Studio B Productions Inc./Vancouver. More information about KET programming and education services, as well as how to support KET, can be found at www.ket.org.

Contact: Amanda Stroud

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