Play School

**tanni_83** · 23-03-2006 10:29

hi there, ok this isnt a thread to discuss that happens on Play School every day, i just wanted to ask a question lol

So......who lets their lo's watch play school? i dont make Elise (10mths) watch it i just put ABC kids on when we get up and let her go about doing her own thing and if something catches her eye or ear (hehe) she will stop and watch.

Ok my question is....how educational do you think Play School really is? I know as a kid i was TOTALLY addicted to it! my mum had a hard time gettimg me away from it, but i think it was great for singing, dancing, imagination and craft ideas. Also learning to tell the time as they do the clock thing every day and how to tell what the time is, "the big hand is pointing staight up etc" i was able to tell time on a clock that had no numbers just lines by the time i was 8 which is pretty impressive if i must say so myself

but my brother didnt really have an interest in the show and he is turning 12 this year and still has trouble telling time, do you think this might have had an impact on why i could tell time so young?

just let me know your thoughts on the matter and the show

cheers, Tanni

**the_queen** · 23-03-2006 11:13

I did some child care studies before getting pregnant with Vallerie, and from that perspective I think Play School is a great show for kids to watch. Encourages kids to use their brains, shows them different things they might not have seen before, introduces concepts which are important for future schooling (eg like you say, the clock)
Today was great, Sofia was on - the lady with a hearing impairment who teaches the kids signs. Vallerie loves Sofia!!!

**Elfin** · 23-03-2006 11:19

I think Playschool and Sesame Street are both great educational shows. The thing that stands out about Playschool to me is how they read the story. They are really good role models for parents in how to read to your own children. By that I mean they use an expressive voice and speak about the pictures/emotions of the characters which is really important for boosting comprehension.

For some kids the playschool book is probably the only one they ever get read.

**Tea Lady** · 23-03-2006 11:29

As an (ex) early childhood teacher, I think Playschool is fantastic. The presenters never talk down to the kids, they are great role models of how to be creative, enthusiastic and imaginative and they only ever do craft type things out of things you might actually have at home (not licensed merchandise!). The songs are great and I love how the presenters always seem to be having fun! It's definitely the best show by a long way for littlies (educationally speaking) that I've seen IMO. My 14 month old loves it. I do think it's best to watch with your child though, and encourage them to think about what they're seeing (talk about what's happening, sing the songs too etc) and not just use it for child-minding (note to self, practice what you preach

).

**WeThree** · 23-03-2006 13:59

I think playschool is by far one of the better, if not the best programs made for small children, and i think the fact that it has been around as long as it has says something as well.
i think it is good for parents as well, because you can pick up all sorts of tips on easy craft activities, things to do and make, stuff like that.