little ones
BY SHAVONNE JEFFRIES
TUNING
INTO
Kids’ TV
Kids’ television programming has come a long way since the days of
Teletubies, Power Rangers and Barney. Nowadays, many kids’ shows have
educational value while still providing entertaining content.
P
opular shows such as “Dora
the Explorer” teach children
a bit of Spanish while encour-
aging them to think to solve
an age-appropriate mystery while giving a les-
son on nature and animals. Another great show
is “Jack and the Never Land Pirates,” which helps
viewers form beneficial social skills by solving puzzles called
“pirate problems” and giving subtle cues to social values and
behaviours.
While not everything children watch is going to be edu-
cational, it’s nice for parents to have options. Here are a few
shows on TV right now that are appropriate for kids.
Bubble Guppies – Bubble Guppies on Nickel-
odeon takes kids on under water adventures with fish-tailed
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characters by blending learning, music, dancing
and fun in a variety show format. Each episode
follows the Bubble Guppies on their way to school
where they find a subject of interest on the way, and
they explore the subject from many angles
throughout the show. With
the help of their teacher
Mr. Grouper, the Bubble
Guppies put their thinking
and exploring skills into
action as they have fun and
learn. It’s perfect for preschoolers.
Team Umizoomi – A 2D
and 3D animated show from Nickelodeon,
Team Umizoomi educates and entertains kids