 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Schoolhouse Rock! The Election Collection
- Review Date: September 19, 2008
- G
- Genre: Drama
- 2008
Common Sense Media says
Groovy '70s/'80s TV shorts sing history lessons.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this series of animated songs are reliquaries of a more innocent time. Many parents (especially the Gen X'ers) will remember these songs fondly, for they take patriotic themes celebrated during the bicentennial year and put a groovy spin on them. Contemporary kids can appreciate the colorful animation, the catchy songs, and they might learn something about the Electoral College in the meantime. This collection also includes a vote tracking sheet with stickers.
What's the story?
Schoolhouse Rock shorts were a staple in the 1970s and early '80s on ABC, winning four Emmys for Outstanding Children's Instructional Series between 1976 and 1980. Now Disney has re-released the series before the 2008 presidential election to engage young viewers in the political process and more through catchy songs. "The Preamble" (written and sung by Lynn Ahrens) taught a generation of kids the actual words of the preamble of the Constitution. These videos also take on the American Revolution, the national debt, women's rights, energy crisis, the voting process, and our government's structure with a happy dose of "Right On!"
Is it any good?
Though diversity is celebrated in "The Great American Melting Pot," some uglier parts of U.S. history are not addressed, such as slavery and the vast destruction of Native American communities and habitat. Then again, Watergate and other political scandals are also passed over.
That said, the enthusiasm and skill with which these shorts are executed make patriotism feel like a good thing. If kids learn all of the words to these songs, all the better: we could use some smart, enthusiastic politicos to remind us of why it's groovy to be American.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about what is important to them in an election year. What issues hit home? Why do people disagree? Is being an American something to celebrate? Why? How can our votes change the face of history? Do the songs in Schoolhouse Rock make sense now, 30 years later? Or do they seem dated? Why or why not?
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- Teens & kids
AGE
Never has learning ever been so much fun
The songs in this show are so catchy you can't help but memorize what they're teaching you after a while. This is the ultimate in educational shows. Kids not doing well with multiplication. Well, this show has at least 20 songs dealing with that. Wanna teach kids about verbs? Show them the song about that very subject matter. I would recommend this for every child, and there's even some stuff for adults, such as a song about how to succeed in the stock market.
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AGE
This was so great
Esp. the computer game they had with it. Good for kids just starting Kindergarten
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| Topics: | music and sing-along |
| Studio: | Walt Disney Pictures |
| Director: | Tom Warburton |
| Cast: | Bob Dorough, Jack Sheldon, Lynn Ahrens |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 47 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | September 20, 2008 |
| DVD release date: | September 22, 2008 |
| MPAA rating: | G |
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