Back-to-school time means updating routines, packing school lunches, creating a new family calendar, and finding helpful resources to support learning! It can be a lot for everyone in the family – big feelings, big transitions, and even bigger to-do lists.
Let WXXI’s Education Team help you get ready for the back-to-school transition – use the following resources from PBS KIDS and PBS LearningMedia to help your family adjust to the new school year:
Adjusting to New Routines
With the new school year comes new or updated routines, to help the whole family with this transition – design a family routine calendar. It can be tailored for specific parts of the day (i.e. morning, after-school, or bedtime) or individualized for each kid! Shout out to PBS KIDS Alma’s Way for this idea!
First Day of School
The first day of school is a big experience! A brand-new special from PBS KIDS called “The Day You Begin” follows four kindergartners on their first day of school. It’s a great family watch and opportunity to start thinking about the first days of school, and what makes each of us unique. Watch on PBS KIDS beginning Friday, August 7, 2026. You can also borrow the book, The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, from your favorite local library or watch the PBS KIDS Reads video of Jacqueline Woodson reading her book!
Learn at Home
Explore PBSLearningMedia – this free resource is available to all families, educators, and students. It’s appropriate to support students in grades PreK-12th grade. Whether it’s exploring New York State history or the depths of space, PBS LearningMedia is a good first stop to keep the curiosity and learning flowing all school year long. Teacher pro tip: Check out the helpful tutorial videos for how to use PBS LearningMedia features for your classroom instruction!
Listen Together
PBS KIDS podcasts can help you and your kids create some screen-free-time during the week. Listen while you ride in the car, play in your living room, or even before bed. Enjoy your favorite PBS KIDS stories, in an audio format. Choose from Arthur, Lyla’s Loopcast, the Odd Squadcast, Molly of Denali, and more!
More Back-to-School Helpers:
- Explore the full PBS KIDS for Parents Back-to-School Hub or Back-to-School Activities Collection on PBS LearningMedia
- Read PBS KIDS for Parents articles: 3 Words to Reframe “How was Your Day?”, Helping Your Child Make Friends Again, How to Cope with Back-to-School Anxiety, How to Handle a Tough First Day of School, or 5 Ways to Beat Back-to-School Jitters
- Have a little one heading to kindergarten for the first time? Check out WXXI’s Kindergarten Readiness page!