This is a great update of the show I watched as a kid. The electric powers and musical breaks make it a very entertaining way to learn about the English language. The good vs. bad students are a bit over the top at times, but they make my kids laugh and they get that the bad kids are wrong.
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The Electric Company
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 0, age appropriate for kids over 4; suggested age 5. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Excellent update of '70s classic makes English lessons fun.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 5 and Up
The good stuff
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Educational value:
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What to watch out for
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Language:
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What Parents Need to Know
About The Electric Company
Parents need to know that this update/remake of the popular 1970s series of the same name uses comedy, music, and animation to teach young readers important language skills. Phonics, grammar, and language rules (a silent "e" creates a long vowel sound and the like) are introduced and illustrated within the plot. The main characters are able to enhance and manipulate computer-generated images of words and phrases right on the screen, so kids can visualize and absorb the lessons. While there's no iffy stuff for viewers of any age, the educational level of the show's content is primarily targeted at grade-schoolers and may be lost on younger viewers.
Read our full review by Emily Ashby
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about how the media can be used to educate. Kids: Did you learn anything from watching this show? Did it reinforce what you've learned in school or teach you something entirely new?
- Which of the show's methods most helped you understand what was being taught? Do you think shows like this are reliable ways to learn things? Why or why not?
- How have digital media like email and text messaging changed the way we communicate? Is their influence making language and grammar skills less important? Is that OK?
Our Members Say
See all 12 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 4 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
Great learning entertainment for elementary aged kids!
- I rate this title on for age 5 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
Excellent for beginning readers
My son likes the plot element--there's a "mystery" running through each episode interspersed with bits to help teach reading. He seems to be getting a lot out of it--he's just learning to read so he is really ripe for what this show is teaching.
- I rate this title on for age 6 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
Good for ages 6+
Great fun, educational, my 6 year old loves it. I think PBS should slow down the fast rhyming songs so kids can process the words and patterns.
- I rate this title on for age 4 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
best show!!
omg i love this show and watch it with my younger sisters all the time. you can sing and dance while learning!
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Ratings at a Glance
| 67% | of parents say it's educational |
| 33% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
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