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Maisy
Maisy is the friendly, preschool-aged mouse who is the star of her own animated series. This 30-minute program teaches viewers about story structure, builds an appreciation for language, and finds ways to explore the alphabet as a vehicle to promote early literacy. Developed for children between 4-6 years-old, this program contains a lively cast of animal friends that Maisy interacts with as she explores her world.
Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood
Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood debuted in 1967 as a new type of television show for children between the ages of 2-5 years-old. This show teaches young children about themselves and the world around them by introducing them to real people and make-believe characters as a way to teach life lessons. What sets this show apart from others in this category is the way the host, Fred Rogers, patiently and calmly helps very young children begin to understand the world around them through stories and new experiences. Through these stories and experiences children are learning fundamental skills they will need for their early literacy. Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood promotes skills like listening, understanding the beginning, middle and end of a story, as well as predicting what will happen next.
Each episode is 30-minutes in length and is connected to a weekly theme. The themes for each week connect to structured, developmentally appropriate topics for young children like: understanding feelings, sharing, cooperation, diversity, self-esteem and imagination. The show begins with the host welcoming viewers into his home to learn about experiences in the real world. Then, viewers take a trip to the Land of Make-Believe where the theme of the show is reinforced through new characters and stories. Finally, viewers return to the real world and have a chance to say good-bye. Predictable and engaging, this program is a wonderful way to introduce young children to television viewing. Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood is broadcast through PBS stations across the country. Check your local listings for show times. The Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood Web site includes additional information about the show as well as extension activities.
Reading Rainbow
Reading Rainbow was developed to promote the love of books and reading as to well as establish positive reading habits, skills and attitudes. Developed for children between 4-8 years-old, Reading Rainbow remains a favorite with children and caregivers because of its fresh, fast-paced approach to storytelling and books with a mix of social and cultural topics.
Each 30-minute show is set up in a "magazine format," hosted by LeVar Burton, with segments that include a story read by guest readers, recommendations for books to read by young children, and interviews with children on a wide range of social issues. Reading Rainbow is broadcast through PBS stations across the country. Check your local listings for show times.
Sesame Street
Since 1969, Sesame Street has remained the gold standard for children's television programming. Sesame Street was designed to help children transition from home to school by introducing the alphabet and numbers through interesting characters, songs and stories. One of the many elements of Sesame Street's success is their commitment to keeping the shows developmentally appropriate based on the most recent research, and also sensitive to cultural and social differences. This winning formula has garnered the show unparalleled respect and admiration in the field.
Each 60-minute show is backed by a curriculum, which is grounded in years of research and continuous work with educational experts. Through this work with teachers, researchers, and parents, Sesame Street continues to evolve, growing with the needs of today's children and their caregivers. Each episode is stocked with reasoning games, sounding out letters and words, counting, pattern recognition and other important early literacy and math skills appropriate for children ages 4-7 years old. Sesame Street is broadcast through PBS stations across the country. Check your local listings for show times. You can also access local show times, learning games and additional activities connected to the show on the Sesame Street Web site.
In order to become an educated consumer of children's programming, it is helpful to familiarize yourself with tips and guidelines for choosing appropriate programming for children of different ages. For more information on recommended television programming and tips for watching television with your children, please visit the following Web sites:
