Bridget Tully

Great show for young kids learning letters and how to read, as well as an excellent introduction to fairy tales. It encourages creative thinking, too. Yet, this show might not hold much appeal for kids older than six or seven.

This show is a great alternative to Dora, if you don’t like her. Peg and cat teach little kids to overcome obstacles in fun ways. For instance, in one episode they jump over a large pithole in a cave. As they solve each problem, they sing. There is no talking at the screen, from what I’ve seen. The age range for this show is confusing, however. Different sources contain different answers. For example, the PBS website says this show is for kids 3-5, yet PBS learning media has content related to the show for kids ages 3-8. If you’re in preschool through first grade, this show will help you see math as fun and accessible. I wish this show was around when I was little.

I personally think this is bad for kids. Caillou’s parents never correct him. When he whines, they let him get his way. For instance, in one episode Caillou can’t go to the dinner party. He then whines. Then his mom allows him to attend the party, only to say goodnight to everyone. This show teaches kids that they get what they want through whining. Parents, don’t let your kids watch this!

Dora the Explorer is annoying for a lot of people, but it is beneficial if you can stand her. Dora teaches map reading and sequencing skills, as well as inspiring a passion for helping others. Even toddlers can benefit from Dora because she can help them associate spoken words with objects. Viewers will also learn letters, Spanish, colors, and shapes. Good show for ages 2-5. I loved it as a little kid and recommend it from toddler to kindergarten.

This show does a good job introducing history to younger kids. I know the history isn't perfectly accurate (i.e. in the episode about Rosa Parks, she sat on the bus as a kid when in real life, she didn't do so until she was an adult). Yet, the gist of it is accurate. This show simply introduced historical figures to kids and gets them to want to know more. I recommend this for kids ages 4 and up.

I love this movie. I just fell in love with Anna and Elsa because of it. This is so much better than the first movie. Elsa is much nicer to Anna than she was in the original. While she used her ice powers to harm Arendale in the first movie, Elsa actually used her powers to save Arendale. For instance, she was called to an enchanted forest and when she got there, she used her powers to get her, Anna, Kristoff, and Olaf into the woods. Anna and Elsa are strong female characters as well. Anna always tried to overcome her struggles alone and Elsa could handle her problems without a man. Lots of little kids love Elsa and Anna, but there is a little violence at the beginning, so I recommend viewers need to be 7 and older.