This article will be updated with past episodes of WFAA Academy for on demand viewing.
With the last weeks of the school year approaching, WFAA wants to help families get to the finish line.
"WFAA Academy" is a special three-week initiative that brings educational content for all ages to the 11:30 a.m. half hour of News 8 Midday.
Running Tuesdays through Fridays from May 12 through May 29, "WFAA Academy" will include lessons in specific topic areas based on the day of the week.
- Tuesdays: STEM (science, technology, engineering, math)
- Wednesdays: Texas history
- Thursdays: Health and wellness
As part of this initiative, WFAA will dedicate part of the Midday newscast each day of the special initiative to reading.
WFAA has chosen, "Finding Esme" by Texas author Suzanne Crowley to be the featured book in the initiative. WFAA anchors will read the book live on-air during the 11:30 a.m. half hour of News 8 Midday.
The story is young adult fiction based in a fictional north Texas town. "Finding Esme" tells the story of Esme, 12, whose life changes when she discovers dinosaur bones on her family's peach farm.
"Finding Esme" is available from the following retailers, but is not necessary in order to participate in the read-along:
- Interabang Books (hardcover, e-book)
- Barnes & Noble (hardcover, NOOK book)
- KidsBooks.com (hardcover)
- Amazon (hardcover, Kindle)
Families also can check with their local libraries for electronic editions of "Finding Esme" for checkout.
On Fridays, "WFAA Academy" will feature an exciting, interactive trivia show called, "7 Minute Stretch," hosted by WFAA'S David Schechter.
Audiences will be able to play along at home using a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Past episodes of WFAA Academy
Tuesday, May 12: Jesse Hawila shares the science of meteorology
Wednesday, May 13: Learn about Tejano Jose Antonio Navarro
Thursday, May 14: Stretch it out with Sonia Azad
Friday, May 15: Will Kara Sewell or Chris Lawrence win the '7 Minute Stretch'?
Tuesday, May 19: The science of cookies
More resources for parents and kids:
- 24/7 togetherness getting to be too much? Here are a few expert tips on how to coexist
- Tips and resources for parents working from home
- How to manage kids’ screen time when you’re sheltered in place
- 'Mr. Dad' offers parents advice on how to juggle it all while the whole family is home
- Kids bored? Make it disappear— by learning magic
- How to talk to your kids about the COVID-19 pandemic
- These kid-friendly live-streams can keep education going during coronavirus closures
- Easy chore app motivates kids to help out more
- Keeping kids at home during the coronavirus outbreak isn't easy. These moms are here to help.
- Here are some museum virtual tours you can take while cooped up at home
- Scholastic offers free online classes for your kids to learn during school closures
- Stuck inside your home? Here are some things to do with your kids besides looking at a screen
