Doc McStuffins

Image courtesy DisneyJunior.com (source)

Welcome to the first of the new Disney Junior shows that will be covered here on TV Mom!

Doc McStuffins is a really novel new program, although the initial premise of talking toys may sound familiar to Disney fans. This program follows a six year old little girl named Doc (short for... Dottie. Yes, really.) -- Talk about parents naming their kid for what they want them to grow up to be, eh? -- who takes her moniker very seriously. She is a doctor to toys and stuffed animals who have boo boos or illnesses.

Each episode depicts a toy with an "illness" or a "boo boo", and it walks them through their diagnosis and doctor visit, and ends with the toy singing the "I Feel Better" song. Doc likes to log her various toy maladies in her Big Book of Boo Boos, by drawing what happened to the toy and giving it a funny name like "Left on the right-itis" (for a toy who had his legs put on backwards after they fell off). There are lots of other songs for various things, and another recurring song entitled "Time For Your Checkup" in which Doc tells the toy all of the procedures she must do to make sure they are healthy.

This show is great for a number of reasons. First, the main character is an African American female in a powerful role of a physician. This is something that has been missing from pretty much all television, and Disney has definitely capitalized on that absence. Doc really gives girls someone to look up to other than a puffy pink princess who needs a prince to rescue her, and African American girls have a strong intelligent role model that they can relate to specifically.

Another interesting note in this category is that Mrs. McStuffins, Doc's mom, is actually a physician herself, which is part of why Doc aspires to be a doctor. Two strong African American females in this family! Doc is even voiced by a real young African American actress, Kira Muhammad, which I'm super glad about. (Honestly, nothing bugs me more than having a white person voice an African American character.)

Even cooler, Doc's DAD is the one who stays home with her and her younger brother Donny. That is a market that children's programming (heck, ALL programming!) seems to miss entirely. Stay at Home Dads, this one is for you!

Second, this show helps children to understand what happens in a doctor's office and visit, making them feel at ease with procedures such as getting their ears, eyes, and blood pressure checked. Also, it's great for showing kids that it's okay to be afraid when you are hurt, but that doctors help take the pain away. Several of the episodes I have viewed show the toys having apprehension at first, but the other toys and Doc herself all do their best to put them at ease. This is something else that is unprecedented in children's television as far as whole episodes and different situations under which a doctor visit is required, for injury and illness as well as just routine checkups.

Doc has her own crew of main talking stuffed animal and toy characters. There is a nurse hippo named Hallie, voiced by Loretta Devine, who you might recognize from various television roles including a part in Boston Legal, the secretary Patty from ABC's one-season lawyer series Eli Stone, or Adele Webber from Grey's Anatomy. There is a snowman named Chilly, voiced by a popular character actor Jess Harnell, whose voice-over credits include Wakko Warner from Animaniacs and Secret Squirrel on Two Stupid Dogs. There is a stuffed lamb with jingle bells in her feet named Lamby, who loves to give cuddles to everyone, voiced by Lara Jill Miller, who also voices Widget on Wow Wow Wubbzy (although thankfully she's not NEARLY as obnoxious on this program!). Finally, there is Stuffy the Dragon, who is voiced by Robbie Rist... a name very few would know... unless you remember cousin Oliver from the Brady Bunch. Yeah, same guy! He's also the voice of Michaelangelo the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle in the movies from the late 80's/early 90's. Quite the cast if you ask me! They even have already taken to having guest voices, most notably Modern Family's Ty Burrell as a daddy Jack-in-the-box whose son Jack-in-the-box can't pop out properly.

This program airs on the new Disney Junior channel, as well as during the Disney Junior block on the regular Disney Channel. Check your local listings to see if Disney Junior channel is offered in your area through your cable or satellite provider, as it is fairly new (it has only been on the air since mid-March), but you can always set your DVR for it on the regular channel as well!

What your child learns:

• What to expect from doctor visits for situations of injury, illness, or even just routine checkups. They learn what each test is for and why the doctor needs to use it, in gentle language that is familiar to them.
• Social and Emotional Development: Caring for friends, encouraging others, calming fears, allowing children to recognize and feel emotions such as fear and uncertainty.
• Logical reasoning: Taking pieces of information and putting them together to solve a problem (or make a diagnosis).

As a parent watching, you won't be overly bored. The dialog isn't too slow, and the characters are cute and amusing. There are plenty of fun songs to encourage your child to sing. It's also a great tool to use in advance of a doctor visit, to help open up a dialog with your child about what will happen and how they feel about it. Kids are also going to hear good advice about being safe, eating healthy, exercising, grooming, and proper rest, all things a kid is much more likely to absorb coming from a singing animated stuffed dragon than boring old Mom.

Age ranges for this program will vary from early preschool years to probably third or fourth graders. I think kids much older than that will think that the program is a little beneath them, but I do think that younger toddler aged kiddos will enjoy the fun characters and songs.

Overall, it's not a super educational program, but it is great for making kids feel better about visiting the doctor, something that every mother knows and has to deal with. As I've said, the characters are cute and the songs aren't obnoxious, which makes for decent watch-ability. Kids will enjoy it, girls will enjoy having a great role model, and parents will like how it opens communication about something that all kids have to endure and may not be super keen on. My son likes it, so it's a keeper in our book!

Team Umizoomi

Image courtesy NickJr.com (Source)

Boy have I watched a LOT of this show lately. My son is downright OBSESSED. In fact, I don't think there is an episode of Team Umizoomi (pronounced "ooh-me-zoom-e") that I haven't seen. So, without further ado, ladies and gentlemen, I introduce you to my son's three favorite cartoon characters in the known universe: (from left to right) Geo, Bot, and Milli, aka Team Umizoomi.

If you have never heard of Umizoomi, the first thing you need to know is that the show is all about math. Every possible aspect of basic mathematics is covered. I think, honestly that the show covers well into second and third grade level mathematic abilities. If you never thought your kid would go manic for math, then maybe this show is for you (and them).

The show has three main characters, all animated. Geo wears blue. His "mighty math power" (oh yeah, get used to THAT phrase) is that he can make anything using shapes from his magic shape belt. By "make anything", I really do mean just that. If they need a bulldozer to help clean trash out of a sandbox, Geo conjures up some blueprints featuring rudimentary shapes to create that object. Your child is encouraged to call out the shapes needed (if you're curious, apparently a bulldozer requires a rectangle, a bunch of circles for wheels, and a crescent for the scoop... and yes, now my nearly-3 year old knows--and points out profusely--crescents). When the shapes are all filled in, your child yells "Super Shapes!" and the shapes magically become the necessary item.

Milli wears pink, and is the sister of Geo. She has a few "mighty math powers". Her primary one is that her dress magically can duplicate any pattern by exclaiming "Pattern Power!". If you need a pattern of sandwich toppings, her dress will transform to have a pattern of bread, lettuce, pickle, and cheese on it, so you can fill in the blanks of the pattern. The other power Milli possesses, and where she gets her name, is that her pigtails can magically grow and turn into measurement devices for units of length or temperature, just by chanting "Milli Measure!". These come in handy for measuring lengths of chain or water temperature for seahorses in distress.

Bot is the third member of the team. He's (obviously) a robot. His abilities include a Belly Screen (or rather, a "belly, belly, BELLY screen!") that can "show you anything". The opening song demonstrates him pulling up a skyscraper, taxi, and traffic light. He also has a Bot-o-mat, which unless you're over 30, you may not understand the reference to an automat, which was a kind of rotating still of various shelf-stable or refrigerated food items. Bot does not supply food items to people with spare change (although I'm sure he could keep food in there), but rather might have a useful item or two inside for their mission, or just keep something else safe, such as when they are trying to locate pieces of a stomping dinosaur toy. Interestingly enough, Bot is voiced by none other than Donovan Patton of Blue's Clues fame (although you might know him better as Joe).

The three reside in Umi City, which is populated with live-action actors, who are then green-screened into the show. The acting is... well, somewhat akin to watching a junior high skit. But not really all that bad, considering some of the other shows I've seen. They also have a somewhat anthropomorphized vehicle named UmiCar, who has occasionally gotten into his own adventures, but isn't seen often and only speaks in "vroom" noises.

The end of each show also culminates in a fun "celebration" for being able to use Mighty Math Powers, where everyone does a dance called the Crazy Shake. It's fun to get up and shake like a wet dog, although be advised your kid might disown you. Mine has on several occasions, and he's not even three.

The show airs on Nick and Nick Jr., both are cable/satellite channels so please check your local listings for availability. Episodes are available for purchase on iTunes as well, and there have been a couple double-length episodes. Finally, if your child is like mine, there are Team Umizoomi Preschool Math Kits to purchase that not only include a DVD of the show (one episode each), but work books, coloring books, a story book, Math Mission Cards (fun games you can play with your child using math), pencils and an eraser. Your first purchase also includes a super cool Team Umizoomi backpack. We use ours as a sort of diaper/travel bag, and I would swear it makes us toddler royalty when we are spotted with it. Parents from here in Ohio to Disney World probably hate us for flaunting our Umizoomi-awesomeness, as I often hear "Mommy! Look! They have the Team Umizoomi backpack I saw on TV! I want one!" from behind. Sorry, random parents.

What your child learns:

• Mathematics: All aspects of early math education, including...
• Numbers
• Counting
• Addition and Subtraction
• Patterns
• Colors
• Logical thinking
• Problem Solving
• Categorizing
• Shapes
• Measurement
• Social and Emotional Development: Helping friends and neighbors, recognizing and assessing feelings, living in a community, responsibility to the world around us.

Age ranges for this show I think are a lot more broad than they give themselves credit for. Some of the math might go over the head of a two year old, but be exactly what is being learned in a first grade classroom. However, a first grader might be insulted by having to count over and over, which they probably already know how to do. Still, I think there is a lot of value for ages 2 to 6 or even 7. The math kits, while branded for Preschool, I think are great tools for homeschooling parents (which we plan to be/already are) up through the first couple years of formal education in mathematics.

As a parent watching, you will probably find much of the show absurd and slow paced. However, watching your child be engaged in learning a real life skill such as counting money or finding shapes in the world around them, you will be endlessly entertained and amazed. I think it's a fair trade-off. The integration of the math kits I think is genius as far as Nick is concerned. It's not another useless plastic toy, but real education that is fun for your child, and I think fun in education is paramount to keeping a love of learning throughout a lifetime.

Overall, I can't say enough good things about this program, honestly. My son has learned SO much more than I thought a two year old was even capable of, and is interested in learning more about math, numbers, money, counting, adding and subtracting, patterns, and everything this show encompasses. The characters are likeable, the colors are bright and happy, and above all else, my child adores it. It's a win in my book!

TV Mom Returns!

I want to first apologize to my readers for my extended blogging absence. Life gets in the way, and any parent can understand that.

I have a whole new CHANNEL to review, guys! Disney Junior has launched and has provided me with a long list of new children's programming to talk about. Unfortunately for some, it isn't available in all markets yet, but their website is up and running with lots more fun activities and videos for your child to enjoy regardless of whether or not you receive the channel.

I am also planning on expanding my writing to include shows on the popular channel The Hub, as my son has proven himself to be quite the Brony as of late. (For those of you unaware, a "Brony" is a dude who likes the new My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic series.)

Nick Jr. has also recently changed its format, and I have plenty to speak on regarding that transition.

All of that and more is coming to Confessions of a TV Mom! Stay tuned!

Word World

Word World is one of the most clever ways I've ever seen to teach reading. It's an adorable animated series where each character and many of the things they encounter in the world are made up of the letters used to make that word. Take a look at the character Duck in the image above (they only have the name of what they are, which helps to make it less confusing for kids)... he is made up of the letters D-U-C-K. Sheep is made of the letters S-H-E-E-P, and so on. There are tons of recurring characters on the show, referred to as "Word Friends": Frog, Duck, Sheep, Pig, Bear, Bug, Ant, Fly, Cat, Robot, Shark... I could go on and on.

The great thing about this program is that it really helps foster the idea that all words are made up of letters. In fact, several times during the program, your child is invited to "build a word" with a cute little song. Then the characters show them how the letters come together, make sounds, and form words. 

 

There are also fantastic companion toys available, many are stuffed Word Friends, whose letters actually come apart so your child can build the word and make the friend whole again. Endlessly clever I tell you! I have a feeling that I would probably just find disembodied Word Friend parts all over my house, since my son just enjoys the destruction.

Word World currently airs on PBS stations, which are free over the air. There are also lots of DVDs available, as well as the toys I mentioned.

Toddler and preschool children will probably get the most out of this show, although babies may enjoy the bright colors and cute animated friends on screen. Older kids will likely be bored with the show itself, but may still benefit from some of the supplemental materials, like flash cards, for spelling and reading comprehension.

What your child learns:

•  Reading Readiness: Learning that words are made up of letters, letters make sounds (phonics), spelling, capital and lowercase letter recognition, rhyming, vocabulary.
• Problem Solving: Choosing the right word or letter, filling in blanks, arranging letters in a certain order.
• Social and Emotional Development: Cultivating friendships, being helpful, social diversity awareness, knowing when to ask for help.

There is also a great site for parents and educators wishing to use this program in a more instructional manner, Word World for Parents and Teachers. There is also a bar across the top where you can bring your child to play online Word World games with their favorite characters from the program.

As a parent watching, I will admit that hearing the "It's time to build a word" song a few times in a row might be grating. However, I can't really think of any other major flaws. Some parents think Duck's voice is kind of annoying, but I think he sounds like Don Knotts. (Hey, it could be worse... he could be voiced by Gilbert Godfreid. I swear that guy does nothing but voice-over work these days. His voice makes me want to stick a sharpened pencil in my ear.) My son loves shouting out the words as they turn into the object. It actually makes me wonder if he knows more about reading than he lets on at two and a half.

I can still never get over just how clever of an idea this program is. I highly recommend it, especially for parents of pre- or early readers. It's an enjoyable way to teach phonics and other early reading skills. And it's just downright adorable!

Super Why

Here's a super hero team that any parent can get behind... although I'm still partial to Spidey and the X-Men, don't get me wrong! Super Why, also known as Wyatt, is a story book character who comes to the rescue of his story book world friends by using books with characters who are experiencing similar dilemmas.

Now, you're probably thinking, "I don't know of any story with a character named Wyatt in it," and you would be right. However, when I tell you more about Wyatt's family, you might recognize him... or at least his older brother. They reside in a giant beanstalk house, and his older brother's name is Jack. Jack is now a teenager (recently headed off to college, in fact), and Wyatt has taken over the job of being the rambunctious boy of the family.

Wyatt's friends, also known as The Super Readers, are also popular storybook characters. There is Red, who roller skates to and from Grandma's house now. Pig is the smallest of the famous three, and loves to build things. Finaly, there is Princess Pea, who is known for her sensitivity to a particular legume beneath her mattress. All four have special Super Reading powers: Pig turns into Alpha Pig, who is well versed in the alphabet. Red becomes Wonder Red, who loves to rhyme and find similar sounds. Princess Pea becomes Princess Presto, with super spelling powers. Wyatt becomes the titular Super Why, with the power to read using his Why Writer, which highlights words as they are read, and helps him zap the right word to complete a sentence.

In more recent episodes, a new character named Woofster has been added. He's Wyatt's new pet dog, and he has Dictionary Power, to help define words that are new to the Super Readers. What kid doesn't love a cute puppy?

Viewers are also encouraged to watch for "Super Letters", which Wyatt plugs into his Super Computer to give them the answer to their dilemma. The letters tend to pop up throughout the story, and are sparkly and red. My son gets quite excited when he spots them, and loves "yelling to Super Why" to "alert" him to their presence.

Super Why currently airs on PBS, a free over the air channel, and PBS Sprout on certain cable network providers and satellite services.

Suggested ages for this program are toddler to about age 6 or 7. I think older kids may find the reading lessons a bit below them, but may still benefit from spelling and sentence completion lessons. Younger viewers may not enjoy the reading aspect as much, but rhyming and finding the Super Letters will be a lot of fun for the 2-3 set.

What your child learns:

• Reading Readiness: Identifying letters (both upper and lowercase), completing sentences with the correct word, context, rhyming words, spelling.
• Social and Emotional development: Helping others, compassion, friendship, following directions, listening to others.
• Critical Thinking: Identifying and solving problems, using context to answer a question, finding similarities between parallel situations. 

As a parent watching, you might find the pauses to allow your child to answer to be a tad on the long side, and some of the situations may be overly basic. There is a little humor thrown in for the adult crowd, in that some of the story book characters the Super Readers meet are obviously neurotic, but aside from that, there isn't going to be much you'll enjoy other than watching your child respond to questions.

It's a cute little show, without loud and obnoxious characters. That's always a plus in my book. The reading aspect of this show, I find, is almost unparalleled in other programs. Your child will love having a super hero of their own to identify with, and seeing characters they recognize from some of their favorite stories on screen is a special little bonus.