Dora the Explorer

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Preschoolers will love Dora's ongoing adventures.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Dora is a bilingual communicator who can speak with all of the critters and humans in her vicinity. Some of the language lessons may rub off on kids -- but other viewers might get bored. Since phrases are constantly repeated, parents may want to consider whether they want their kids to be repeating the same episodes all day. The series offers good exposure to language, culture, and creativity.

  • Dora, who's bilingual, translates Spanish phrases into English and vice-versa. With all of the repetition, kids are bound to pick some of it up. Kids will also learn about culture.
  • The show focuses on cooperation and working together with others to achieve goals.
  • Dora is a spunky, determined girl who approaches problems with a can-do attitude.
  • Not applicable.

What's the story?

DORA THE EXPLORER is about a young girl and her companion, a monkey named Boots, who are always on the go. They travel over rivers and mountains to reach whatever goal has been set for a particular episode. Dora gets help from her trusty talking backpack full of necessary items and her map, which illustrates the obstacles between Dora and her goal. When Dora reaches her destination, she and Boots break out in song and dance, exclaiming "We did it, we did it!"


Is it any good?

 

On one hand, Dora is an admirable character with a can-do attitude. On the other hand, the show can seem simplistic -- even for young viewers. Challenges are often similar, which may get a bit monotonous.

Still, the bilingual and cultural aspects of the show are right on target, featuring music, holidays, and plants and animals relevant to Central and South American culture. And Dora often decides to "stop and think" about a problem when she can't immediately solve it, proving her to be a thoughtful, patient heroine.


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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about the program's repetition -- is it a good learning tool, or does it make the program seem like virtual brainwashing?

  • What do kids think about the show's lessons about language and culture?

  • Is Dora a good role model?


This review was written by Joly Herman
Teen, 15 years old
May 6, 2010
 
Stop bullying this poor child!
Well, I don't mind it, although I wish Dora wouldn't make the kids to all the work ( like where's Swiper and she don't even help look ) I have to defend the show though, cuz I mean why do 'older' kids judge it, its for 'little' kids. LITTLE kids. So relax guys it isn't like you're forced to watch it. Also, my little brother that. . lost his fight with cancer loved this show - and somehow I feel I must defend it. So people, just relax, its a show for 1 grade and younger.

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Kid, 10 years old
September 18, 2010
 
Once kids are 6, they will start to hate Dora, but perfect for 2-5 year olds! Nice animation for babies, but sometimes Swiper steals stuff, which is innapropriate. Second, going on an adventure without asking mom? Wow...Should have been canceled after the 2nd episode.

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Parent of 4 and 5 year old
April 9, 2008
 
I will not let my 3 year old watch this show. There are much better educational shows on TV. Dora has horrible manners - Yelling, telling others what to do. SHe knows of Dora thru all the items in the stores. You can't get away from it, but she has never seen a show.

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Parent
November 26, 2010
 
i hate it because this show is too annoying,too much educational and childish themes,my kid does not watch it

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Kid, 12 years old
October 15, 2010
 
boring
snoresville usa population dora

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
I lost six brain cells watching this!
This show is really annoying, and when reading the review about it, i see what they mean! I have a 5 year old at home, just turned 5, And she LOVES dora, She is constantly Repeating her self. More than any usual 5 year old. Its momma, momma, momma, MOMMA!!! (because dora tells you to "YELL LOUDER") Also not a good show, because my dad is a 3rd shifter and dora not only encourages you to yell louder but to stand up and jump up and down, This is in the Daily Programming!

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
DORA IS AWESOME
EVERYONE NEEDS TO WATCH DORA!!!! AHHH ITS SO AWESOME!

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Teen, 15 years old
March 17, 2010
 
Dora Excellente'!
I think its cute, for instance, my little brother that had cancer loved it, so now, I feel I must defend the show. The things that do bother me is, she constantly asks the kids to look around for Swiper or something, when she can easily move her head and look herself! She reminds me of Tom Soyer sometimes, cuz making people do the work for her sometimes. . . I use to watch the show as a kid, and I pretty much loved it. . . pretty much.. not 100% I think its a good learning show for kids, sometimes I do question why little kids always need to learn something- example Spanish, then again, the world seems to need to speak English just to trade with us. . . so. . . yeah.

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Kid, 13 years old
January 8, 2011
 
I think dora is a great show for kids ages 3-7. Now that I'm twelve she bores me to death, but little kids will love her. When I was little, she was all I'd ever talk about. But make sure your kids realize not all the Dora products have to be bought.

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Teen, 15 years old
April 15, 2011
 
Oh please guys, grow up.
Grow up guys! The only reason you hate this is because you grew out of it! This show is very educational. I mean, I understand if you hate this, but don't make things up. It's just stupid and pointless.

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This review was written by Joly Herman
 

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About our rating system
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.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

 

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