| When it comes to learning toys for my toddler, I | | | | Thank goodness for my cable provider's on demand |
| have to confess to being addicted to Nick Jr. | | | | service! Soon it didn't stop with DVD videos, |
| children's TV show characters Dora the Explorer and | | | | especially when my local cable service offered video |
| Diego. It started with my 2-year-old son, who gets | | | | at our convenience, with free children's programming. |
| so excited when either show comes on that he | | | | Now, both shows are on almost all day long. |
| begins to run through the house, singing the theme | | | | Confession #3: Now I've added toys. |
| songs. Dora features vivid colors, a cast of animal | | | | I admit I've gone for the stronger hands-on |
| friends and her family, while her cousin, 8-year-old | | | | stuff--toys, coloring books, card games, and activities |
| Diego goes on adventures to rescue animals using | | | | with a visual impact. And when we go to the store, |
| research and scientific skills. Both shows are targeted | | | | it's a no-brainer because I'm on the constant lookout |
| at preschoolers and incorporate teaching vocabulary, | | | | for educational learning toys, and the products that |
| including Spanish. | | | | feature both characters are geared towards learning. |
| Confession #1: I can't turn off the show. | | | | Confession #4: Did I mention there's a website? |
| The scheduled broadcast shows are just not enough. | | | | And don't let me forget to mention the Nick Jr. |
| The addiction started off as an hour a day (each | | | | website, where you can watch videos and play online |
| show is a half hour), but my son always wants more | | | | or printable educational games with your toddler. My |
| (and makes it known)! This has given me plenty of | | | | son has had an early interest in the computer. (He |
| incentive to get DVDs of both shows. | | | | sees me on it all the time!) So, the ability to play |
| The truth is, I love the shows myself because they | | | | learning games online has been a great way for us to |
| are interactive, teach vocabulary and language skills | | | | bond. |
| as well as music, and other lessons (math, science, | | | | Is it too much? My friends and family feed the |
| observation and physical coordination). For example, | | | | addiction by getting us more Dora and Diego toys |
| the characters will pause to ask your child a question, | | | | and games, and my son continues to learn from the |
| figure out something or to name objects. | | | | shows and toys, so I think they feel it's a good thing. |
| Confession #2: I almost went broke purchasing | | | | I certainly do! |
| videos. | | | | |