The Wiggles: Getting Strong

What’s the Story?

In THE WIGGLES: GETTING STRONG, kids can join Murray (Murray Cook), Jeff (Jeff Fatt), Anthony (Anthony Field), and Sam (Sam Moran) as they sing, dance, hop, and jump, moving their bodies and encouraging young viewers to join in. The first half focuses on active games to promote the virtues of exercise, while the second half promotes language and literacy through simple phonic games and skits. All of the activities reinforce concepts taught in preschool or at home from parents. Special features include an extension of the foreign language practice in the main program, when Dorothy the Dinosaur gets a visit from a Warramiri elder, from one of the indigenous tribes of Australia. An interview with Aussie football star Kate Gill is also a nice touch, especially for young soccer players.

Is It Any Good?

The DVD is a perfect rainy-day activity for a preschooler needing to burn up some energy, and should give parents some new ideas for games in which the whole family can participate. The four Wiggles converged over a shared interest in early childhood education, and the sincerity of their intent really shows here. They're not afraid to make goofy faces, dance in silly costumes, or try new things, all to the backbeat of cheerful music and a brightly animated background. Children ages 2 through 5 will find it hard to resist their appeal.