Franklin

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Responsible TV; great for preschoolers.
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 this show is highly recommended for preschoolers and has no worrisome content. The characters are good role models, and the pace and situations are age-appropriate. It's a rare show that celebrates the innocence of childhood.


What's the story?

Based on a children's book by Paulette Bourgeois and Brenda Clark, FRANKLIN is about a turtle who is trying to figure out his place in the world. He lives in a village where he and his friends enjoy swimming in the pond, playing outdoors, and going to school. Yes! They enjoy school. For this and other refreshing reasons, parents will feel comfortable letting their preschoolers tune in. Franklin is an every-turtle who is learning his way in his world, and he knows he is growing up. Such self-awareness makes this turtle, who keeps his stuffed animal dog around even when he has outgrown it, very sympathetic indeed. Some educational content and gentle moral lessons add even more value to the series.


Is it any good?

 

p>Franklin is a program that takes for granted respect for elders and vice versa. There is no whining, fighting, yelling, provocation, or aggravation. Plus, the characters actually enjoy school -- and for good reason, as teacher Owl sets a wonderful example of how learning can be engaging and fun. Each character has his or her own way of doing things, and all ways are respected. When he is stuck in a rut, Franklin's friends Bear and Beaver encourage him to try new things, like playing different games or beginning a collection. And even when he is challenged by new concepts, Franklin has the support of his family to help him grow.

Thanks to our Canadian neighbors, who have created and produced this program, a glimpse of tranquil living not so often found on the airwaves has been handed to American viewers. Franklin ultimately sets a good example of responsible television programming.


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What families can talk about

Families can talk about voicing opinions. Sometimes Franklin's parents and friends have opinions that differ from Franklin's. How can people voice their views without hurting one another? How can opinions be helpful? What does tolerance mean?


This review was written by Joly Herman
Parent of 5 and 9 year old
April 9, 2008
 

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Teen, 16 years old
December 11, 2010
 
I miss this show.
I used to like this show when I was little but for some very unknown reason lots of people in my town hate this show and I don't know why they hate it because its a great show of childhood.

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Parent of 3 and 5 year old
April 27, 2011
 
Great for young kids
The shows are relevant to young children - being afraid of school, meeting a new friend, not being too bossy - it allows them to relate to the stories, we like to use Franklin to reinforce behaviours.

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Parent of 10 year old
November 9, 2008
 
Wonderful for children
A great show for kids. The animation is crisp and clean and it teaches the many values of everday life. I recommend this for kids of all ages and those who are kids at heart.

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Teen, 14 years old
October 20, 2010
 
great show
luvved it when i was little, and sometimes i watch it now!! :) they always show respect, and very good

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Parent of 3 year old
April 2, 2010
 
Obnoxious.
I understand that this is a children's show and kids will be kids, but honestly, Franklin almost always spends the majority of the episode causing or creating issues and handling them the wrong way. Not enough time is spent focusing on the wrong behavior. Honestly, almost every episode Franklin does something obnoxious to his friends, who always forgive him. On top of that, does anyone else find Beaver to be one of the most obnoxious characters on television? Why do they hang out with her. Why do any of them hang out with Franklin for that matter. I can't stand this show.

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Teen, 15 years old
November 17, 2009
 
perfect
i used to wtch this.

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Kid, 10 years old
March 31, 2011
 
I Agree

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Parent of 3 year old
March 24, 2011
 
Franklin is a big hit for my son
All but one of the characters are awesome. I do not like the character Beaver. Shes the only one I do not approve of. She can be very bossy at times. Also very greedy. Franklin might handle situations wrong most of the time, but he learns the right way of handling those situations by the time the show ends. I love the message this show sends

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Parent of 3 year old
November 15, 2010
 
I don't care for the show. Personally, I find that Little Bear is a rather selfish character. BUT, my son likes it, so I make sure to watch that stupid show with him in case it gets to the point I have to explain that its not right to be selfish.

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This review was written by Joly Herman
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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