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Phonics 4 Babies: Baby's First Words

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 0, age appropriate for kids over 0; suggested age 2.

  • Is it any good?

    2.0
  • Common Sense says

    Phonics lessons don't beat books and interaction.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 2 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Good 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.

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Phonics 4 Babies: Baby's First Words was written by Nancy Davis Kho

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 Can Talk About

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  • Families can talk about the words that are used frequently in this series, to further reinforce their definitions and how they can be used in a sentence. 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.
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More on Phonics 4 Babies: Baby's First Words

What’s the Story?

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 two episodes included here 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. Lewis leads puppet Giggles and the audience in simple, repetitive songs and the "D-D- Dog!" exercises that reinforce phonics.

Is It Any Good?

Lewis' positive approach to both discipline and praise is exemplary for the parents of young children. She cheerfully but firmly corrects Giggles when she forgets to use her words to ask for what she wants, or behaves rudely (as when she says, "You are not rude, but your behavior is. You are sweet and kind").

The producers take the task of teaching phonics 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. 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 puppets, the Tummy Tots.

Movie Details

Studio: Starz Media
Run time: 75 minutes
Theatrical release: 9/24/2007, DVD release: 9/25/2007
MPAA Rating: NR

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title on and give it 2.0

    ok

    ok

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on and give it 5.0

    A MUST BUY

    Great for Babies and kids any age.

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Michigan
    I rate this title on and give it 5.0

    A must-see movie for all babies and toddlers!!!!!

    My kids love this movie!!! It has a lot of fun songs that you can sing-along to. Little cute colorful puppets that sing and talk. Actual behavior that kids do, teaches good manners, please and thank you, words, sounds and much more!!! I love it!!!!

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