WETA Kids Ready To Learn

Program Overview

Ready To Learn (RTL) is WETA's signature literacy program and has been serving the Greater Washington area for nearly 25 years. RTL is a series of free workshops for parents, teachers and childcare providers to prepare children ages 3 to 8 for success in school. Participants learn how to employ WETA/PBS Kids television programs, online resources, free or low-cost activities, and books to build literacy skills and promote a love of reading. We make the program accessible to all by hosting workshops at schools, childcare facilities and community centers serving families in need. Last year, we conducted 72 workshops and distributed over 1,000 books. We trained 400 adult participants, impacting the educational outcomes of an estimated 2,400 kids.

RTL also provides resources to families to ensure that learning continues outside of school. The program encourages parents to take an active role in their child's development and to find time each day for reading together. We believe strongly that children make the most progress when their education is supported at home. All participants receive a free children's book that is related to the workshop topic as well as a list of similar books. Workshop topics include: beginning reading, health, math/patterns, anger/tantrums, names/identity, and music and science.