Summer learning program continues from Arkansas PBS

“Rise and Shine,” a series of fun, educational programming designed to help K-5 students gain knowledge that aligns with Arkansas academic standards, continues on Arkansas PBS weekdays from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

In addition to mini-lessons with Arkansas Teachers of the Year, a key element to the extensive summer learning program is locally produced, original segments that enhance student learning in equally important and exciting ways. Special segments include:

• “Wendy Weather Balloon” – This animated short demonstrates what different types of weather are and what they mean.

• “Zach Lunch” – Puppets Zach Lunch and his faithful sidekick Doggy Bag explain what makes up a nutritional meal and how it supports growing bodies.

• “When I Was a 3rd Grader” – The Arkansas Teachers of the Year hosts travel back in time to the third grade to learn what their emotions mean in this animated short.

• “Spelling B’s With Benji and Bart” – Puppets Benji and Bart practice their spelling with their favorite letter, B.

• “Mr. Steve, The Music Man” – Arkansas native Mr. Steve, The Music Man writes and performs original songs to educate viewers on all things Arkansas.

Each weekday “Rise and Shine” also features virtual field trips with partners across the state.

In addition to broadcast, the programming is now available on-demand through streaming devices, the Engage Arkansas PBS app and on the Arkansas PBS website.

More information about the “Rise and Shine” program, including PDFs of the Power Packets to download and the request form to receive printed Power Packets by mail for, is available at myarpbs.org/riseandshine.

Consisting of more than 90 hours of high quality programming including minilessons from Arkansas Teachers of the Year, “Rise and Shine” segments are grounded in the learning targets provided by the Arkansas Department of Education’s Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. With over 15 original songs, five original digital shorts, more than 30 field trip segments and dozens of minilesson segments featuring Arkansas teachers, much of “Rise and Shine” is locally produced. Also available are supplemental printed learning activities in both English and Spanish.

Arkansas PBS serves as a daily and essential resource for Arkansans by creating, sharing, celebrating and driving conversation around Arkansas stories and classic, trusted PBS programs through multiple digital platforms.

For more information, visit dese.ade.arkansas.gov.