Milwaukee Public Television has a strong commitment to families.  Our Ready To Learn service for the benefit of children aged 0-12 has been a priority since 1993.  In addition to choosing from the best of over nine hours of responsible programming for children each day, MPTV reaches out with free workshops and storytimes.
Workshops are free and may be scheduled Monday through Thursdays between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at your location.

Sponsoring groups may be asked to provide a TV and VCR set up and someone on site familiar with using the equipment.  Take-home books or materials will be provided.
To schedule one of our workshops or storytimes, contact Darlyne Haertlein, outreach and viewer services supervisor at 414-297-7518 or fax your request to 414-297-6771

Choose from any of the following workshops:

Introduction to MPTV's Ready To Learn Service (30 minutes)

This workshop highlights ways MPTV can be used to extend children's learning experiences and serve as an educational resource. (Minimum: 10 adults)

Writing Process Workshop (30 minutes)

This classroom workshop is designed for children grades K-3.  It helps encourage and prepare children for participation in the annual " Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators Contest."  The rules of the contest are explained, parts of the story and samples of stories written by children are shared and a "writing clues" activity is played.  
An adult version of this workshop is offered to teachers or parent groups interested in having their children participate in the annual Reading Rainbow contest.

Launching Young Readers and Writers (30 minutes)

This workshop stresses the importance of family literacy and offers suggestions for developing a love for reading and writing. (Minimum: 10 adults)

First Book Workshop (30 minutes)

The First Book project is discussed as well as the importance of reading in all of our lives.  Suggestions for books that heal during difficult times are offered.  A hands-on activity is included. (Minimum: 10 adults)

Different and the Same (30 minutes)

This workshop is designed for children in kindergarten and first grade.  It allows for discussion about the things that make us different from each other and the things that make us the same.  A story is also shared.  The purpose of this workshop is to acknowledge the fact that the essentials that make us human are the same for all people.  The aim is to encourage finding common ground.  It does not encourage "colorblindness."  We are not blind to color, but we do not discriminate and treat others unfairly based on color.  Children are encouraged to acknowledge the differences and embrace the similarities.  It is the similarities that will connect us. 

Other Opportunities:  Storytimes (20-30 minutes)

In addition to the free workshops listed above, MPTV offers free storytimes as well.  These are offered to children aged 4-7 at schools, libraries and other community sites.

MPTV's First Book Project

Since 1995, Milwaukee Public Television , First Book and the Ready To Learn Program have worked together to provide an ongoing supply of free new books to selected community-based programs in the MPTV area. Over 4,000 carefully selected books are distributed each year.
First Book is a national nonprofit organization with a single mission: to give low-income children the opportunity to read and own their first new books. The children served by First Book are often the most difficult to reach and can be found participating in literacy programs at Head Start sites, shelters, youth centers and other community-based organizations.

In addition to this effort, MPTV also conducts storytimes, reading and writing workshops, the annual Reading Rainbow Contest, book review and art contests, Between The Lions Clubs and other literacy-related activities