 | 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. |
Martha and Friends
Common Sense Media says
Explore arts and crafts with young, animated Martha Stewart.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this crafty site is based on the cartoon series Martha and Friends, featuring a 10-year-old Martha and her three creative friends. Watch segments of the Martha and Friends show (full episodes on Hallmark Channel), read bios about the main characters, get ideas for crafts and recipes, and play two simple games.
What kids can learn
Kids can learn to follow directions as they make crafts, recipes, toys, and other projects for parties, holidays, pets, or play. They can work independently on some projects like paper lanterns or a leaf alphabet, but projects like homemade dog biscuits and toy boats need help from an adult. Martha and Friends' project ideas will appeal to boys, girls, pet lovers, and budding chefs alike and teach how much fun it can be to make things yourself.
Skills
- Thinking & Reasoning
- Creativityinnovation, making new creations
- Self-Direction
- Emotional Development
- Communication
- Collaborationcooperation, group projects
- Responsibility & Ethics
- Tech Skills
- Health & Fitness
What's it about?
Kids can find project ideas a few different ways. The Martha and Friends show segments feature a craft or two and give links to their directions at the end. Projects are also organized by category or the more free-spirited DIY-er can click the “surprise box” for a random project. The site could use a few more filters (projects kids can do on their own, projects that require tools, 30-minute projects, etc.) to help parents and kids locate the right idea when the creative mood strikes.
Is it any good?
Kids who like to make their own stuff at home -- like homemade dog biscuits, lemonade, or lip balm -- will love this site. The creators have done a good job including food and craft ideas that are much simpler than typical adult-Martha fare, and it's a nice stereotype-breaker to see a boy character as one of Martha's friends who is into crafting, too. The games could definitely be a bit more challenging, and it would be an improvement if kids could watch entire episodes of the cartoon from beginning to end on the site, since each one supposedly has a lesson to teach. With only partial episodes available here, kids don't get to find out the end results of Martha and her friends' creative teamwork efforts or the moral of the story unless they also watch the Hallmark Channel.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about why Martha Stewart lends her name to a cartoon for kids Sure, she probably enjoys encouraging kids to craft and cook, but ask: What else does she gain here? Explain how brands build loyalty, even among future consumers of their products. Read Common Sense Media's Selling to Kids Tips.
Talk about why it can be more fun to make something like a pair of decorative flip-flops, a homemade greeting card, or a spa facial mask from scratch, rather than buying them pre-made.
What kids can learn
Kids can learn to follow directions as they make crafts, recipes, toys, and other projects for parties, holidays, pets, or play. They can work independently on some projects like paper lanterns or a leaf alphabet, but projects like homemade dog biscuits and toy boats need help from an adult. Martha and Friends' project ideas will appeal to boys, girls, pet lovers, and budding chefs alike and teach how much fun it can be to make things yourself.
Subjects
- Language & Reading:
- Math:
- Science:
- Social Studies:
- Arts:
- Hobbies: building, cooking, gardening
Skills
- Thinking & Reasoning:
- Creativity: innovation, making new creations
- Self-Direction:
- Emotional Development:
- Communication:
- Collaboration: cooperation, group projects
- Responsibility & Ethics:
- Tech Skills:
- Health & Fitness:
How kids will learn
Project directions are presented in a clear and consistent way with lots of photos to tell kids (and parents) if they’re following directions correctly. Printer-friendly versions include the same lists, step-by-step instructions, and photos that you see online so kids can easily work away from the computer. Show clips and two simple games engage kids with the Martha and Friends characters who they can watch in full episodes on the Hallmark channel.
How parents can help
- Involve kids in household activities that have ordered steps. They can help wash and dry dishes, start and fold laundry, or help take care of plants.
- Look for projects to do that put new twists on older items. Tie-dye t-shirts, embellished picture frames, and boxes made from old books are some examples of “repurposed” crafts.
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Kid, 10 years old
September 28, 2011
AGE
Crafty site for art lovers!
It may look kiddie.But the crafts are so cool and such friendly faces.:D
What other families should know:
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