Super Why The Three Little Pigs Episode Resources

The Super Why! episode based on \"The Three Little Pigs\" is a standout installment in the PBS Kids series designed to promote early literacy skills in children ages 3–6. Through interactive storytelling, letter identification, vocabulary building, and phonemic awareness, this episode transforms a classic fairy tale into an engaging educational experience. For parents, caregivers, and educators, accessing the right resources can deepen a child’s understanding and extend the learning beyond the screen.

This guide compiles practical tools, discussion prompts, activity ideas, and supplemental materials that align with the episode’s curriculum goals. Whether you're reinforcing reading skills at home or planning a classroom unit around the story, these resources offer structured yet playful ways to support emergent readers.

Understanding the Educational Goals of the Episode

In the Super Why! version of \"The Three Little Pigs,\" the characters journey into the story to help the third little pig strengthen his house against the Big Bad Wolf. Along the way, they focus on key literacy concepts such as:

• Identifying uppercase and lowercase letters
• Recognizing rhyming words (e.g., “house” and “mouse”)
• Building vocabulary (e.g., “straw,” “sticks,” “bricks,” “strong”)
• Understanding story structure: beginning, middle, and end
• Practicing problem-solving through narrative choices

The episode emphasizes the power of reading by showing how changing one word in the story—such as turning “blow down” into “blow away”—can alter outcomes. This introduces children to the concept of word manipulation, a foundational skill in phonics and spelling.

“Children who engage with stories interactively develop stronger decoding skills and confidence in reading.” — Dr. Laura Klenk, Early Literacy Researcher, University of Cincinnati

Printable and Digital Resources for Home and Classroom Use

A variety of official and educator-created resources are available to reinforce the skills taught in the episode. These include worksheets, coloring pages, word games, and story retelling kits. Below is a curated list of reliable sources and what they offer:

Resource Type	Source	Key Features	Access Method
Alphabet & Rhyme Worksheets	PBS Kids Parent Resources	Letter matching, rhyming pairs, fill-in-the-blank sentences	Free PDF download with email signup
Story Retelling Cards	Teachers Pay Teachers (Educator-Curated)	Scene cards with dialogue bubbles for oral retelling	Paid ($3–5) or free versions available
Interactive Online Game	PBSKids.org/SuperWhy	Digital version of the episode’s word challenge	Free web-based play
Vocabulary Flashcards	Scholastic Lesson Plans Archive	Illustrated cards for “strong,” “weak,” “build,” “protect”	Downloadable as part of a larger unit
Craft Templates	LiteracyExpress.org	Pig houses from straw, sticks, bricks using paper materials	Free printable with instructions

Tip: Pair printable worksheets with hands-on activities—like building a brick house model from blocks—so children connect abstract letters with real-world meaning.

Step-by-Step Guide: Creating a Themed Learning Day

You can turn the episode into a full literacy-rich experience with a structured but fun learning day. Follow this timeline to maximize engagement and retention:

1. Pre-Watching Discussion (15 min): Ask, “What do you know about the Three Little Pigs?” Write down predictions and vocabulary words on a chart.
2. Watch the Episode (25 min): Pause at key moments to ask questions like, “Why did the wolf blow the house down?” or “What word could we change to make it safer?”
3. Post-Watching Activity (20 min): Use story cards to retell the plot in order. Encourage use of target words like “strong” and “protect.”
4. Hands-On Craft (30 min): Build miniature houses from different materials (straw = yarn, sticks = popsicle sticks, bricks = red paper squares). Discuss which is strongest and why.
5. Word Game Extension (15 min): Play “Rhyme Time” by listing words that rhyme with “house,” “down,” “pig,” and “straw.”
6. Reading Connection (10 min): Read another version of the tale, such as James Marshall’s The Three Little Pigs, and compare differences.

Mini Case Study: How a Kindergarten Class Used the Episode to Launch a Literacy Unit

In Mrs. Thompson’s kindergarten class in Portland, Oregon, the Super Why! The Three Little Pigs episode served as the kickoff for a two-week literacy and engineering integrated unit. After watching the episode, students identified the problem: weak houses. They then explored what “strong” means, both in vocabulary and physical structure.

Each group built a house model using assigned materials and tested them with a small fan to simulate the wolf’s breath. Students recorded results and used sentence frames like “The _____ house was strong because ______.” They also wrote their own alternate endings using new sight words from the episode.

By combining storytelling with inquiry-based science, Mrs. Thompson observed increased participation in writing tasks and improved use of descriptive language across subjects.

Checklist: Maximizing Learning from the Episode

To ensure you’re getting the most out of this educational resource, use the following checklist before, during, and after viewing:

• ☐ Preview the episode to identify target vocabulary and pause points
• ☐ Gather manipulatives (letters, craft supplies, story cards)
• ☐ Activate prior knowledge with a quick story recall question
• ☐ Pause during key word changes to discuss impact on the plot
• ☐ Use open-ended questions: “What would happen if…?” or “How could we fix this?”
• ☐ Extend learning with a related book, game, or craft
• ☐ Reinforce vocabulary throughout the week in conversation and writing

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I watch the Super Why! 'Three Little Pigs' episode legally?

The episode is available on the official PBS Kids website (pbskids.org) and app, as well as on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV via the Super Why! collection. It may also be accessible through public media partnerships like PBS Passport.

Is the episode aligned with educational standards?

Yes. The episode supports Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts in kindergarten, particularly in Reading Foundational Skills (RF.K.1, RF.K.2, RF.K.3), which cover print concepts, phonological awareness, and phonics.

Can older siblings benefit from watching with younger ones?

Absolutely. While designed for preschoolers, the episode’s emphasis on word play and critical thinking offers opportunities for older children to practice reading aloud, explain concepts, and lead activities—reinforcing their own skills through teaching.

Conclusion: Turn a Story into a Learning Adventure

The Super Why! The Three Little Pigs episode is more than entertainment—it's a springboard for meaningful literacy development. By pairing the show with thoughtful discussions, creative projects, and targeted exercises, adults can transform passive viewing into active learning. The resources outlined here provide a clear path for deepening comprehension, expanding vocabulary, and fostering a love of reading through one of the most beloved fairy tales of all time.

💬 Ready to bring the story to life? Download a free printable activity pack or share your own Super Why! lesson idea in the comments below to inspire other parents and educators.