Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this DVD is a perfect way to let young children entering preschool or kindergarten know what to expect. Elmo is enthusiastic about his chance to go to school one day, but other characters talk about feeling lonely or scared on their own first days, and how they got through it. The quick pacing and cheerful songs keep the mood light and easy.
Families can talk about what kids are expecting when they go to school. What do they think they'll like the most? What worries or concerns do they have, or, as a parent, what do you remember worrying about on your first day? Families might play school like Mr. Alan does with Elmo, letting kids decide which activities to do.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Nancy Davis Kho
SESAME STREET: READY FOR SCHOOL is a sweet musical that helps kids understand what to expect on their first day of school. Every toddler's favorite Muppet, Elmo (voiced by Kevin Clash), talks with his friends up and down Sesame Street about their school experiences, and begins to form a picture of what the future holds for him. His excitement may be enough to help a shy or reluctant toddler overcome his or her own fears about school.
Familiar faces include Gabi (Desiree Casado) and Michael (Olamide Faison), all grown up and ready to graduate from high school. It's fun to see the flashbacks of these actors as they were getting their start on Sesame Street all those years ago.
As always with Sesame Street there are cameos -- in this case, Shirley Jones plays Mrs. (Mother) Goose, teacher at the Storybook Community School. Scenes at the school, with its bevy of storybook characters like Jack and Jill and Peter Piper, include the usual Sesame Street humor that is aimed equally at adults and kids.
While Elmo is extremely enthusiastic about starting school, not everyone else is; Baby Bear (David Rudman) worries about what his family is doing without him, and Gabi reminds Michael how shy he was in kindergarten. It's nice that the DVD acknowledges that not everyone will be as happy as Elmo on their first day, in a way that will make such kids feel understood.
The video also includes a special feature starring one of Sesame Street's newest residents, Abby Cadabra.
Families who enjoy this will also like The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland and the Save the Wonder Pets movie.
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Social BehaviorElmo and his friends show great cheerfulness and enthusiasm about going to school and sharing their experiences. |
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