We're not huge fans of the TV (we don't even own one) but the fact is that every parent (and kid) needs a break. Plus, media really does offer some fantastic opportunities for kids (and parents) to relax, and even learn something. The problem, at least for me, is choosing our media opportunities wisely. Even though we haven't brought Button home yet I am always on the look-out for DVD's and shows we can stream that I will feel comfortable letting Button watch every once in a while when I am truly in need of a few minutes to myself.
Several weeks ago, fellow adoptive mom, Bridget mentioned on her blog that her constantly adorable son Andrew loved a show called Dinosaur Train that aired on PBS. Since Bridget is a very wise woman with a constantly adorable son there was nothing I could do but check it out. This is what I found on the PBS website:
"DINOSAUR TRAIN embraces and celebrates the fascination that preschoolers have with both dinosaurs and trains. The series encourages basic scientific thinking skills as the audience learns about life science, natural history and paleontology. Each of the 40 half-hour episodes features Buddy, an adorable preschool age Tyrannosaurus Rex, and his adoptive Pteranodon family as they board the DINOSAUR TRAIN and embark on whimsical voyages through prehistoric jungles, swamps, volcanoes and oceans. The episodes include two 11-minute animated stories, along with brief live action segments hosted by renowned paleontologist Dr. Scott Sampson, that unearth basic concepts in life science, natural history and paleontology."
Um...hello? Paleontology, trains, and a positive representation of an adoptive family?
"Why yes, Button, you may watch some Dinosaur Train!"
--Rosemary
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
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8 comments:
My kids are 4 and 6 and they LOVE Dinosaur Train! I would highly recommend it.
No tv, that's just impressive. I'll have to check out Dinosaur Train. This is one had totally passed me by. Thanks and Merry Christmas!
Jess, we got rid of our tv about a year ago, I think, but it hasn't been as hard as I thought it would be. Trust me, we watch plenty of media on the computer (that's what we are really addicted to - the internet). The only time it's awkward is when we have company and they want to watch something. :-(
Back when Dinosaur Train first started a couple months ago I meant to tell you about it out of curiousity to see what you'd think. And I never did! So glad you discovered it anyway! Timothy ADORES Dinosaur Train and my 6 year old has the whole theme song memorized. It's such a cute show and the adoptive story line is a big added bonus! I have always liked the way they address the topic as well... in the first episodes, they didn't know what kind of dinosaur Buddy was (because they adopted him when he was just an egg) and they are on a quest to figure out what he is. When they finally meet another TRex family, the other trex child they meet expects that now Buddy would want to live with other TRex's. But while he's happy to know what he is, he never had any question about who he wanted to live with b/c the Pteranodon's are his family! And plus, with a main character spouting off "I have a hypothesis!" all the time, what's not to love? : )
My kids really enjoy it.
Never say never. That's what I have to say about tv. I swore she wouldn't watch any till she was like 4 or 5. Maybe you are stronger than I, but I have to say, there are some good shows on Nick Jr./PBS. Our fav is Baby Einsteins (a lot of interactions), Caillou (good lessons), and Wonder Pets (cute, sweet, and lessons on sharing and helping others). We also bought a program called Your Baby Can Read. Ruby loves it and is learning a TON. Again, it's interactive and the kids have to repeat what is being said and shown. We watch a lot with her so we are interacting with her too. Food for thought!
(sorry we haven't connected on the phone yet. Let's try next week after the holidays)
I can't believe I haven't heard of Dinosaur Train! I will definitely check it out. I agree that too much TV is not a great idea, but if you are selective, there are many very educational shows that have been so awesome for my kids! Teaching them things, showing them animals and taking them places that we cant' go!
Alex and I LOVE Dinosaur Train! We watch it every morning! Scott and I start singing and dancing when it comes on! Its the best!
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