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Movie and Entertainment News >> Television >> Kids Movies
Kids Movies News
The major networks and shows for preschoolers all have websites where you can find show episodes, games and activities. Although Nick Jr., Disney, and PBS all offer some great resources and fun, educational activities for preschoolers, I find myself most often using the Sesame Street website.
If I need 5 minutes to make a business call, I can go to the video section and find a segment for my daughter to watch while I talk. Even better, when I'm teaching her about subjects like numbers, letters or shapes, I can find show segments or games that cover the exact subject I want. She's been skipping 14 when she counts to 20 (...11, 12, 13, nextteen...), so the other day when she wanted a little TV time, I let her watch a few Sesame segments -- all about the number 14. Also, since she is only two, she really likes the games she can do herself. A few of the games allow kids to press any key to play, so they are great for helping her feel independent and learn how to use the computer.
If you are ready to introduce your preschooler to the computer, visit a couple of websites featuring their favorite TV characters and see what you think. The online experience can be both entertaining and very educational for kids. Many show websites also offer a couple of episodes online, so you can get your child's favorite show "on demand," and you can even find printable activities like coloring pages, work sheets, or other fun things to do.
Online with Preschoolers' TV Favorites originally appeared on About.com Kids Movies / TV on Friday, September 3rd, 2010 at 10:06:49.
The 10th and final book in the popular 39 Clues children's book series, Into the Gauntlet, is out today. I'm taking my daughter to go get her copy after school, and she can't wait to see how the series ends. She read the first nine books over the summer and was absolutely enthralled.
The series follows siblings Amy and Dan Cahill, who embark on a dangerous around the world clue hunt that, for them, began with a challenge issued by their grandmother in her will. The stakes are high and the other family members who are after the same powerful information are ruthless, but Amy and Dan are determined to see the hunt through to the end and find out how to obtain a powerful family secret. The books also have an interactive element in that kids can go online and play games, get information, and find additional clues.
Not only can kids read the books and have an interactive online experience, but next year, they may also get to see the excitement and intrigue play out on the big screen. A recent press release about the sweepstakes surrounding the books confirms, "Movie rights for The 39 Clues have been acquired by DreamWorks Studios with Steven Spielberg eyeing to direct and Deborah Forte of Scholastic Media producing. The script is being penned by Jeff Nathanson." I am keeping my eye out for the official release date, but as of now it looks like the movie will hit theaters sometime in 2011.
New 39 Clues Book Hits Stores Today -- Movie in the Works! originally appeared on About.com Kids Movies / TV on Tuesday, August 31st, 2010 at 09:43:52.
In contrast to the many kids' shows today that focus on stardom, looks, and sarcastic wit, a recent DVD from VeggieTales takes a few epitomic princess stories and turns them inward, to focus on the heart. VeggieTales: Sweetpea Beauty - A Girl After God's Own Heart uses colorful animation and the beloved Veggies to tell a story that entertains kids as it teaches that true beauty comes from the heart, and that we are all uniquely beautiful as we are, because that's how God made us.
For those who are fans of VeggieTales, this sweet new addition to the VeggieTales DVD collection will not disappoint. And for those who aren't yet familiar with the series, VeggieTales DVDs use animated stories to help kids learn how biblical lessons relate to their own lives. For those families who teach the Bible, or for those who want positive messages for kids and don't mind a few religious references, VeggieTales is a great line of Children's DVDs to check out.
(Photo © Big Idea)
VeggieTales Has a Sweet Message for Kids originally appeared on About.com Kids Movies / TV on Monday, August 30th, 2010 at 12:17:25.
It's been a great year for Disney. Two movies, Toy Story 3 and Alice in Wonderland, have grossed over a billion dollars each this year, and Toy Story 3 is touted to be the first animated movie to do so. This news is just huge for Disney, and it shows that family films can be very successful. We're talking billions of dollars here, and that's not even taking into consideration all of the related merchandise that also brings in a fair share of loot for the Mouse House. The economy may be tough for a lot of people right now, but many of us are obviously working a little family entertainment into the budget.
Toy Story 3 Shoots Past $1 Billion originally appeared on About.com Kids Movies / TV on Sunday, August 29th, 2010 at 23:53:51.
Kids can kick off Labor Day weekend with a bang with the premiere of Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam next Friday, September 3 at 8:00 p.m., ET/PT. Demi Lovato and the Jonas Brothers are back at camp this year, but a shocking surprise awaits them. A flashy new musical camp, Camp Star, has opened across the lake, and it looks like Camp Rock might be on the way out. Determined to save the camp they love, Camp Rockers get to work, and Mitchie ends up challenging Camp Star to an end of summer Final Jam. The winner of this televised competition will be determined by the audience. Mitchie and Shane continue the romance that began in the original Camp Rock movie, and a Romeo and Juliet twist adds tension to the flick when Nate falls for Dana, the daughter of the owner of Camp Star.
Disney has found a gold mine in these big hit Disney Channel movies, and it's really a win-win formula for parents and kids. The kids love the romance, the music, and the inspiring way the characters go after their dreams. Parents love that the movies are clean, the characters are decent role models, and there is always an uplifting message. Disney Channel Original Movies like High School Musical and Camp Rock seem to be directed at tweens, or kids about 9-13, but they are highly popular in the 6-11 year-old bracket, so a lot of younger kids watch them as well. If you tune in to Camp Rock 2 with your kids this Friday, check back and let us all know what you think. (Photo © Disney Enterprises. All rights reserved.)
Camp Rock 2 Premieres on Friday originally appeared on About.com Kids Movies / TV on Saturday, August 28th, 2010 at 22:01:37.
In general, back-to-school means less TV for our family. It' s easy to keep kids from becoming couch potatoes when there is so much to do after school and so little time to do it! This being our first week back, we haven't turned the TV on once. But, since I have elementary school kids, they still think school is just one big play date anyway, so they don't mind coming home, having a small snack, and getting to their reading and other homework. I know that as kids get older they sometimes tend to come home and plop down on the couch. I can understand that -- kids have to think a lot harder all day when they get into upper elementary and middle school.
I am a big believer in routines. I read in a book once (sorry, can't remember which one) that routines are great for kids, but they should be flexible, so kids don't get so stuck on them that they can't handle change or a last minute wrench in the plans. I thought that sounded very logical. Routines help kids form the habits they need to take care of themselves and accomplish great things. But, being able to adapt and go with the flow is also an important skill.
Having an after school routine works for a lot of kids, and it can help them develop self-discipline, good work habits, and healthy TV habits. TV, along with related media, is one of life's addicting pleasures, and it's easy to get caught up watching TV or playing video games and find that hours of life have been sucked away. Helping kids find the balance between enjoying some down time and throwing hours of life out the window really helps them learn an important life lesson about self mastery and time management.
I like to give my kids a chance to create their own after school routine. When the responsibility is on their shoulders, they tend to come up with something that really is effective. Our kids decided that they wanted to have a snack and rest time, and then get right to their homework so they can get it done not have to worry about it. Sounds good to me! So, now that they have made the schedule, it's easy for me to help them stick to it -- on most days.
Do you have any after school challenges with TV time or video games? What has worked in your family?
The Back-to-School Routine originally appeared on About.com Kids Movies / TV on Thursday, August 26th, 2010 at 09:38:00.
Not to bring up the holidays (that's right, they're just around the corner!) in the middle of back-to-school stress, but I gotta talk about this holiday surprise in August. Disney's Prep & Landing, a Christmas special that was created by Disney and premiered on ABC last holiday season, is well described by the phrase "short and sweet." The special is a lot of fun, but is only around 30 minutes long. The animated special picked up the Creative Arts Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program as well as some individual achievement awards.
In other kids' TV, Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie won for Oustanding Children's Program (a sequel to that TV movie is planned to wrap up the Wizards of Waverly Place TV series). And, the award for Outstanding Children's Nonfiction Program went to Nick News with Linda Ellerbee for the special "The Face of Courage: Kids Living with Cancer."
(Photo © Disney)
Christmas in August -- Disney's Prep and Landing Wins 4 Creative Arts Emmys originally appeared on About.com Kids Movies / TV on Sunday, August 22nd, 2010 at 22:12:11.
Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton will appear on a new episode of Victorious, "Wi-Fi in the Sky," premiering Friday, August 27, at 8 p.m. (ET/PT). In the episode, the attention-loving Trina sneaks into the first class section on a flight and sees Perez Hilton. Trina hatches a plan to get him to blog about her, and of course, all kinds of chaos ensues.
And as if that's not enough excitement for one evening, during the broadcast, Victorious' Daniella Monet (Trina) will be tweeting behind-the-scenes facts to appear on the show's Twitter page at http://twitter.com/victorious. Also, immediately following the premiere, Victorious star Victoria Justice (Tori) will answer fan questions on Nick.com.
Comments, anyone?
(Photo credit: Lisa Rose/Nickelodeon)
Perez Hilton to Make a Cameo Apperance on Victorious originally appeared on About.com Kids Movies / TV on Saturday, August 21st, 2010 at 23:57:39.
In an article posted on Gamasutra, Dr. Mark Borchert, an L.A.-based ophthalmologist with the American Academy of Ophthalmology, comments on the possible ill effects of 3D viewing saying, "It's not likely to cause any permanent harm to vision." However, Dr. Borchert, who works at The Vision Center at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, goes on to say that 3D viewing could possibly have harmful effects on kids younger than four.
The 3D market has already hit the main stream in theaters, and 3D TVs and gaming systems are close at hand. If all of this new technology catches on, this article leads me to believe that young children could absolutely be at risk. We already worry about kids who watch too much regular TV, or who spend too much time playing video games or on the computer, but the 3D element adds another component of concern, and that concern needs to be fully and clearly addressed by doctors and all involved industries before 3D TV becomes more prolific and things like the Nintendo 3DS hit the market.
The Effects of 3D Viewing on Kids originally appeared on About.com Kids Movies / TV on Monday, August 16th, 2010 at 10:17:57.
The first animated Latina character to fill a starring role in preschool TV, Dora has become the face of preschool television and a best friend to many children over the last decade. Since launching August 14, 2000, Nickelodeon's Dora the Explorer has made an unprecedented mark on the world of children's TV, with an interactive formula and endearing main character that have made the show a phenomenal success. According to Nick, Dora is currently seen in more than 151 territories around the world and translated into 30 languages. Dora's long and happy reign as the queen of preschool TV continues even after 10 years, as the show continues to rank among the top-rated kids' shows on television and is credited with numerous industry awards including the Peabody, NAACP, Alma, Latino Spirit, Gracie Allen, several Parents' Choice Awards, the Television Critics Association award and 15 Daytime Emmy nominations.
Nickelodeon's Dora Birthday Celebration culminates today with an hour-long primetime TV movie, "Dora's Birthday Adventure," that will premiere at 8:00 p.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon. Following the TV movie, at 9:00 p.m. (ET/PT), Nickelodeon will premiere a Dora 10th Anniversary documentary, a star-studded special 12-minute tribute which explores the series' cultural and educational impact.
And, speaking of the show's educational impact, in honor of the 10th anniversary Nickelodeon has introduced "Beyond the Backpack," pro-social campaign promoting kindergarten readiness for preschoolers. In partnership with National Parent Teacher Association (PTA), Children's Defense Fund (CDF) and otherorganizations, "Beyond the Backpack" provides parents with "tools and resources that can help kids prepare for a well-rounded, positive experience as they enter kindergarten." Parents and children will benefit from PSAs; the Beyond the Backpack website which includes with customized resources and learning activities including a curriculum-focused checklist for parents to determine if their child is ready for kindergarten, links to partner organizations, financial resources and grants; fundraising activities; and community events.
In fact one charity event in support of Beyond the Backpack is going on right now -- an auction for celebrity designed custom Dora backpacks is now featured on Celebrity Buzz and will benefit the Children's Defense Fund. Click on over to the site to check out the Dora backpacks designed by stars like Shakira, Faith Hill, and Jessica Alba.
More Dora Fun:
- A Decade of Dora
- Interview with Valerie Walsh Valdes -- Creator of Dora
- Dora Character Guide
- 14 Fun Dora Facts
- Dora TV Show Review
- A Look at the New Dora
- Top Dora DVDs
(Photo © Viacom International, Inc. All rights reserved.)
Dora's Birthday Adventure originally appeared on About.com Kids Movies / TV on Sunday, August 15th, 2010 at 03:38:38.