At JASON Learning, we believe that learning should be exciting, fun, and accessible for all students.
On Friday, September 20, we teamed up with our partner, Playwatch Kids, for an electrifying presentation at Mercer County Schools, WV. We showcased the power of engaging educational content that highlights diverse role models and promotes positivity. The event, held at the Chuck Mathena Center, brought together over 1,400 first—and second-grade students for an unforgettable day of learning, singing, and dancing.
A Partnership with Purpose: Making Learning Fun and Inclusive
Our collaboration with Playwatch Kids is built on a shared mission: to ensure that students from all backgrounds feel motivated, engaged, and represented in their learning materials. Through videos, music, and interactive activities, Playwatch Kids and JASON Learning are transforming the classroom experience, making learning not just educational but enjoyable. The representation of diverse characters in Playwatch Kids videos ensures that all students see themselves as capable and valued members of the STEM community.
We kicked off the event by showcasing Healthy HipHop’s “Affirmations” video, which teaches students how to stay positive—a crucial skill both in and out of the classroom. We also highlighted literacy and resilience through The Little Agent’s “Hoverboard” video and story, showing students the joy of reading and storytelling. Learn more about the author of The Little Agent series, Alayah Jenkins, by checking out this blog: https://jason.org/little-agent-interview/.
Mr. Prather Takes Center Stage
The highlight of the day was an interactive session led by Mr. Prather, an entertainer and a key figure in the Playwatch Kids universe, whose content is featured on the JASON Learning Digital Platform. From the moment Mr. Prather took the stage, the energy was electric. He had the students move, stretch, dance, and learn through fun and dynamic activities.
Mr. Prather kicked off his presentation by teaching the students how to “Count to 100” while leading them in different stretches. It was the perfect blend of physical activity and learning, emphasizing how moving your body can help sharpen focus and boost retention.
Next came the “Workout (Do Your Dance)” song, during which pre-selected students joined Mr. Prather on stage to showcase their dance and exercise moves, such as squats, running, and jumping jacks. This was a perfect example of how physical activity and learning go hand in hand, encouraging students to stay active while enhancing their concentration.
Perhaps the most fun moment of the day was “The Opposites Song,” where students learned about opposites in the most entertaining way possible—by singing and dancing! The students’ enthusiasm was contagious, and it was amazing to see them grasp important concepts through music and movement.
We wrapped up the presentation with the “Months of the Year” song, where students clapped along during their birthday month, turning a simple lesson into a celebration of each child’s special day.
Mercer County’s Educational Success
Mercer County Schools have seen significant academic improvements over the past year, jumping from 33rd to 20th in the state for ELA, from 26th to 22nd in Math, and from 41st to 26th in Science. This remarkable progress can be attributed, in part, to the increased use of JASON Learning’s STEM resources. Mercer County Schools have fully embraced JASON Learning, implementing it across all 25 schools, tech centers, and even preschools, reaching approximately 1,200 staff and 8,500 students. During the 2023-24 school year, over 1,200 educators from Mercer County (some attending multiple sessions) participated in JASON Learning’s professional development, enhancing their ability to integrate STEM into the classroom. This deep integration of JASON Learning’s resources has contributed to its academic rise and reflects the district’s commitment to providing high-quality STEM education for every student.
Empowering Educators with Supportive Resources
Before the event, JASON Learning worked closely with Mercer County Schools to encourage teachers to use Playwatch Kids videos in their classrooms, so students would be ready to sing and dance along during the presentation. By familiarizing students with the videos beforehand, we ensured that the event would be more interactive and engaging.
JASON Learning also has post-activities for teachers to keep the excitement going after the presentation, turning the energy from the event into meaningful, ongoing learning. This approach transforms the Playwatch Kids content into an active learning experience and ensures that students feel holistically represented in both the videos and classroom activities. Families can also use these resources at home to reinforce the lessons, supporting their children’s learning beyond the classroom.
A Vision for Mercer County as a STEM Hub
JASON Learning and Playwatch Kids had the privilege of speaking to dignitaries, including superintendents, educators, university leaders, and community members, about our vision for Mercer County and beyond. Our goal is to make Mercer County a hub for STEM education—where students from all over can engage with real-world STEM concepts in a fun and accessible way. We believe that every child deserves access to high-quality STEM resources, and we’re committed to providing just that.
The response was overwhelmingly positive, and we’re excited to continue our work with Mercer County Schools to ensure that STEM education is informative and inspiring for the next generation.
Special thanks to all the educators and organizers who made this event possible!
