Tools for this page
Print

Phonics 4 Babies: Baby's First Words

What’s the Story?

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 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?

2

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.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.