How Thomas & Friends Helps One Boy With Autism

Thomas, blue tank Engine No. 1  on Thomas & Friends, traveled to Springfield on October 9 when WGBY’S Community Engagement and Education Department hosted Buen Provecho at Gerena Community School. With eyes rolling and steam puffing, Thomas charmed fans and was a special delight to one little boy with autism.  As the child waved and talked to Thomas, even waiting patiently while the busy engine took a rest, his mother shared that her son loved Thomas, who had replaced an earlier fascination with Spider Man, a character who proved too aggressive. She said that her son’s therapist even brought Thomas & Friends materials to use as motivation when they worked together.

Beloved characters like Thomas help children stay enthusiastic about learning, and Thomas & Friends educational materials support 2-5 year olds to develop social-emotional skills and build an early foundation for preschool success.

PBS Learning Media offers the Thomas & Friends Collection, complete with videos, educational framework, and lesson plans such as Calm Your Engines to help keep a classroom of preschool students calm, especially when they experience anxiety or extra excitement. You can also visit and share PBS KIDS and PBS Parents to extend learning with Thomas & Friends educational games and parent-child activities.  Download free Thomas & Friends Mobile Apps.

 

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