The Wiggles - TV-Y
TV Rating: TV-Y
Network: Disney Channel Cast: Murray Cook, Jeff Fatt, Anthony Field
Genre: Children, Cartoons, & Animation
Available on: 
DVDDownload
Common Sense Note
Parents should know that, with over a million videos and audio cassettes sold, it's no wonder Australia's THE WIGGLES have maintained a huge following with the preschool crowd for the past decade. At first glimpse it may appear to be lacking in educational content, but the good wholesome fun and music encourages three, 4- and 5-year-olds to listen for musical cues, move their bodies to rhythms, and on top of it all -- be age-appropriately silly. Greg, Murray, Jeff, and Anthony and their loveably goofy cast of characters really do know what they're doing.
Parents may cringe or snicker hearing the songs by these grown men, but on the other hand, these guys look like they truly enjoy what they do and their enthusiasm rubs off on the happy faces of their fans.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Pam Gelman
It all began when Anthony, Murray, and Greg met while studying to be preschool teachers at a university in Sydney, Australia. They merged their interests in early childhood education and music, added the fourth member band, Jeff, and soon after became one of the most popular and successful children's performing acts in Australia. They brought their album to New York City, and within a short time launched the hit television show.
Evidently their studies paid off. THE WIGGLES clearly know what entertains this age range. They have mastered song writing that invites little bodies to move and sing along with the funny lyrics. It's like a variety show for young kids. In this era of high-tech expectations, it's wonderful to see that a show that uses simple sets and costumes (they each wear distinctive, long-sleeved, primary colored tee-shirts and black pants), and silly skits to capture the attention of preschool-aged children.
A colorful cast of characters add even more humor to the show and have developed their own following, including a polka-dotted green dinosaur named Dorothy who wears a bonnet and eats roses, a friendly Pirate named Captain Feathersword, a purple Octopus named Henry, and a floppy-eared dog named Wags.
The format is simple. Usually there's some situation such as Jeff won't wake up or Dorothy loses her voice. They solve the problem in a few very short skits, using simple dialogue, some quirky sound effects, and lots of facial expressions. Along with skits, songs are performed by THE WIGGLES as a band and often using child dancers. Quite often they sing songs from other cultures, yet they typically do not have many children of color participate on the show. Despite this limitation, THE WIGGLES will be entertaining preschoolers for years to come.
To fill your living room with more music and dancing for your preschooler, try Little Einsteins and Johnny and the Sprites.
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Social BehaviorThe Wiggles and characters collaborate and work cooperatively as a team. |
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