Oobi
Bare-hand "puppets" will delight preschoolers.
Parents say
Based on 19 reviews
Kids say
Based on 44 reviews
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Oobi
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Oobi is an excellent educational show that celebrates the moments of curiosity and discovery in a preschooler's life. The program's themes are based on sharing, caring for others, believing in yourself, and making friends. It encourages preschoolers to discover their world and develop social skills.
Community Reviews
Better than Barney/Dora
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Pretend play
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What's the Story?
In stark contrast to many other shows aimed at this age group, OOBI is about a preschool-aged child. Instead of using older role models to aspire to, Oobi and his sister Uma are discovering their world alongside kids of the same age. The show's characters -- Oobi, Uma, and Grampu -- are no more than talking hands with googly eyes, yet in their simplicity is a formula that really relates to the preschool set.
Is It Any Good?
When it comes to preschool programming, this show really breaks the mold, succeeding in its simplicity and its quest to educate and entertain the newest of little explorers. Whether it's reveling in a rain puddle or refusing a bath, Oobi strikes close to a child's heart and also celebrates the daily accomplishments that build a child's confidence and competence. After the show, kids may be inspired to make their very own Oobis with their own hands -- a fantastic idea for imaginative play.
Oobi is meant for very young children who are just beginning to explore their surroundings; as a result, older children may lose interest in its simple style. Oobi the character speaks in basic object/action sentences that resemble the speech structure of a child just beginning to talk. This should not be seen as detrimental to a child's speech development -- rather, it's a language that young children understand and appreciate.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the various situations Oobi faces that relate to a young child's life, such as overcoming fear and shyness, coping with separation anxiety, and relating to others.
/character-strengths-and-life-skillsEach episode leaves room for further discussion about self-expression. How do you tell other people what you think and feel? Why is it important to care about others' feelings?
How do the characters in Oobi demonstrate communication and curiosity? Why are those important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date: April 7, 2003
- Cast: Noel MacNeal, Tim Lagasse, Tyler Bunch
- Network: Nick Jr.
- Genre: Educational
- Topics: Book Characters, Friendship
- Character Strengths: Communication, Curiosity
- TV rating: TV-Y
- Last updated: July 1, 2022
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