According to developmental-behavioral pediatrician Ma. Theresa Arranz-Lim, M.D., TV shows have “a definite impact on the demeanor and development of a child.” A local study showed that preshoolers who spend more than four hours a day watching TV (regardless of content) were more likely to develop speech delays than those who don’t watch TV.
In another study, the more number of hours devoted to TV time meant that a parent was less likely to talk to her child, thus social interaction, which is crucial for development, is missed.
Dr. Arranz-Lim says that many kids who utter bad words pick up most of their foul language from media, or from peers who are highly exposed to inappropriate media. She also cites the research done by psychologist Albert Bandura that proved that children exposed to violence on TV may not necessarily imitate the behaviour immediately, but may do so later on.
If you must let your kids watch TV, here are ten educational shows worth watching:
Dora the Explorer on Nick Jr.
Mondays at 9 a.m. (new episodes), Tuesdays to Fridays at 9 a.m. and 12 noon, Saturdays at 8:30 a.m.
Premise: “Come on, vamonos, everybody let’s go!” The invitation to join seven-year-old Dora the Explorer and her best friend Boots on their many exciting adventures is often heeded with enthusiastic shouts. Grab your bag and journey with Dora as she teaches kids how to observe situations and solve problems while they explore her world together. Along the way, your tot can learn basic Spanish words and phrases, as well as beginning math skills, music, and coordination. (Oh, and watch out for Swiper the Fox who would want nothing more than to swipe your stuff!)
Why we like it: The show is very interactive, as kids are encouraged throughout each episode to respond to Dora. Aside from introducing a new language and basic math skills, it also encourages tots to actively participate in each adventure through physical movement.
Take it one step further: Check out Nick Jr. online for games, recipes, and arts and crafts. This site also features activities that teach the Spanish language.
Image from fanpop.com
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Hi-5 on Disney Jr.
Saturdays at 9.30 a.m.
Premise: Hi-5’s educational content enables children to learn in different ways. It is a vibrant mix of upbeat songs, dancing, stories, investigation, imagination, and adventure.
Why we like it: With its colorful segments, catchy songs, and interactive portions, Hi-5 makes learning fun for kids. They discover different things based on the theme of each episode, and even learn basic phonics and reading skills in between segments.
Image from dailytelegraph.com.au
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Handy Manny on Disney Jr.
Mondays to Sundays at 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Premise: “You break it, we fix it!” The citizens of Sheetrock Hills depend on the ever-reliable repairman Manny Garcia and his motley crew of talking (and singing!) tools. Working towards a common goal is a key feature of this show, proving that cooperation, creativity, and perseverance can indeed get the job done every time. It teaches young kids basic Spanish words, and, more importantly, the importance of being a good neighbor, and cultural diversity.
Why we like it: Manny and his tools help teach important values such as helpfulness, respect for others, cooperation, and valuing one’s identity, as well as good manners. Mom Michelle Siatong-Haban says that the show has gotten her son Sev Philip, 5, to be “excited to do things in the house.”
Take it one step further: Children love nothing more than pounding with hammers. Provide them with their own tool kit suited for their age.
Image from handymannymediadiary.blogspot.com
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Team Umizoomi on Nick Jr.
Mondays at 8:30 a.m., Tuesdays to Fridays at 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Saturdays at 8 a.m.
Premise: The show is set in a wonderfully urban environment, where the streets are paved with origami, the sidewalks are swirled in color, and even the manhole covers have whimsical patterns. Team Umizoomi is made up of Milli, Geo, and Bot, who solve everyday problems with their “Mighty Math Powers” in order to keep Umi City running smoothly.
Why we like it: The show’s characters “interact” with kiddie viewers by enlisting their help in solving problems. They do so by demonstrating how math concepts (such as patterns, counting, and number identification) can be found everywhere and how it’s integral to our daily lives. Toni Tiu, mom to Timmy, 3, says she likes the show because it “teaches math skills in an engaging way.”
Image from onefrugalchick.com
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Yo Gabba Gabba! on Nick Jr.
Mondays to Wednesdays at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., Saturdays at 9 a.m.
Premise: Yo Gabba Gabba! is a fun, live-action program for kids. DJ Lance Rock and the friendly
“monsters” teach kids simple life lessons through their adventures, songs, dance numbers, colorful cartoons, and short segments featuring real kids (such as their “Cool Tricks” portion).
Why we like it: It’s a fun way for kids to learn basic social skills, such as how to behave when meeting people for the first time, and basic hygiene and health education (i.e. too much candy can make you sick, brushing your teeth is good for you, and more).
Image from animationmagazine.net
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Ni Hao Kai-lan on Nick Jr.
Mondays at 10:30 a.m., Tuesdays to Fridays at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., Saturdays at 7:30 a.m.
Premise: Five-year-old Kai-lan Chow is a Chinese-American preschooler who invites kids to play with her and her best friends. Join her group as they explore the many facets of friendship —
from sharing and taking turns to dealing with frustration, overcoming jealousy and disappointment, to encouraging each other not to give up. In every episode, they seek their viewers’ help in finding creative solutions to the daily dramas they encounter. Chinese culture, values, and language are embedded in the show, giving its young audiences a glimpse of life in a Chinese family.
Why we like it: Aside from helping kids learn a foreign language and culture, Kai-lan and her friends also help teach young ones how to deal with their emotions. Its episodes often feature positive social lessons and age-appropriate coping strategies for common situations faced by kids.
Take it one step further: Encourage your child to learn a new language. Traditional children’s songs such as “If You’re Happy and You Know It” can be downloaded in Chinese. Just remember to stick to one dialect — Mandarin is quite different from Cantonese.
Image from fanpop.com
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Little Einsteins on Disney Jr.
Tuesdays to Sundays at 3:30 p.m.
Premise: “We’re going on a trip in our favorite rocket ship...” Little Einsteins takes tots on fun adventures with the kiddie gang of Leo, June, Annie, and Quincy, who each have their own “musical specialties.” Leo loves to conduct, while Annie loves to sing, and Quincy loves to play instruments, while June loves to dance. Each episode features different pieces of classical music and famous artwork. It primarily aims to help children learn to explore and introduce new educational concepts.
Why we like it: Children are introduced to classical music and art in a fun, creative way. The show’s interactive component also encourages kids to participate in each adventure and help the Little Einsteins solve problems along the way. Kids also learn musical terms such as crescendo, fortissimo, pianissimo, and diminuendo.
Image from tv-shows.album-cover-art-finder.com
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Word World on Disney Jr.
Mondays to Sundays at 9:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Premise: “It’s time to build a word!” Welcome to a world where everything is made out of letters.
Excitement fills the air as the WordFriends come across letters that can be used to build words such as b-i-r-d. Usually, a challenge can be resolved with the right word, built letter by letter, or sound by sound. And once the word is built, it magically transforms into an image of what it is, like in this case, a flying feathered animal.
Why we like it: One can literally see the light-bulb turning on in the minds of little ones as they make the connection between the letters and words. The show helps reinforce pre-reading skills and shows kids that letters (and their sounds) make words, and that words have real meaning. Kids are introduced to basic reading concepts, such as sounding out letters, “chunking” words, and rhyming.
Take it one step further: Get your child on the path to reading by labeling the furniture and toys in his room. All you need are index cards, markers, and a little creativity.
Image from blufordschools.org
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Higglytown Heroes on Disney Jr.
Mondays to Sundays at 2 p.m.
Premise: Come and visit Higglytown, where everyone is a hero. The show introduces “everyday heroes” — a fire fighter, coast guard, teacher — in an engaging way. Follow the adventures of four Higgly kids — Eubie, Wayne, Twinkle, Kip, and Fran — as they uncover the special qualities that make each member of their community a hero. These kids set out to prove that by doing “ordinary” things, everyone has a chance to become a hero.
Why we like it: The show teaches kids the importance of teamwork, cooperation, and seeking help when needed; using one’s imagination and common sense to solve problems; and the importance of community helpers and the role each person plays to make the world a better place to live in.
Take it one step further: Introduce your child to different people in the community such as the waiters in the restaurants, cashiers in the grocery, and salespersons in the bookstore. The concept of working to help others should be ingrained early on.
Image from devilsgarage.com
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Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on Disney Jr.
Mondays at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Tuesdays at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Wednesdays to Sundays at 9 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 7 p.m.
Premise: “Meeska, Mooska, Mickey Mouse!” This chant is echoed in every house with little ones riveted to the latest escapades of Mickey and the gang of Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, and Pluto. Solving age-appropriate problems, such as counting from one to 10, finding the right tool to use, and identifying shapes, are integrated in every fun-filled episode.
Why we like it: Kids are encouraged to answer questions, count aloud, identify colors or objects, and dance or do other physical activities, among other things. The Clubhouse gang also shows positive examples by modeling teamwork, encouragement, and positive interactions among the characters.
Take it one step further: Create your own Clubhouse games such as a scavenger hunt using Disney character stickers.
Image from scooterny.com
TV... or not TV?
• Remember that TV time for kids — no matter how “educational” the shows are — can never give
as many benefits as time spent playing, exploring, reading, and creating through arts and crafts.
• “Everything in moderation,” reminds developmental-behavioral pediatrician Lourdes Sumpaico-
Tanchanco, M.D. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend TV viewing for kids
below the age of two years, and only one to two hours of screen time every day for kids above two.
• Parenting counselor Michele Alignay advises parents to watch these shows with their kids — or at least stay in the same room with them—so you can be available to answer any questions your child might have. Alignay prefers that your child watch pre-selected shows, so you’d have better control of what he’s exposed to.
• Dr. Tanchanco also recommends screening the shows first to ensure that they are of good quality before allowing your child to watch them.
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