Phonics 4 Babies: Baby's First Words - NR
Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this DVD, which claims that it will "jumpstart your child's speech," combines repetition, simple songs and games, and a perky host in an effort to help babies and young toddlers acquire the basic steps to speech. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics as well as Common Sense Media suggest no screen time at all until the age of 2. While this DVD may not do harm, it offers nothing that couldn't be achieved simply by reading books together. This DVD also runs longer than the 60 minutes advertised on the packaging and Web site -- more like 75 minutes for both episodes.
Families who do choose this for their young children should watch it together and help their youngsters mirror the simple commands like "hop" and "make all gone." The host does an excellent job of reinforcing good manners and providing positive feedback that parents could incorporate into their own interactions with their babies.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Nancy Davis Kho
BABY'S FIRST WORDS is the first of what is billed as a series of videos from Phonics 4 Babies, designed to "unleash the genius in your child." The producers take that task seriously, including a tongue-in-cheek warning that exposure to the DVD may cause children to grow up to be President and find a cure for the common cold.
The two episodes on this DVD are narrated by Mallory Lewis, daughter of Shari Lewis, of Lambchop fame, and herself an Emmy Award-winner for writing in a children's series. She makes a warm and cheerful mother figure for Giggles, one of the buggy "Tummy Tots" that stand in as toddlers in the series. Displaying dazzling white teeth and a constant smile, Lewis leads Giggles and the audience in simple, repetitive songs and the "D-D- Dog!" exercises that reinforce phonics.
She also cheerfully but firmly corrects Giggles when she forgets to use her words to ask for what she wants, or behaves rudely. Lewis' positive approach to both discipline and praise, as when she says, "You are not rude, but your behavior is. You are sweet and kind," is exemplary for the parents of young children.
A few live-action shots of toddlers following Lewis' commands to "close the toy box" and "shut the door" energize the rudimentary computer-generated animation that backs Lewis and her puppetry Tummy Tots.
Parents who like this DVD may also want to look at the Sesame Street Beginning Together series, or, even better, turn off the TV and model the behavior that Lewis demonstrates while reading or playing together with your young children.
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Social BehaviorGood reinforcement of basic lessons for toddlers, like using your words to get what you want and remembering "please" and "thank you." Lewis models excellent positive reinforcement to her little charges, always encouraging and acknowledging their efforts. |
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