| In the past 15 years or so, television programming | | | | just rely on reading the textbook to impart the |
| for children has taken a dramatic turn to the | | | | subject matter? The point is that the more animated |
| mediocre. There are still some quality shows on on | | | | and audibly stimulating an experience is, the more |
| the public broadcasting channels, but by and large the | | | | attentive the audience will be. |
| majority of cartoons and even the live action shows | | | | Think of dinosaurs. Dinosaurs are generally considered |
| do not hold any redeeming features for children. | | | | to be exciting and very interesting, but lizards aren't |
| Much like the physically unhealthy, sugary, flashy, but | | | | that exciting. A garden hoe moves a little dirt for |
| colorful cereals on the market, those cheesy power | | | | preparing the ground. Not very interesting is it, but |
| morphing characters that wear the rainbow tights are | | | | what about a 23 ton bulldozer crashing through a |
| encouraging the future leaders of America to reduce | | | | dilapidated building for demolition. That would be a |
| their I.Q. and drift into a catatonic state. Many of | | | | little more eye catching. Videos that explain topics |
| these shows, like many of the consumer products | | | | such as these usually have children riveted to the |
| the majority of U.S. families purchase, originated | | | | television. It may not be readily apparent how |
| offshore in the far East. A prime example is that | | | | educational a bulldozer show may be, but all of that |
| "little yellow pokey creature" with a lightning bolt for | | | | hardware depends upon practical physical science and |
| a tail. Most parents and families should demand better | | | | chemistry. |
| for their children. | | | | Take the videos one or two steps further by picking |
| Contrary to popular belief, children's shows can be | | | | up a few toy bulldozers or cranes and get the |
| entertaining and educational or informative at the | | | | children creating their own structures. For inspiration, |
| same time. All learning is fun, but the trick is in the | | | | take a side strip to where some construction is being |
| presentation of the information. History has shown | | | | performed. Explain to the children why some feats of |
| every parent that, unbeknownst to them. When | | | | the giant machines are able to be pulled off and apply |
| every parent attended middle school and high school, | | | | that to every day life's occurrences. Teaching on the |
| there was always one teacher that made a subject | | | | sly can be one of the most gratifying experiences a |
| which the students liked unbearably boring. Did the | | | | parent can have. |
| teacher speak or read in monotone? Did the teacher | | | | |