Schoolhouse Rock! The Election Collection
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Groovy '70s/'80s TV shorts sing history lessons.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 5 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence & scariness:
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What Parents Need to Know
This review of Schoolhouse Rock! The Election Collection was written by Joly Herman
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.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- 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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More on Schoolhouse Rock! The Election Collection
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.
Movie Details
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures, Director: Tom Warburton
Run time: 47 minutes
Theatrical release: 9/20/2008, DVD release: 9/22/2008
MPAA Rating: G
Run time: 47 minutes
Theatrical release: 9/20/2008, DVD release: 9/22/2008
MPAA Rating: G
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