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Phonics 4 Babies: Baby's First Words (NR, 2007)

common sense media says

Phonics lessons don't beat books and interaction.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

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.

Positive 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.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Phonics 4 Babies: Baby's First Words

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
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.

What's the story?

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?

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 themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Starz Media
Cast: Mallory Lewis
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 75 minutes
Theatrical release: September 24, 2007
DVD release: September 25, 2007
MPAA Rating: NR
MPAA explanation: not rated
This review was written by Nancy Davis Kho
 
 

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What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

mom2cuda
adult
 
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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dbreashears
adult
 
ok
ok
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paul@mediax.tv
adult
 
A MUST BUY
Great for Babies and kids any age.
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helped me decide (6) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (5)

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