 | 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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Dora the Explorer
- Nickelodeon
- Genre: Kids' Animation
Common Sense Media says
Preschoolers will love Dora's ongoing adventures.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
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.
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.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
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?
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- Parents
- Teens & kids
Kid, 8 years old
September 18, 2010
AGE
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.
What other families should know:
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Parent of an infant and 2 year old
April 9, 2008
AGE
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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Kid, 11 years old
October 15, 2010
AGE
boring
snoresville usa population dora
What other families should know:
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Parent
November 26, 2010
AGE
i hate it because this show is too annoying,too much educational and childish themes,my kid does not watch it
What other families should know:
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Teen, 15 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
DORA IS AWESOME
EVERYONE NEEDS TO WATCH DORA!!!! AHHH ITS SO AWESOME!
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Teen, 13 years old
March 17, 2010
AGE
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.
What other families should know:
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Teen, 17 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
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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Kid, 12 years old
January 8, 2011
AGE
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.
What other families should know:
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Teen, 14 years old
April 15, 2011
AGE
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.
What other families should know:
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Kid, 12 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
My IQ dropped
Dora is very annoying. She yells at the kids and drops random Spanish phrases. She's rude and talks to strangers and goes on adventures alone. Dora is also very commercialized and has a whole marketing empire.
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| Topics: | adventures, friendship, great girl role models |
| TV rating: | TV-Y |
| Network: | Nickelodeon |
| Cast: | Caitlin Sanchez, Harrison Chad, Kathleen Herles, Marc Weiner |
| Genre: | Kids' Animation |
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