Review: Phonics 4 Babies
We received a preview of a new DVD called "Phonics 4 Babies." To be released on September 25, "Phonics 4 Babies" introduces 300 key words and phrases that form the basis of your child's speech. This program was designed with the help of prominent clinicians at UCLA, speech pathologists, and child educators. It was specifically designed to engage babies and toddlers in early speech skills.
The DVD features several puppet "Tummy Tots." We received one of plush 8 legged creatures these with our preview copy. In the DVD, Giggles is a Tummy Tot toddler, who is just beginning to speak. On the arm of Mallory Lewis, Giggles learns how to say "please," and "thank you," and learns the sounds of each letter of the alphabet.
The DVD emphasizes different sounds and identifying various objects. A common element is Mallory Lewis asking the audience to pick out an object from a group of three. For example, a picture of a rabbit, sandbox, and a coat is displayed. She asks the audience to find each one in turn. Each scene often involves a quick song, sung by Ms Lewis.
We had Anderson watch the DVD with us last night. He wasn't too interested at first, but after a while he finally settled down to watch with us. Still, most of the time his attention was kept elsewhere. He had no where near the slack-jawed attention he might give to Blues Clues, for example. I'm not sure if this is a good thing or not.
There's no way I can tell right now if this DVD delivers what it promises. But it does seem to be headed in the right direction. If you're going to have your child watch DVDs, be sure to watch with them, and help reinforce the lessons that are taught. That way, your child will get much more out of it than by simply watching it alone.
Of course, parent watchability is a key factor if you plan on doing that. Laura found that the DVD got on her nerves very quickly. I didn't think it was as bad as her, but there are definitely some annoying things about the DVD. However, its really not as bad as some of the toddler-oriented stuff out there (Wiggles, I'm looking at you!). And Phonics 4 Babies does promise to be a little more educational than your average TV program.
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Posted by Peter at August 31, 2007 9:42 AM
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