Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this lively series is designed to help preschoolers acquire problem-solving and early mathematics skills -- and does so in a fun, exciting way. Although the show is very learning-focused, it's engaging without being intimidating.
Families can talk about each episode's theme or challenge and what elements the story involved. Which characters were involved? Did they use any of Mickey's special tools or gadgets? Did Mickey and his friends ask you to help them? What did they ask you to do? Did you play any games? What did the games involve? How did Mickey and his friends end up solving their problem? What did you learn during this episode?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Larisa Wiseman
MICKEY MOUSE CLUBHOUSE, a new addition to the Disney Channel's preschooler-oriented Playhouse Disney programming block, brings together six classic characters -- Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, and Pluto -- for a lively half-hour of learning, music, and fun. Brought to life with eye-popping 3-D computer-generated animation, Mickey and his pals invite young viewers to interact and play games with them as they solve stimulating challenges built around a particular theme.
Each episode begins with Mickey greeting viewers and asking them to say the "magic" phrase with him -- "Meeska, Mooska, Mickey Mouse!" -- to make his clubhouse appear. In a flutter of the kind of glittery fairy dust that characterizes many Disney presentations, the fanciful, mouse-shaped gathering place appears, and the story or dilemma of the day (often based on a well-known fairy tale or rhyme) soon unfolds. For example, Daisy has been looking after Bo-Peep's sheep, but has lost them. Will you help Mickey and his friends find the 10 lost sheep?
Each adventure takes viewers to various locations in and around the clubhouse -- as well as across the globe and, occasionally, into outer space -- with Mickey asking them to count objects, identify animals and shapes, compare items, decipher picture puzzles, and more. He and his pals help advance and reinforce the episode's learning through handy gadgets, including the Mousekedoer, Mouseketools, and a transportable device called Toodles. When the gang has solved the daily challenge, they encourage viewers to sing and dance with them as they perform their celebratory "Hot Dog!" song.
The series' unique mix of elements is a can't-miss recipe: Take some of the world's most beloved animated characters, and have them talk directly to viewers and engage them in activities. Throw in a magical, fanciful, shape-shifting clubhouse; an exciting adventure; some elements of time-tested fairy tales; and a few modern, computer-generated gadgets to keep the show current. Add a dash of CGI, with its vibrant colors and characters that look as if they might jump off the screen at any moment, and kids are sure to be hooked.
What's really great is that, in addition to the dazzling visuals, the series keeps the viewer's brain engaged almost continually -- there's always something to count, find, identify, or compare. Mickey is constantly in your face (in a good way) -- asking questions, acknowledging viewers' answers, cheering them on, and giving kudos for a job well done. He and his pals make each journey so much fun that preschoolers will forget they're actually working their brain. And all that aside, who wouldn't want to spend half an hour in the world's coolest clubhouse with the world's most famous mouse?
Another excellent program in which on-screen characters directly address and engage preschoolers is Play with Me Sesame.
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Social BehaviorMickey encourages social interaction by addressing viewers directly, asking them questions, and having them participate in saying special phrases or cheers. |
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CommercialismPart of the vast Disney commercial empire. |
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