Jill Biden helps launch animated sing-along civics series for Nickelodeon
First Lady Jill Biden attends an event to celebrate National Civics Day with the launch of Well Versed, an animated musical series that aims to help teach kids about democracy and the U.S. Bill of Rights Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, in Philadelphia. (Jessicas Griffin/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP)
Jill Biden is lending an educational hand, helping to launch a new series of children’s music videos aimed at teaching civics.
The first lady touched down in Philadelphia on Friday at an event hosted by Nickelodeon, ATTN: and the nonprofit iCivics to unveil “Well Versed.”
The project is described as an “animated musical short-form series that aims to help teach kids about democracy and the U.S. Bill of Rights in fun and imaginative ways through original pop songs.”
In one of the clips from “Well Versed” posted ahead of the series’ debut, the characters belt out a tune teaching viewers about the three branches of government, with a chorus that lauds checks and balances.
“Keep tyranny from our country, split up the powers — one, two, three!” the animated characters sing.
“When we understand civics — how our government works and how to hold it accountable — we are able to make each other and our country the best it can be,” Biden, an English professor at Northern Virginia Community College, said in remarks at the kick-off event, which was timed to coincide with National Civics Day.
Former first lady Laura Bush also offered her support via a video message.
The 12 music videos are poised to premiere on Nickelodeon, Paramount+ and Noggin starting Nov. 1.