WHRO broadcasts research-based, award-winning PBS children’s programming to every home in Hampton Roads. Using Ready to Learn grants from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and local foundation support, WHRO aims to expand children’s learning through the use of interactive digital media to provide children and their families with a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
LITERACY VAN PROGRAMS
WHRO's Literacy Van is a cheerful, brightly colored vehicle that visits Pre-K - 1st-grade students with programs designed to motivate children to read daily.
Explore our Van Programs page for more information.
First Books Program
Through the Hunter B. Andrews Society and community support, tens of thousands of free books are distributed regularly to area children during after-school and community events as well as parent and professional development trainings. Reading and STEM Camps are available for Summer and After-School Programs. The First Book Program covers the 2024 English SOL’s Foundations for Reading K.FFR.1; 1.FFR.2,3 & 1.DSR.
Super Why Reading Camps
These camps are five-day interactive learning adventures that show 4- to 5-year-olds the power of reading. Students have fun with letters, sounds, and words through a comprehensive curriculum developed by noted literacy experts. The Super Why Reading Camp covers the 2024 Foundation for Reading and Developmental Reading Skills K.FFR.1,2.
STEM VAN PROGRAMS
The STEM van visits local kindergarten through second-grade classrooms to bring fun and exciting activities that will challenge students to use their science, technology, engineering, and math skills. Explore our Van Programs page for more information.
Odd Squad "Be the Agent Camp"
These camps are five-day interactive learning adventures that encourage 6- to 8-year-olds to use their STEM skills to solve odd problems. The campers watch an Odd Squad program segment, create and build a gadget to solve a case, and then enjoy digital learning with the PBS Kids Odd Squad App. Odd Squad “Be the Agent Camp” covers 2023 Math SOL 2. MG.3.
PBS Kids Scratch Jr Code-to-Learn Camp
These camps consist of a five-day sequence of activities that introduce children to basic coding and give them the opportunity to explore the features of the PBS KIDS Scratch Jr app. Campers create their own stories, games, and collages. Scratch Jr. Code-to-Learn covers 2024 Computer Science SOL’s Grades 1-4 AP.2,3.
BATTEN ENVIRONMENTAL VAN PROGRAM
The Batten Environmental Van program provides classroom teachers with pre- and post-visit lesson plans and interactive learning objects related to the GreenBeatsSM video series. WHRO and the Virginia Stage Company have also partnered to offer an optional environmental musical assembly. Explore our Van Programs page for more information.
PBS KIDS Writers Contest
Each year WHRO invites K-5th grade students to create, illustrate, and enter their stories in the PBS KIDS Writers Contest. Writing activities address the 2024 English Standards Foundation for Writing: FFW.1,2, Writing: W.1,2, and Language Usage: LU.1,2. Explore our Writers Contest page for more information.
Parent/Family Engagement
“Anytime is Learning Time” training helps parents identify everyday teachable moments. WHRO family engagement activities allow families to have fun and learn together.
Early Learning and Development Trainings
WHRO Education staff members conduct a variety of child development trainings for early childhood educators.
For additional information on programs and resources available, please contact Martha Razor martha.razor@whro.org