PBS Kids programming has long been the gold standard for promoting literacy development in our young children and these new programs enable OETA to encourage and promote lifelong learning to Oklahoma adults interested in furthering their education.

OETA appreciates the Oklahoma City Community Foundation's commitment to our community and is grateful that the organization recognizes and supports the power of television as a teaching tool.

TV411

Premieres Monday, June 1 and will air weekdays at 10 and 10:30 a.m. through July 31. Viewers can record TV411 for later viewing.

The Emmy Award-winning series offers practical, accessible literacy and life skills to adults. TV411 focuses on parenting, money matters and health. Lively video lessons teach practical math and writing, reading comprehension and include motivational interviews with popular personalities and adult learners.

GED Connection

Premieres Monday, June 1 and will air weekdays at 11 and 11:30 a.m. through July 31. Viewers can record GED Connection for later viewing.

The series teaches skills and knowledge tested on the new GED exam. Subsequent programs prepare viewers in the areas of reading, writing, social studies, science and math using an engaging documentary style and demonstrations of people applying new skills in real life. Viewers also benefit from five programs on test-taking strategies and one on preparing for the essay.

New Contest, Same Fun!

Formerly known as the OETA Reading Rainbow Contest, the OETA PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest encourages children in grades K–3 in communities across the state to explore the power of creativity by writing and illustrating their own storybooks.

Applications, rules, judging categories, entry forms and additional information will be available online at www.oeta.tv/youngwriters.html or call 800-879-6382. The deadline for submissions is April 2, 2010.

So kids, put on your creative caps and start working on your stories. You can also encourage your siblings and friends to submit theirs.

The contest also makes an engaging classroom project and is a great opportunity for parents and caregivers to work with their little ones!

All children who create and submit an original story will receive a special certificate.

First through third place winners in each grade will win special prizes, plus an invitation to a special celebration at the Oklahoma State Capitol.

Winning stories from each grade will be posted on OETA's Web site.

First place stories will participate in the national competition.

NEW! One child from each of Oklahoma's 77 counties will receive a special Award of Achievement.

Mail entries to OETA Young Writers Contest, P.O. Box 14190, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73113-4190.