FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 10.14.10
Stephen Wakefield, Discovery Education
Emily Embury, C. Blohm & Associates
The Hub and Discovery Education Partner to Bring Storytelling to Life at HubForTeachers.com
-- New teacher website offers free tools, tips and resources based on beloved characters from Hub TV shows demonstrating the power of storytelling in school, including lesson plans to improve student writing, and “The Hub Create a Story Contest” to encourage teamwork and engage student creativity in the classroom --
Silver Spring, Md. (Oct. 14, 2010) – A new online resource designed to help teachers inspire students to create their own imaginative tales is now available at www.HubForTeachers.com. Created in partnership with The Hub, the new TV destination from Discovery Communications and Hasbro, Inc. that is dedicated to bringing kids and families together, and Discovery Education, HubForTeachers.com allows young students to see the magic behind well-written stories, and provides them with the tools to create their own imaginative tales. Discovery Education is the leading provider of high-quality, curriculum-based digital content and professional development resources, whose services are available in more than half of U.S. schools.
HubForTeachers.com offers teachers K-5 lesson plans on the four stages of writing (prewriting, drafting, editing, publishing), as well as information, resources and examples focusing on digital storytelling that leverage popular characters from Hub series. A behind-the-scenes feature introduces students to some of the professionals who create The Hub TV shows, with motivating quotes and images from directors, producers, writers, artists, and more.
“Creating dynamic learning opportunities for students is a top priority for Discovery Education,” said Mary Rollins, vice president of education partnerships. “This new online classroom resource will help the nation’s teachers cultivate the next generation of storytellers, providing them with the tools they need to showcase their creativity while building core written communication skills for the future.”
In addition, The Hub Create a Story Contest invites teachers to organize elementary students into small groups and let them run with their imaginations. Using their new writing tools in conjunction with a few visual cues from Hub shows, students are encouraged to work as a team to develop an engaging, creative and well-written story. Contest prizes include recognition of the winning group on HubForTeachers.com, and a Hub prize pack for each winning student, with the group’s teacher receiving a digital storytelling package that includes a green screen, flip video camera, and software for classroom use.
“We are excited to partner with Discovery Education and offer this dynamic online classroom resource for teachers to spread the word about the power of a good story, and the importance of writing in the classroom,” said Mark Kern, The Hub’s senior vice president of communications. “This new web site will help inspire and enlighten students, and get them started on creating their own imaginative tales to foster a lifelong love of storytelling that begins today.”
For more information about this initiative, visit www.HubForTeachers.com.
About Discovery Education
Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) revolutionized television with Discovery Channel and is now transforming classrooms through Discovery Education. Powered by the number one nonfiction media company in the world, Discovery Education combines scientifically proven, standards-based digital media and a dynamic user community in order to empower teachers to improve student achievement. Already, more than half of all U.S. schools access Discovery Education digital services. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.
About The Hub
The Hub, a multi-platform joint venture between Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) and Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE: HAS), entertains, enlightens, empowers and educates children and their families. The cable and satellite television network features original programming as well as content from Discovery`s library of award-winning children`s educational programming; from Hasbro`s rich portfolio of entertainment and educational properties built during the past 90 years; and from leading third-party producers worldwide. The Hub lineup includes animated and live-action series, specials and game shows, and the network extends its content through a robust and engaging online presence. The Hub reaches approximately 60 million U.S. households. The online home of The Hub is www.hubworld.com. The Hub logo and name are trademarks of Hub Television Networks, LLC. All rights reserved.