As a parent, I am always on the lookout for T.V. shows that are both appropriate for my children, but also teaches them something as well. By teaches, I don’t mean that they necessarily have to be watching some educational show all the time, but it’s nice if they were to walk away with some sort of message.
However, when I was approached to review a new show coming out on PBS that introduces children to both foreign languages and cultures and they do this through animation and music, I knew I had to do this review. Slangman’s World “is a live action/animated television show that introduces children ages 2-11 to foreign languages and cultures”. This show was described to me as a cross between Dr. Seuss and Blue’s Clues. And that is definitely what it is.
So shortly after agreeing to do this review, I received a demo dvd with ten five minute episodes. This show was created in 2002 by David Burke, who also stars in the show as Slangman. Studies have shown that music really helps children to learn AND retain foreing languages. So knowing this, Burke created and sings songs using high frequency words and phrases to help teach a particular language. Besides just singing, Slangman and his animated friends show the meaning of each word by demonstrating it.
If this sounds like something you and your children would enjoy watching, check out www.slangmansworld.com to purchase dvds. You can also order by calling 818.845.6555.
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