Work It Out @ Your Library!
Bring problem-solving fun to your library with Work It Out @ Your Library! Inspired by the hit PBS KIDS series Work It Out Wombats!, this exciting new library program introduces families with children ages 4–6 to the basics of computational thinking (CT)—a creative, organized approach to solving problems using skills rooted in computer science. CT supports early learning in math, science, and literacy, and lays the foundation for future skills like coding and programming. Strengthening young children’s computational thinking helps them develop logical reasoning, creativity, flexibility, focus, and perseverance—essential life skills that will benefit them for years to come!
Why Libraries?
Libraries are uniquely suited to help children and families explore CT because they already offer free access to technology, can accommodate a range of learning needs, and are incredibly creative in the ways they connect with their communities. Work It Out @ Your Library is designed to leverage the unique role that libraries play in families’ lives to bring CT learning to as many children as possible! Work It Out @ Your Library is special because it is designed to support learning in the library and in families’ homes. During library sessions, librarians guide families through the exploration of a CT skill by watching videos, doing activities together, playing at a CT Corner and reading CT stories. In between sessions, families continue to watch videos and do activities on their own guided using the Work It Out Wombats! Family App. This free App is available on the App Store and on Google Play. Once the App is downloaded, it will work anywhere- it doesn’t require using data or the internet!
The Educational Development Center (EDC) conducted an impact study of Work It Out @ Your Library involving 150 preschool families and 17 libraries in rural communities across 10 states. Families were assigned to either attend the library program and use the app at home (Library + Home condition) or to use the app at home without attending the library program (Home Only condition) for 6 weeks. Comparing pretest to post-test ratings, the study found:
- Caregivers showed significant increases in their sense of self-efficacy in supporting their child’s computational thinking (CT) development and their use of parenting strategies that support CT.
- Children showed a significant increase in their CT skills and mindsets.
- Librarians showed a significant increase in their self-efficacy for supporting families’ CT.
The full impact study will be available in July 2025.
Flexible Resources
The full collection of resources available for use on PBS LearningMedia are designed to be flexible to best meet your library’s unique needs. CT might be a new content area for your library, or you might already be a CT expert! Regardless of your experience, here are some ideas for different ways you can bring the materials to your community.
Host a CT-themed story hour featuring books from the recommended booklist in the collection.
- Set up CT Corner in your library with resources from the digital CT Corner toolkit for families to engage with at their leisure.
- Host parent workshops featuring some of the parent videos, the App, and hands-on activities.
- Create take-home CT packets for families with resources from the digital CT Corner toolkit and recommended reading lists.
- Share the App, booklists, and videos with local Head Start and other early childhood programs.
- Run the full program! You can do one unit, or multiple, depending on your programming needs.
Ready to work it out, just like the wombats? Find the full collection of free resources from PBS LearningMedia here.
