Join Iowa PBS for Spirit Week

We know it’s hard to feel connected right now, but we can still come together in spirit! Join Iowa PBS in virtual spirit week, April 27 through May 1. Each day will have its own theme, with endless possibilities for Iowans of all ages to join in the fun. Dress up as your favorite PBS character, create a piece of artwork, choreograph a dance, write a short song or poem, or take photos of the things in your environment that you feel represent each day’s theme. We’ve come up with a few suggestions for each theme below, but don’t feel like you are limited there. It doesn’t matter how you’re expressing your Iowa PBS Spirit — the more creative, the better!

Pick your favorite theme to join in on or participate daily, connecting with your friends and family and highlighting your favorite PBS characters. Show off your spirit and share with us in our Facebook event or on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using #iowapbsspirit!

Need some help getting started? We’ve got you covered with a few suggestions for each day’s theme that might help spark your imagination:
 

Creativity Day — Monday, April 27

How are you staying creative right now? Show us who inspires you, or what you’ve been inspired to create. Who knows? Maybe you’ll inspire others to make something too!

  • Paint some happy little clouds and trees with Bob Ross! Full episodes of The Joy of Painting are available on YouTube for free. In need of supplies? Here’s a recipe to make your own paint with items you have in your pantry.

  • Find everyday items that can become art. Decorate virtual rocks with the Peg + Cat Rock Art game — or real rocks you find in your backyard.

  • Are crafts not for you? Spice up your wardrobe with some hand-made pieces, or simply sew for fun. Maybe it’s time to get creative in the kitchen and try a new recipe — with your own spin on it, of course.
     

Best Buds Day — Tuesday, April 28

It might be hard to spend so much time apart from some of your favorite people. Connect with your friends or let them know you’re thinking about them with Best Buds day!

  • Pick some PBS Best Buds that represent your friendship. Are you Bert and Ernie? Clifford the Big Red Dog and Emily Elizabeth? Mr. Carson and Lady Mary? Xavier, Yadina and Brad? Use clothes, costumes, crafts and more to become your favorite PBS friends!

  • Send or deliver your friend something — a card, letter, balloons or their favorite treat — to let them know you’re thinking about them. Can’t wait for them to get it? Give them a shout out online by posting a photo of the two of you.

  • Plan a virtual hangout with your bestie — video calls are a great way to stay connected. Use a platform like Zoom, Google Hangouts or Skype to get together. Bonus points if you’re dressed up like PBS Best Buds!
     

Exploration Day — Wednesday, April 29

Nature truly brings us all together, and it’s time to get outdoors and explore! What can you find and learn from in the world around you? 

  • You might be surprised with how many things there are to discover in your own backyard or favorite park. Go on a nature scavenger hunt and search for trees, leaves, rocks and more. Take photos along the way and share them to show your spirit of exploration.

  • Is there a place you’ve always wanted to visit but can’t right now? Lots of parks, museums, zoos and more are offering virtual tours or live feeds — even some of your favorite local organizations. Want to travel beyond the horizons? Explore space virtually with this Ready Jet Go! Space Explorer app.

  • If you can’t do the exploring in person, you can still travel across the globe, and space and time, using the PBS Video App! Watch shows like NOVA, Nature, Wild Kratts or Nature Cat to learn about the universe and the plants and animals within it. Can you find examples of what you learned in your own surroundings?
     

Express Yourself Day — Thursday, April 30

What makes you … well, you? Everyone is special and unique in their own way, and it’s your time to shine! Show off your hobby, write a song or poem, wear a funky outfit or represent your favorite fandom. Remember: self-expression includes sharing the emotions you may be feeling right now. If you or your family have stress, anxiety, sadness or anger that you’re holding onto, this might be a good time to work on letting it out. Not sure how? This article is a good place to start.

  • Take a page out of Pinkalicious’ book — dress in your favorite color or wear your hair in a fun way. You could even learn a new dance or make up your own moves! 

  • Do you wish you lived in the TARDIS? At Downton Abbey? On Sesame Street? Show us which PBS character best represents you by dressing up as them. Maybe it’s time to act out your favorite scene!

  • Write a poem or blog post expressing your feelings and experiences during this time, or practice your photography skills by capturing what life looks like for you right now. 
     

Kindness Day — Friday, May 1

We all need a little extra kindness in our lives right now. Follow in Mister Rogers and Daniel Tiger’s footsteps. How can you make Iowa’s Neighborhood a better place? Even the smallest acts of kindness can make the biggest differences in your community.

  • A handwritten note is a special way of staying in touch that makes us feel more connected to each other. Write a letter telling a friend or family member why you love them. Your loved one can re-read your kind words, bringing a smile to their face again and again. Draw a picture or decorate the letter with stickers for extra smile power!

  • Is there a vulnerable member or segment of your community? Reach out to see if you can be a helper. Don’t know where to start? Donate to your local food bank or favorite charity.

  • Make your neighborhood extra beautiful! Can you decorate your windows or sidewalk with kind messages to make someone smile? Make sure to take photos of your handiwork and share them to spread your kindness far and wide.
     

We’re so excited to see all of the fun ways you show off your Iowa PBS Spirit! Join in or follow along each day April 27 through May 1 on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using #iowapbsspirit. Who knows? Maybe your submission will be featured by Iowa PBS!