TiVo Kidzone™ Guide
Animalia
Common Sense Media Says:
Parents need to know that this lighthearted, fast-paced series (which is based on the popular book by Graeme Base) has nothing but good intentions. The central characters work together to save a society in peril, and the show subtly emphasizes the importance of communication and language arts -- from reading and writing to speech and computer proficiency. Families can talk about how the series compares to Base's book. Kids: Have you read Animalia? Did you like it? How is the TV show similar to or different from the book? What other books would you like to see turned into TV shows?
The Little Couple
Parents need to know that this Little People, Big World spin-off raises awareness about people with differences by immersing viewers in everyday life of a newlywed couple with dwarfism. Although Bill and Jen sometimes discuss how hurtful some people’s reactions to them can be, the show focuses more on their very typical relationship issues (he criticizes her driving, she thinks he’s a control freak) than on how their unique circumstances set them apart. Ultimately it celebrates the human spirit and celebraes the things we all have in common. Families can talk about looking past outward appearances. How would you react if you encountered someone who looked very different from you at the store or at school? Would it be hard for you to look past those differences? Why is it important to get to know a person before you judge him or her? What does “prejudice†mean? Have you ever found yourself being prejudiced? How can you change that behavior?
Nature's Most Amazing Events
Common Sense Media Says:
More stunning nature TV from the Planet Earth team. -- for ages 6+. Parents need to know that this stunning natural history series from the producers of "Planet Earth" offers an inspiring glimpse into the global wildlife population's mostly unseen struggles for survival. Young and/or sensitive viewers may have a tough time with hunting scenes and shots of animals eating their prey; there's also some discussion (with imagery) of various animals' mating/breeding behavior. The series touches on the dangers of environmental concerns like global warming, offering plenty for families to talk about. Ultimately, it instills a respect for nature. Families can talk about the environment. How do humans affect the environment? What evidence exists of our “carbon footprint� What is global warming? How do our daily practices contribute to this change? What changes can you make within your home to help the environment? How does the media treat issues related to the environment? What messages does it send?
Cyberchase
Common Sense Media Says:
COMMON SENSE MEDIA FAVORITE: Problem-solving cyber-adventures for kids -- for ages 6+. Parents need to know that this adventure cartoon mixes fantasy with practical problem-solving. The adventures aren't scary, violent, or sexually inappropriate. Rather, they require fortitude and brain power. When the main characters cooperate, their smarts overpower any struggle. Families can talk about kids and computer use. Does this program make kids interested in using a computer? Is your kid focused on the problem-solving skills learned in each episode? Can your child take the skills learned in each episode and figure out how to apply it to everyday life?
Little House on the Prairie
Common Sense Media Says:
COMMON SENSE MEDIA FAVORITE: Classic pioneer drama is one for the books -- for ages 7+. Parents need to know that aspects of daily pioneer life may seem foreign to younger viewers who lack historical context to place them. The Ingalls family is a model of mutual respect and affection. Some stories deal with serious maters like the plague and other epidemics, infant mortality, the death of a parent, and the threat of neighboring Native Americans. Parents may find themselves answering questions about American history and geography. Families can talk about American pioneers. What challenges did they face as they moved West? Could you have persevered the way they did? This series is a great jumping-off point for discussions about many aspects of American history, and families can use it to talk about the struggles that preceded our country's existence today. Families can also compare the series to Laura Ingalls Wilder's original books.
Crash! Bang! Splat!
Common Sense Media Says:
COMMON SENSE MEDIA FAVORITE: Crazy science fun for ages 7+. Parents need to know that this educational, entertaining program teaches the fundamentals of natural science in fun, do-it-yourself experiments. In contrast to other science programs for kids, this show is hosted by young students who are easy for kid viewers to identify with. After the show, kids can recreate the experiments at home. Families can talk about how scientific laws are part of everyday life. How does learning science make you more aware of the world around you? What did the show teach you about science that you didn't know before? Since the show's experiments are easy to recreate, families can use what they've learned to stage their own cool tests.
Hannah Montana
Common Sense Media Says:
COMMON SENSE MEDIA FAVORITE: A rock princess/girl-next-door made for tweens ages 8+. Parents need to know that within the context of silly, preteen humor, main characters face normal adolescent challenges: How do I fit in? Will my friends like me if I'm different? How do I get her/him to notice me? Girls and boys talk about each other in the context of romantic relationships, dating, and kissing, but no sex. Tweens will certainly notice the glitz and glamour of the pop princess, but her actual appeal is how she faces everyday challenges in this dynamic part of development. Families can talk about Hannah's fear that her peers will react differently to her when they find out she's a celebrity. How can we be true to ourselves and also feel like we're fitting in and part of a peer group? Parents can also discuss the unrealistic image of a young girl having seemingly endless access to clothes and accessories.
