 | 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. |
The Sunny Side Up Show
- Sprout
- Genre: Educational
Common Sense Media says
A.M. enthusiasm and learning for preschoolers.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this three-hour programming block for preschoolers features live educational segments in between episodes of popular shows like Bob the Builder and Dragon Tales. The energetic hosts incorporate important skills like counting, letter recognition, and color identification into their animated dialogue, encouraging kids to chime in. They also make frequent, repetitive references to the show's Web site, which allows viewers to submit birthday greetings, weather reports, and comments. (Common Sense Media doesn't recommend Web surfing for kids under 4.)
What's the story?
THE SUNNY SIDE UP SHOW is a high-energy, three-hour programming block that combines quality kids' shows like The Berenstain Bears and Barney & Friends with exciting live segments designed to encourage preschoolers' curiosity about the world around them and their desire to master critical skills like counting, colors, and letter recognition. The show joins Sprout's other programming blocks -- The Let's Go Show and The Good Night Show -- to round out the course of preschoolers' days, taking them from the morning through evening hours with curriculum-based entertainment they're sure to learn from and enjoy. Hosts Kevin Yamada and Kelly Vrooman, who rotate on-air duties weekly, practically ooze enthusiasm for the featured subject of the day, warmly inviting kids to laugh, play, and learn along with them. Each week, the show centers on a new theme, and youngsters learn about themselves and the world around them as they explore topics like animals, family, and "All About Me." Kids are encouraged repeatedly to interact with the hosts by answering questions, piecing together clues to a puzzle, and counting or reciting facts.
Is it any good?
The fact that the show airs live enhances the hosts' abilities to both connect with and teach preschoolers as well, allowing them to reference current holidays and other events and to receive and respond to email submissions in a timely manner. From birthday greetings for young fans to weather reports from kids all over the country, the series incorporates real-life Sproutlets at every turn, even applauding do-gooders with a "Good Egg" award for extra efforts at home or school.
Mixed in with all of this educational content are abbreviated versions of kids' favorite Sprout shows. The constant back-and-forth between these episodes and the live segments provides plenty of stopping points for parents who want to limit their children's TV intake -- the American Academy of Pediatrics doesn't recommend more than two hours of total screen time per day for preschoolers -- so don't be turned off by the show's three-hour "runtime." The only sticky point is the show's reliance on its Web site for viewer submissions. Although in many ways the joint effort is a great way to get kids involved in the show, Common Sense Media doesn't recommend Web surfing for kids under 4 (plus, parents are likely to quickly tire of the hosts' constant reminders -- and kids' constant requests -- to log on and check out what's new on the site).
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the show's various themes. Kids: What was the theme of the show this week? What did you learn? Which of the songs, games, and puzzles were your favorites? What did you like about them? Parents can expand on the show's weekly themes through books, craft projects, field trips, and discussions. For example, take your kids to a local event or destination that coincides with the featured topic, and talk about what you experience. (An animal theme might inspire a trip to the zoo or an animal shelter, for instance.) For older preschoolers, the show's use of viewers' names and hometowns offers a great opportunity to pull out a map and expose kids to where these states are in relation to their own home.
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Kid, 12 years old
August 4, 2010
AGE
OH MAN! This Show Was Rated TV-Y but denisha says "b--ch" in One Episode. *adults only Should be TV-MA.
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AGE
OH MAN! This Show Was Rated TV-Y but denisha says "b--ch" in One Episode. *adults only Should be TV-MA.
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Kid, 11 years old
August 4, 2010
AGE
OH MAN! This Show Was Rated TV-Y but denisha says "b--ch" in One Episode. *adults only Should be TV-MA.
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AGE
Not a fan - nor are my kids
I'm not a fan of this show, primarily because you cannot tell which shows they are airing within the "big show," my kids don't care for the live action additions, I don't like the reference to web (my kids are too little for that), and there is the occasional ad.
It's fine if I'm watching with them so I can mute the ads, but usually I am reading or doing something else when they watch a program. Plus we TIVO most of their kids' shows so they can pick what they want to watch - can't do that here.
Overall, I'm very disappointed with Sprout because it only seems to offer these long-block programs, rather than individual episodes.
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AGE
Friendly and interactive!
I have a two year old boy and a 4 year old girl and most mornings they spend a little time watching the Sprout Network. They get excited by the fact that Kelly and Kevin are actually talking to them in "real time" and I occasionally find myself playing the day's games or making the crafts with my kids later. As a parent, I appreciate how unique the show is. It's live and although I know it may be a slim chance I'll see my kids picture on TV, I do occasionally submit their photos. Two weeks ago my daughter's picture actually made it on air and she was ecstatic! Now she keeps talking like she knows Kelly personally!
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AGE
Best kids show out there!
We love the show! Especially Liz... she has a great voice and my son cheers every time she comes on!
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Kid, 12 years old
July 31, 2010
AGE
Parental Advisory: OK content
iffy for 6-18 because this episode (if it says debutt) should be TV-MA *ao* for mild language. alright for 19+.
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AGE
Parental Advisory: OK content
iffy for 6-18 because this episode (if it says debutt) should be TV-MA *ao* for mild language. alright for 19+.
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Kid, 11 years old
July 31, 2010
AGE
Parental Advisory: OK content
iffy for 6-18 because this episode (if it says debutt) should be TV-MA *ao* for mild language. alright for 19+.
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Kid, 12 years old
January 24, 2011
AGE
Perfect for younger kids, but may be boring for older ones
I like this show even though I am not a preschooler. I watched it when my little sister does. She's actually got her name mentioned. Chica is adorable! They do talk about going to their website but it is only for giving a message or what not to be seen on air.
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| Topics: | music and sing-along, numbers and letters |
| TV rating: | TV-Y |
| Network: | Sprout |
| Cast: | Kelly Vrooman, Kevin Yamada, Sean Roach |
| Genre: | Educational |
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