Penny Hotovec
I have to say I have one of the most unique jobs around. As the Ready To Learn Coordinator for Wyoming PBS, I often get to travel with a dinosaur or a big red dog, a “duty” not mentioned in many job descriptions for adults. Yes I use the term adult loosely. I am certainly of an age to be considered one but I choose to keep my heart and mind in the spirit of a child. I can’t help it. It’s a side effect of all the time spent with children and parents across Wyoming and seeing the awe and amazement in their faces when they encounter the enormous “real” creatures I bring with me.
Last month I was lucky enough to be invited to the Washakie Museum in Worland to share some time with the kids enrolled in the summer camps the museum hosts. I was also lucky enough to be joined by my good friend “Buddy” from Dinosaur Train. The PBS children’s series focuses on basic scientific thinking skills as viewers learn about life science, natural history and paleontology. Dinosaur Train also has an interactive website, www.pbskids.org/dinosaurtrain as well as an Ipod App.
Buddy and I had a great time meeting all the children that have such an enthusiasm for dinosaurs, adventure and learning. I can’t tell you how excited the children were to see Buddy and hug and play with him! Can anything be more spectacular than the sparkle in a child’s eye when imagination comes to life?
For more information about Dinosaur Train and all the children’s programming on Wyoming PBS go to www.wyomingpbs.org. For interactive games and activity ideas visit www.wyomingpbs.org/family.
