View, Do and Read

Extending the value of television
By Kate Cleveland

The phrase, "Turn off the TV and do it!" is heard often on ZOOM, seen weekdays at 3:30 p.m. on WHYY TV12.

Aimed at children between the ages of 5 and 11, ZOOM features a cast of seven "everyday" kids who play games, perform poetry, solve brainteasers and whip up recipes, bringing to life contributions sent in by viewers from across the country.

Make television a more participatory experience in your home by watching programs that encourage thought and action. ZOOM is one program that inspires kids to become investigators, creators and problem solvers.

View
The new season of ZOOM begins Friday, January 25 at 3:30 p.m. on TV12. Episodes from the first three seasons will air Mondays through Thursdays.

Do
ZOOM Online
Check out the ZOOM Web site at pbskids.org/zoom. The site has both online games and activities and ideas for things to do once the computer is turned off.

What You'll Need:

Access to the World Wide Web

The ZOOM Web site is an excellent resource for ideas and activities. Kids can answer questions, participate in polls, play games and much more. Art enthusiasts should check out "ZOOMdo" for craft ideas, budding chefs can try recipes from "CafeZOOM" and comedians can submit jokes to "ZOOM funny." There is also a special section just for parents and teachers.

The Play's The Thing
One popular feature on ZOOM is ZOOM Playhouse, during which cast members perform plays sent in by viewers. The kids use simple props and costumes and lots of imagination in their performances.

What You'll Need:

A familiar story or script
Costumes
Props

Instructions: The simplest way for kids _to put on a play is by acting out a familiar tale. Even young children can do this with adult guidance. Allow older children to choose the play or to create their own. Costumes and props can be made using paper, fabric, markers and other household objects.

Tune into ZOOM for some great ideas or borrow a book on costumes and props from the library. When the actors feel ready, they can stage a performance for family and friends. Check out the ZOOM Web site for information on how your children can _submit an original play to ZOOM.

Read
Zoom Fun With Friends by Amy E. Sklansky Here's a great book for kids who just can't get enough of ZOOM. There's a little something for everyone in this book, which is full of crafts, games, recipes, jokes and other projects. ZoomZingers, by the same author, is another excellent option for kids looking to "turn off the TV and do it." Recommended for children ages 9 through 12.

365 Simple Science Experiments with Everyday Materials by E. Richard Churchill, Muriel Mandell and Louis V. Loeschnig; illustrated by Frances W. Zweifel This book contains an abundance of activities for kids who like to create, explore and investigate. There are plenty of illustrations, and each activity is accompanied by safety guidelines and an explanation of scientific concepts. Most of the necessary materials are readily available at home and in local stores. Recommended for children ages 9 through 12.

Apples, Bubbles, and Crystals: Your Science ABCs ABCs by Andrea T. Bennett and James H. Kessler; illustrated by Melody Sarecky Each letter in this unique trip through the alphabet is accompanied by a poem that introduces a science concept. The accompanying activities include illustrated instructions that are carefully detailed, easy to follow and fun for the youngest scientists. Also included is a scientific concepts guide that will help adults who are doing the experiments with children. Recommended for adults working with children ages 4 through 8.

Kate Cleveland is WHYY's Children's Services manager.