TiVo Kidzone™ Guide
Olivia
Common Sense Media Says:
Parents need to know that this engaging animated show for preschoolers is based on a series of best-selling books by Ian Falconer. If your kids are already familiar with Olivia's escapades, they'll be delighted to see her in this new form, and newcomers will be inspired to check out Falconer's stories after watching her in action. Adventurous Olivia has plenty of positive messages for kids about friendship, self-confidence, and the joys and responsibilities of being a sibling, and she demonstrates that imagination is a reliable tool in working through the issues kids face in everyday life. Families can talk about solving problems. What problems did Olivia have to work out? How did they affect her and her family and friends? How did she work to solve them? Was everyone happy in the end? Have you had any problems like that? How did your solutions compare to Olivia's? Families can also discuss how the series compares to the books. How does the animated Olivia compare to the one you imagine when you read her stories? Does seeing her on TV change how you imagine her in books now? What are some of your other favorite shows that are also book series?
Special Agent Oso
Common Sense Media Says:
Parents need to know that this series encourages preschoolers to solve puzzles as the main character helps kids work through everyday challenges like brushing their teeth and learning to use the library. Age-appropriate skills like shape recognition, chronology, and spatial relationships are emphasized within the context of the plot, so kids learn while they enjoy the stories. The show's best quality is its positive message about the joy to be found in helping others. Families can talk about solving problems. Kids: What kinds of problems do you encounter during a typical day? How do you try to solve them yourself? What tools do you use to help? How do you feel when you solve a problem on your own? Who do you turn to for help when you can't do something on your own?
Martha Speaks
Common Sense Media Says:
Parents need to know that this animated series based on books by Susan Meddaugh expands preschoolers' vocabulary by introducing complex words ("remedy," "opinion," and "deserted," to name a few) and incorporating the words' meanings into the characters' dialogue. Since the show centers on a pet dog who gains the ability to speak after she's accidentally fed alphabet soup, kids may need to be reminded that it's not a good idea to give human food to pets in real life. Families can talk about communication. Before Martha could speak, how did she communicate her needs to her family? Do you think they were able to understand her? How would you communicate if you couldn't talk? Have you ever gotten into trouble because of something you've said? What did you learn from the situation? What does Martha learn about when to share her opinions? Can you think of a time when it might be better to not give your opinion?
Curious George
Common Sense Media Says:
COMMON SENSE MEDIA FAVORITE: Notorious monkey amuses and teaches preschoolers -- for ages 3+. Parents need to know that George's curiosity is contagious and will probably encourage preschoolers to explore their surrounding in similar ways, which is great. But it also means that little ones need to be cautioned about certain things George does that may actually be dangerous in real life (even though they're treated with humor in the show). A little parental guidance should steer them in the right direction. Families can talk about each of George's adventures. What did he explore or discover? What was the result? Did his curiosity get him into trouble in this episode? If so, how did he solve his problem? What did George learn? What did you learn that you didn't know before? What do you think would happen to George in the real world?
Reading Rainbow
Common Sense Media Says:
COMMON SENSE MEDIA FAVORITE: Encouraging kids to read, one book at a time -- for ages 4+. Parents need to know that this program, which encourages kids to read, has been on for more than 20 years. Critics at first thought it was counter-intuitive to emphasize reading books on television. But this program makes story time rich and interesting. Along with stories narrated by renowned actors, documentary-style investigations explore everything from locomotives to city markets to slavery. Families can talk about the different subjects of each episode. The featured books and investigations can make great starting points for Internet research or a trip to the library. What do kids enjoy about story time? Did you watch this program when you were younger? Does this show make your kids want to read more? Why is reading so important?
Arthur
Common Sense Media Says:
COMMON SENSE MEDIA FAVORITE: A thoughtful cartoon for kids to grow up on -- for ages 5+. Parents need to know that despite this series' fun, lighthearted nature, its social lessons (which cover a wide range of situations) are more complex and original than you'll find in most cartoons. Children of any age can watch alone, but those 5 and over will understand the stories best. The show explores the challenges of sibling relationships through Arthur and his sister DW. It's worth noting that sometimes their arguments can be a little too true-to-life (i.e., loud and whiny). Families can discuss sibling struggles. How can brothers and sisters work out their differences? Do Arthur and DW have a good relationship? How is it like your kids' relationship with their siblings? How is it different?
