"Postcards From Buster" is not just a fun and funny show; it's also founded on an educational curriculum that focuses on two areas, Cultural Awareness and English Language Learning.

In today's world, it is important to learn both about people like ourselves and people different from ourselves. In each episode of "Postcards from Buster," Buster meets kids from all walks of life: kids from different regions, different religions, different backgrounds... kids with different interests. And Buster, always curious, acts as a representative for all viewers.

Each episode also focuses on particular Language Functions and Vocabulary Fields. Language Functions include such actions as offering encouragement, expressing feelings, asking for advice, and all of the other myriad things language can do. Vocabulary Fields deal with words related to particular topics covered in each episode.

The "Postcards from Buster" Web site will provide many resources for Parents & Teachers:

• TV Schedule - Find out which episodes are coming up next.
• Information About the Program - The show's educational philosophy; a slideshow covering the main features of the program; conversation starters to open discussions with kids about what they've just seen on the show; character descriptions; and episode descriptions.
• Information About the Site - We'll provide extra information about Buster's "blog" (his online travel diary), highlight the games, and we'll show users how to get around.
• Lesson Plans - 40 professionally produced, carefully crafted lesson plans, one for each first season episode. Each lesson plan collects all of the teaching moments from one episode, with key cultural points; highlighted Language Functions and Vocabulary Fields; recommended books; and resources for further information.
• Reproducibles, and More - Reproducibles for teachers, and additional resources for all adults, such as recommended books to complement each episode and answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
• Educational Taping Rights - Schools may record the Program off-the-air and use the Program for educational purposes for one year following each public television release of the Program.

Parents & Teachers alike will find that the unique approach of "Postcards from Buster" - with its seamless combination of animation and live action - works well both as entertainment and as a more serious educational opportunity. The site launches September 27, two weeks before the show premieres on October 11. We hope to see you then!