New! Improved! Original!

Those claims certainly are familiar to any family that has ever walked the aisle of a grocery store. Is the product genuinely new? Is the taste of the cereal really improved? Is the concept actually original?

Children’s television shows can be much the same way. Is it really new? Wasn’t this on before? Why does this seem so familiar? Well, I’ve just had a chance to see a few new programs that will be joining PBS in September of 2008 and January of 2009 and I can tell you – they really are new, improved, and original!

Here’s my take on what I saw. . .

Coming this fall:

Double barks for the very clever Martha Speaks. It is witty, smart, and full of life. Martha, the lovable dog from Susan Meddaugh’s book by the same name, comes to life with animation, personality and smarts. One day in the not too distant past she ate a bowl of alphabet soup, and instead of it going to her stomach, it went to her brain. Now she talks and even, on occasion, shops via phone for a few of her favorite treats. Oh –and don’t think she forgets about her other dog friends. She happily translates what they are saying in “dog” to her human family (with some minor editing, of course!).

All of this makes for a show with fabulous vocabulary, humor for all ages, and a great learning curriculum for kids in the early elementary years. And for families — this show is a great one to watch together.

Coming in January 2009:

Hey You Guys…Get ready to rock and read with The Electric Company! It’s back with a new cast, stories and curriculum. And it’s set to help kids ages 6-8 become more proficient at reading and problem solving. A preview of the programs demonstrates great vocabulary, cool dance moves, and an urban feel that can’t be beat. Using a narrative story line the producers and writers have created great songs to help improve reading skills. The “Silent E” song might be the one your kids hum to their kids!

If you’re in town, look closely around New York City over the next few months — it might even be filming in a neighborhood near you. This is one program that will have your first and second graders reading, writing, dancing and beatboxing!

Science kids unite! Meet Sid the Science Kid – brand new from the Jim Henson Company. Sid’s a lovable kid who asks the kind of questions real kids might – like, “Why are my shoes shrinking?” He, his family, and his group of adventurous friends begin to learn about growth. Just one in a series of themed topics, this question leads to a comprehensive unit on growing — supported by the actual programs and the off-air but online Web site.

The production quality is amazing, and as adults, you’ll be wondering just “how they did that.” It’s a real treat for the eyes — and also strong food for the brain. Its timing is important too, as science starts to be integrated into preschool and early elementary programs across all subject areas.

Let me know what you think about these shows. In the fall I’ll be back to help you figure out how to use the programs at home and in schools. And I’d like to hear your ideas, too.