The Education/Instructional category has 404 KIDS FIRST! endorsed titles
Below are records 1 - 50 of them
sorted alphabetically

KIDS FIRST! has linked to external websites through which you may order many of the KIDS FIRST! endorsed titles


KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
HEALTHIER HAPPIER LIFE SKILLS: RELATIONSHIPS: LOVE SONGS FOR OUR CHILDREN
PENNIE SEMPELL & CO Click Title to View High Bandwidth Online Video Trailer This title has online video!
Series: INDEPENDENT SHORT, AGES 5-8, ANIMATION
Description - In a music-rich, animated environment, children learn strategies for handling feelings, responsibility and social well-being. Lively Q&A and hit songs engage children in a world of wellness and language arts learning in a fun radio show format.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Deals with emotions and feelings on a young child's level. Children will enjoy the songs and the fun Q&A forum. With young children it would be good to show the lessons individually, and use it as a teaching tool. I like that the lyrics showed up so older kids could sing along. Visually it's a bit lacking. Loved the menu access! You can play each lesson and/or song individually. Can be used to motivate children to understand body language, cooperation, conflict resolution and to be more caring. The songs are fun and entertaining, but the best part is that it shows positive ways for young children to learn to express their feelings
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Younger children were glued to the screen. Some of the older kids did think the songs were cool, though they were too old for the content. Found it strange that there were just photos of people so they didn't move their mouths when they spoke. Kids discussed ways that they could help their community. Young kids sang along and seemed to really be taking in the information. The section on body language was the favorite for most. "I learned a lot about feelings."
Runtime: 50 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 3-7
Suggested Retail Price: $ 29
Media: DVD ISBN # 978-0-9624135-6-8

KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
SNAPATOONIES: AT THE ZOO WITH TURTLE, EPISODE 4
SNAPATOONIES Click to purchase directly from the producer
Series: INDEPENDENT SHORT, AGES 0-2, ANIMATION
Description - Meet Turtle. He lives at the zoo with all his friends: the crocodiles, lions, monkeys, snakes elephants, seals and pandas.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Simple and educational. Teaches about different animals found at the zoo, such as lions, monkeys and elephants. Entertaining and positive, right from the start. Young kids on the train have an uplifting and cheerful song. Animals are realistic and the content is age-appropriate. Kids are motivated to learn. Repetition helps the kids remember the animal names. Realistic images of animals is visually appealing.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Kids like the turtle and thought he was fun. They smile and clap and older kids yell out the animal names. Some kids ask to watch again. Kids sing, dance and play along. Encourages children and adults to learn more about the different animals together. Learning new things, kids love the zoo and the animals.
Runtime: 23 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 0-3
Suggested Retail Price: $ 24.99
Media: DVD ISBN # 9781937393038
      This title is available for purchase from Amazon.com


This title is available for purchase from SNAPATOONIES

KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
SNAPATOONIES: ABBY APPLE AND HER FRUIT FRIENDS, EPISODE 3
SNAPATOONIES Click to purchase directly from the producer
Series: INDEPENDENT SHORT, AGES 0-2, ANIMATION
Description - Abby Apple and her fruit friends introduce you to apples, oranges, lemons, pears and plums - and how much fun they are to eat!
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Teaches young children about several fruits and their colors. Well-produced, flows nicely and has opportunities for interaction throughout. There is a train of children at the bottom of the screen for the entire production who also interact, which really helps kids feel like participating. The subject matter is appropriate and educational. Also teaches additional facts about fruits. Organized into various fruits and their respective colors, discussing one fruit at a time. Bright colors, clear sound, cute animation, should be very appealing to young children. The train at the bottom was adorable and really added to the entire program.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - "I want to watch it again because I watched the kids and the apple show." "It was happy." Kids answered the questions out loud. Seems to keep their attention. "I like the talking apple." Kids like to interact and yell out answers and are encouraged to do so by the on-screen train of kids. Holds most of the kid's attention, a little long for some in this very young age group.
Runtime: 23 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 0-3
Suggested Retail Price: $ 24.99
Media: DVD ISBN # 9781937393021
      This title is available for purchase from Amazon.com


This title is available for purchase from SNAPATOONIES

KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
SNAPATOONIES: MAGICAL COLOR CALLER, EPISODE 2
SNAPATOONIES Click to purchase directly from the producer
Series: INDEPENDENT SHORT, AGES 0-2, ANIMATION
Description - Become a Magical Color Caller and go on a color expedition with the clever kids on the Snapatoonies train. Call out the shapes and colors you see along the way!
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The colors are bright and it is repetitive, which is great for very young children. The name of the train, Snapatoonies, is catchy. I liked that it covered colors such as gray and pink, and not just the primary colors. A great way to learn about colors and shapes. Moves smoothly into each color, and in each color, teaches about different shapes, animals and fruits. Simple structure and style make it entertaining for young children. Children will be attracted to the main character, the Magical Color Caller. Colors are bright and visually appealing. Shows colors, but also shows how to spell the word and how the word sounds. Educational and entertaining. Kids go on the Snapatoonies train for a color expedition!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Children talk about the different colors, even after the show was over. Younger kids are entertained, while the older ones call out the colors. They respond to the new colors as they come up. Children play and sing along with the colors.
Runtime: 23 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 0-3
Suggested Retail Price: $ 24.99
Media: DVD ISBN # 9781937393014
      This title is available for purchase from Amazon.com


This title is available for purchase from SNAPATOONIES

KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
SNAPATOONIES: COUNTING KIDS, EPISODE 1
SNAPATOONIES Click to purchase directly from the producer
Series: INDEPENDENT SHORT, AGES 0-2, AMINATION
Description - Nathan just loves numbers! Join him, along with the clever kids, on the Snapatoonies train, as he counts up every one of his friends and rhymes his way from zero through ten!
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Teaches numbers 0-10 by using example and interaction. The colors are bright, the characters are happy and the production is well-done. The methods and examples are age-appropriate and easy to understand. I particularly like the train that is at the bottom of the screen at all times with kids inside modeling appropriate interaction. Very cute, repetitive, which is good for learning, but not always entertaining. However, the style was very kid-friendly. Perfect for kids just learning to count.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The kids all interacted with the numbers, some answered questions out loud when the narrator asked. The kids attention sometimes wandered, but overall they seem interested. "I like the numbers and the kids." Children watching seem to learn and enjoy the bright colors and music.
Runtime: 23 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 0-3
Suggested Retail Price: $ 24.99
Media: DVD ISBN # 9781937393007
      This title is available for purchase from Amazon.com


This title is available for purchase from SNAPATOONIES

KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
NURSERY RHYME SINGING TIME WIITH MOTHER GOOSE CLUB
SOCKEYE MEDIA, LLC
Series: INDEPENDENT SHORT, AGES 2-5
Description - Introduces children to classic nursery rhymes and early literacy through catchy tunes, playful shows and interactive lessons. Includes five episodes, fifteen song videos and four bonus webspot videos.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This is not just another nursery rhyme video. It's dynamic and engaging and the kids do a great job of being enthusiastic in each chapter. Each chapter is a different nursery rhyme, which is acted out and sometimes discussed between the actors before or after the rhyme. The nursery rhymes are all accurate and very familiar. I love how they brought the stories to life. Bright colors and sets made it visually appealing. Vibrant costumes and catchy tunes make this wonderful for kids to watch. Takes something familiar and makes it fun. Preschool aged kids will enjoy this, but older kids may want to sing or dance along to some of the songs. Very fun video!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Kids are glued to the screen. They recognize the songs. Even older kids who say they did not like nursery rhymes are completely engaged in the screening and sang along. At several points during the screening, the entire group would be singing the nursery rhyme and it became quite loud! They seem to be having a lot of fun with this one.
Runtime: 40 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-5
Suggested Retail Price: $ 15
Media: DVD

HOW TO UNMAKE A BULLY
This title is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title
HOW TO UNMAKE A BULLY
MOVIEQUEST PRODUCTIONS
Series: INDEPENDENT SHORT, 8-12
Description - A student shows up injured in the nurse's office, so three friends decide it's time to do something about their school bully. Trading stories of other successful anti-bullying, students work together with teachers and peers to find solutions.
Runtime: 27 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-13
Suggested Retail Price: $ 0
Media: DVD

STEPS4KIDS TO MULTIPLY (NUMBERS 0-12)
KIDS FIRST ALL STAR
STEPS4KIDS TO MULTIPLY (NUMBERS 0-12)
STEPS4KIDS, LLC Click to purchase directly from the producer
Series: INDEPENDENT FEATURE, AGES 8-12
Description - Learn the times table from 0-12, including practice tests to help children with rote memorization, tips and shortcuts to help children figure out answers to harder numbers and more.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Breaks down multiplication into easy steps and basic rules, to make it simpler. Methods are applied to everyday life and little math facts are incorporated along the way. A great asset for children learning or struggling with multiplication, giving them an "edge" in school. Promotes the importance of knowledge, encouraging educational aspiration and stimulating the mind to think about multiplication in different ways. The narrator's voice is pleasant and encouraging. She suggests taking your time to think about what has come before, while building on the lessons, always reminding the viewer that "they can do it!" The menu is easy to navigate and has information for parents and teachers, introduction to math terms and properties and a recommended order for using the segments. Use this DVD to add spice to an otherwise repetitive educational necessity.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This DVD is great! It started at 0 and went up to 12 for multiplying. Great for learning math facts and teaching children new tricks to do better on their own and at school. "They really gave you some good tricks that would definitely help you." "I like how they taught us some easy math and some hard math… they gave us tricks and good pictures to go with it." "Answering the questions at the end was fun! It was like a competition." "Groovy music!" We used the DVD to compete with one another and see who could answer first. The children laughed and enjoyed this very much. "The zero and the finger tricks were fun!"
Runtime: 80 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $ 24.99
Media: DVD

This title is available for purchase from STEPS4KIDS, LLC

DINOSAUR TRAIN EGGSPRESS (APP)
KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
DINOSAUR TRAIN EGGSPRESS (APP)
PBS KIDS Click Title to View High Bandwidth Online Video Trailer This title has online video!
Series: APP, AGES 2-5
Description - Based on the hit PBS KIDS TV series DINOSAUR TRAIN, this app promotes science and math skills for pre-schoolers while guiding children through three prehistoric eras and various exciting games including a Dinosaur egg hunt.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The content is great. Most kids like dinosaurs and will appreciate how it ties in to the Dinosaur Train TV show. The game provides facts about different kinds of dinosaurs and helps kids with thinking, matching and pattern recognition skills. Sparks an interest in dinosaurs, revealing facts like how baby dinosaurs hatch from eggs and helping kids to notice the features of different kinds of dinosaurs.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The kids really liked the app. Their favorite parts were getting the mystery eggs, seeing the babies hatch, matching the egg with it's mother and painting the dinosaurs with the 'touch paintbrush.' They loved seeing the different kinds of dinosaurs and learning what an "era" is. Kids exclaimed happily and laughed when they saw the babies hatch.

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 3-6
Suggested Retail Price: $ 2.99
Media: PhApp

SPANISH FOR KIDS: LAS ESTACIONES (THE SEASONS)
KIDS FIRST ALL STAR
SPANISH FOR KIDS: LAS ESTACIONES (THE SEASONS)
WHISTLEFRITZ LLC Click to purchase directly from the producer Click Title to View High Bandwidth Online Video Trailer This title has online video!
Series: INDEPENDENT SHORT, AGES 2-5, ANIMATION
Description - Spanish immersion DVD. Children love a birthday party, but when is Fritzi's? Join fun-loving Fritzi the mouse for a festive introduction to Spanish language-learning. It's year-round fun as children learn words and phrases in Spanish.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Teaches Spanish to a young audience using pictures, animation and a fun host. Uses Spanish immersion techniques, the person watching has to figure out the meaning of the words through pictures and context. It's appropriate, though challenging. Children as young as one or two-years-old can enjoy this. Stimulates natural curiosity of kids and their ability to learn through immersion. Has a very welcoming feel to it. Friendly and encouraging. Some adults felt the kids needed a more direct connection to the subject in order to make the Spanish word connection to what was being depicted. Children become familiar with a new language, while getting information about the culture of the people who speak the language. Tremendous educational value, because it immerses the child in the Spanish language and they seem more involved in learning the language. Broadens children's global perspective and stimulates language development.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - "It's funny, I like the mouse!" "I liked the Spanish words. The kids in the video are funny." Seemed to appeal more to kids over age 5 and even early teens. Children felt proud when they identified a word correctly. Younger kids sometimes didn't understand what the music was saying, but still got up to dance. Some kids under age five got bored and others frustrated because they didn't understand the material. This seemed to especially resonate for kids over age five, who could follow along with the content and were excited to learn new words. A few of the 5-7 year old girls wanted to learn more Spanish so they could talk to some of their friends from multi-lingual homes.
Runtime: 30 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 1-12
Suggested Retail Price: $ 19.99
Media: DVD

This title is available for purchase from WHISTLEFRITZ LLC

TOM THUMB AND THE KNIGHTS OF THE ROUNDTABLE (APP)
KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
TOM THUMB AND THE KNIGHTS OF THE ROUNDTABLE (APP)
RUCKUS MEDIA GROUP
Series: APP, AGES 5-8
Description - iPhone, iPod, iPad storybook app. Told by John Cleese, illustrated by Tim Gabor an music by Elvis Costello.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - A cute story, particularly appealing to elementary aged boys. Superior visual aspects, bright vivid colors and pictures. Too complicated for early readers to read along, but the story will appeal to them. Kids can record their voices and hear themselves telling the story, but this feature will not work on an iPod if you don't have a microphone. Music was excellent and enjoyable for both kids and adults.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The story is interesting and kept the attention of an active eight-year-old. "The graphics and characters are awesome." "It's cool because they talk about King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. I knew a lot of the characters and really liked the story."

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-8
Suggested Retail Price: $ 0
Media: PhApp

VELVETEEN RABBIT (APP)
KIDS FIRST ALL STAR
VELVETEEN RABBIT (APP)
RUCKUS MEDIA GROUP
Series: APP, AGES 5-8
Description - The story of the Velveteen Rabbit as told by Meryl Streep, Illustrated by Dave Jorgenson and music by George Winston.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This is an outstanding phone app. I think it will appeal to kids and adults. It's the sort of thing that works well on phones and kids can watch when riding in a car, waiting in a restaurant or for an appointment of some sort. It's short, sweet and to the point.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Kids who love stories enjoy this iconographic representation of Velveteen Rabbit. Even though there is limited action, it's especially enjoyable as a short story on a phone and all the kids were engaged and entertained.

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 3-10
Suggested Retail Price: $ 0
Media: PhApp

PECOS BILL (APP)
KIDS FIRST ALL STAR
PECOS BILL (APP)
RUCKUS MEDIA GROUP
Series: APP, AGES 5-8
Description - The story of Pecos Bill as told by Robin Williams, illustrated by Tim Raglin and music by Ry Cooder. Plays on iPhone, iPad and iPod. Three methods of storytelling; children can choose to be read to, can read to themselves or they can record their voice and play back with the story.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - We loved this app. My nine-year-old grandson was thoroughly engaged. Even my 15-year-old grandson enjoyed it. They liked that they could watch the short video or read the book. Robin Williams is his usual crazy hilarious self.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - "Loved it, very easy to use." My eight-year-old was mesmerized. I'm not sure he understood all of Robin Williams' craziness, but he liked it all anyway. The story was familiar to him, yet had fun little spins he had not seen before.

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 3-10
Suggested Retail Price: $ 0
Media: PhApp

KIDS FIRST ALL STAR
JOHNNY APPLESEED (APP)
RUCKUS MEDIA GROUP
Series: APP, AGES 5-8
Description - The story of Johnny Appleseed told by Garrison Keillor, illustrated by Stan Olson and music by Mark O'Connor. For use on iPhone, iPad or iPod. Includes three options of storytelling. Children can listen, read out loud, or record their voice to play back with the story.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Shows good behavior rewarded simply. Very well done. Soothing and a good bedtime story. The story of Johnny Appleseed, a simple man who only lives to do good. Fun to watch, nice visuals.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - It was calming and uplifting. "We loved the old-fashioned style of the story. Johnny wore a pot on his head and looked funny, but people treated him nicely and were grateful for the apples. He was kind to all living things and made people think about taking responsibility for the world around them."

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: -
Suggested Retail Price: $ 0
Media: PhApp

JOHN HENRY (APP)
KIDS FIRST ALL STAR
JOHN HENRY (APP)
RUCKUS MEDIA GROUP
Series: APP, AGES 5-12
Description - The story of John Henry as told by Denzel Washington, illustrated by Barry Jackson and music by BB King.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Wonderful phone app based on the classic children's book and the original Rabbit Ears videos. I enjoyed the familiarity of Denzel Washington's voice. The illustrations are wonderful. The story, though quite unbelievable, is a fable which tells the story of how machines pushed men out of the job of laying railroad tracks. It has a nice moral in that although a machine might outlast a man, it doesn't necessarily do a better job and there is some sort of soul and feeling put into human effort that is missing with machines. John Henry dies, as he does in the original story, and it's a sad ending to the story.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - "I really like it. It's a great way to enjoy reading the book or watching the video." Even my 15-year-old liked it. My eight-year-old recognized BB King. He really liked the song and sang along each time.

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 3-12
Suggested Retail Price: $ 0
Media: PhApp

GO, CLIFFORD, GO! (APP)
KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
GO, CLIFFORD, GO! (APP)
SCHOLASTIC MEDIA
Series: APP, AGES 2-5
Description - Combines the beloved Big Red Dog with a topic that all kids enjoy: vehicles and motion. Users play along with Clifford as he encounters trucks, trains, planes and motorcycles that go whizzing by. "Touch and Tilt" animated interactions make it easy for children to engage with the story
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - An easy story for toddlers to enjoy and early readers to read aloud. You can have it read to you or shut off the narration and read it yourself. Everyone loves the Big Red Dog, and the Clifford app is sure to keep young ones engaged. Only a few simple words on each page and some pages have special effects when you press or tilt the screen. There is a simple tilt game at the end which will keep children busy a little longer on this app.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The tilt game is fun. You get to collect bones until you score ten points. It's easy to do for young kids. You turn into different things - a helicopter, plane, car, etc - while you move to collect your bones and earn points.

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-6
Suggested Retail Price: $ 4.99
Media: PhApp

I LOVE YOU THROUGH AND THROUGH (APP)
KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
I LOVE YOU THROUGH AND THROUGH (APP)
SCHOLASTIC MEDIA
Series: APP, AGES 2-5
Description - Focuses on "emotional play" - encouraging children to understand the moods, sentiments and emotions that bring characters to life. "Touch and Tilt" animated interactions make it easy for children to engage with the story.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - A very simple app. You have the choice of having the story read to you, or you can turn off narration and read it to your child (or let an older child read it.) The story has simple colorful drawings and is easy for young children to understand. Kids will love tilting the iPhone or iPad to add basic motion, animation, to the characters - mostly swaying back and forth, and in one case making the boy run. There are no special features, which also makes this just right for toddlers.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Kids loved the tilt feature and the familiar characters. They liked to record their voice and hear it back. "Clifford has to collect bones, it's fun to get the bones."

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 1-4
Suggested Retail Price: $ 4.99
Media: PhApp

KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
WINNIE THE POOH: WHAT'S A BEAR TO DO PUZZLE BOOK
DISNEY PUBLISHING WORDLWIDE Click Title to View High Bandwidth Online Video Trailer This title has online video!
Series: IAPP, AGES 2-5
Description - Winnie the Pooh's digital debut. Book based puzzle app delivers an immersive and interactive reading experience for preschoolers on iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. Now also available for Android (not reviewed by KIDS FIRST!)
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - A very simple app, easy to use and minimal words to read. Will acquaint pre-readers with a handful of words and give them simple puzzles to solve. Puzzles are simple enough for even younger children and parents can help them move through the screens. Kids can choose to read or be read to.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This app might help little kids learn to read some words. Winnie the Pooh is someone everybody likes and I like the puzzles.

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 1-4
Suggested Retail Price: $ 0.99
Media: PhApp

MAGIC IN THE FOREST
KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
MAGIC IN THE FOREST
STORY POINT MAGIC Click Title to View High Bandwidth Online Video Trailer This title has online video!
Series: INDEPENDENT SHORT, 8-12
Description - A mall rat on a dreaded class trip is swept away into a magical primeval forest. Helped by historical figures, she must escape from a deformed forest, a rampaging, roaring fire and an evil tree.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This fable is an interesting way to introduce children to the idea of forest conservation. I enjoyed the references to the "magic" of nature and the ongoing theme of protecting the forests. The historic segments about George Vanderbilt and the "birthplace of forestry: were interesting and educational. A thought provoking story of a young girl who realizes her part in caring for the environment. The main character, Caty, is at first reluctant to learn more about nature, but as the story unfolds she becomes caught up in a mystical struggle that her own apathy is a part of. With the help of magic characters in the woods, she gains a new understanding of Nature and her obligation to nurture it. Rather than being judgmental of Caty's indifference, it instructs us as to the benefits of being more involved. As the main character is faced with the repercussions of her past actions and chooses a new direction in thinking, viewers are also challenged to take a closer look at how they view their part in caring for the planet.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I learned about the "Cradle of Forestry" where students are taught about taking care of our nation's forests. I think this is important because I see our forests disappearing and want others to love them and plant more. This film gives good demonstrations of the importance of nature and how we shouldn't ignore it. The story make me want to go to the Pisgah Forest and see what the students do there. "The changes in the music developed the chase and magical scenes." "The drums made me anxious about the smoke." "I disliked the way the story moves along. I really liked the story idea, but the production didn't support it well. There was a little too much running away from black smoke." "I want to make my own garden with pansies and sunflowers!"
Runtime: 30 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $ 18.95
Media: DVD

RUBY'S STUDIO: THE FEELINGS SHOW
KIDS FIRST QUALIFIED ENDORSEMENT
RUBY'S STUDIO: THE FEELINGS SHOW
THE MOTHER COMPANY Click Title to View High Bandwidth Online Video Trailer This title has online video!
Series: INDEPENDENT SHORT, AGES 2-5
Description - A stylish DVD to help young children understand and express their feelings. Featuring a lovable live-action host, art projects, animation, puppet shows, and original songs. With the voice of Mel Brooks and "The Happy Song" by Elizabeth Mitchell.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Ruby offers a friendly and encouraging guide into the tumultuous world of feelings, with visuals from a feelings "dial" to artwork made by kids to give external expression to internal feelings. It dignifies children's' emotions, teaches a process to identify them and offers techniques for responding productively. Slow pace, repetitive, some lack of sincerity, but will nonetheless appeal to many children lacking in other sources of essential instruction in the area of recognizing and responding to their feelings.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - "I liked the part where they played hopscotch." "It was a little boring." Some segments held more interest than others and girls seemed to appreciate more than the boys. One child juror said it made her think about when she is mad. "It was fun to watch, everyone was nice to each other."
Runtime: 45 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-6
Suggested Retail Price: $ 19.99
Media: DVD

KIDS FIRST ALL STAR
JUNO JR: ONE BUNNY BAND
JUNO BABY Click to purchase directly from the producer Click Title to View High Bandwidth Online Video Trailer This title has online video!
Series: SHORT AGES 2-5, ANIMATION
Description - Indie gets more than he bargains for when he employs Bunny to be his "One Bunny Band." Together, they learn how to put feeling into their music through such concepts a tempo, dynamics and articulation.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Musical theory is addressed in a simple and understandable manner for young children. Simple instruction of 3/4 time and simple visuals and timing, like the flowers popping up the right timing. Wrapped up all the concepts well at the end. Uses "feelings or actions" to simply explain basic musical theory. Starts off with a simple introduction to music that can be sad or happy and then moved into more advanced areas, like musical terms such as Allegro and Staccato. Nice mixture of puppets and real animals in the introduction. Bright colors and fun characters.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Children sat still and remained interested. Kids were verbal and wiggled, bobbed their heads and danced along. "I want to play the violin!" Kids thought the characters were cute and fun. They wanted to watch it over and over.
Runtime: 43 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-6
Suggested Retail Price: $ 17.99
Media: DVD

This title is available for purchase from JUNO BABY

KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
JUNO JR: THE DAY THE MUSIC STOPPED
JUNO BABY Click to purchase directly from the producer Click Title to View High Bandwidth Online Video Trailer This title has online video!
Series: SHORT AGES 2-5, ANIMATION
Description - Bunny accidentally presses the big red button on Murphy's Shush Machine, inadvertently silencing the town of Harmonia Springs. Juno realizes that in order to bring life back to the town, she and her friends have to create their own music through melody, harmony, rhythm, and most of all, friendship.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Uses puppets and animation to teach about music basics such as rhythm and melody. Whimsical characters and charming story are well-suited for preschoolers. The characters invite participation by talking directly to viewers and providing scenes with live-action children doing activities, like dancing, that kids can imitate. Enchanting story, offering a rare learning experience.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - "Juno was nice when she didn't press the red button. Bunny was not good when he pressed the red button and the man told her not to." "It was funny when the frogs sing and birds tweet, and when all sang 'tweet tweet'" "I want to ride trains, see frogs at ponds and learn more about everything I saw." Kids lost interest at times, like during long songs and when there was less action. They were engaged most of the time, especially when prompted for participation.
Runtime: 43 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-5
Suggested Retail Price: $ 17.99
Media: DVD

This title is available for purchase from JUNO BABY

WILD ANIMAL BABY EXPLORERS: POCKET PROTECTORS & OTHER STORIES
KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
WILD ANIMAL BABY EXPLORERS: POCKET PROTECTORS & OTHER STORIES
TOPICS ENTERTAINMENT Click to purchase directly from the producer
Series: INDEPENDENT SHORT, AGES 2-5, ANIMATION
Description - Bring the natural world to life for your preschooler! National Wildlife Federation's new animated series keeps children engaged and having fun while they learn. Episodes include: "Pocket Protectors," Beaks & Bills" and "Diving Dolphins."
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Very enjoyable modern animation style, with chirpy characters, exciting destinations and a mix of live-action and animated footage. Some found it "too chirpy" for adult ears. The characters are appealing, though the dialogue seems a bit forced at times. Promotes scientific inquiry, looking into specific questions about animals, such as "Why do marsupials have pockets," and "Why beaks and bills are shaped as they are." Both the live-action and animated sequences are exciting to watch. Creates a bridge between the fantasy world of animals that talk and have feelings, with real live animals. Encourages teamwork. The cute characters appeal to younger kids and the "information-dense" sections to older. Great for family viewing.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Very enjoyable. One six-year-old said "It has a lot of interesting information." Kids acted like dolphins and pretended to dive and jump in the air. Though younger kids liked the animation and music, they seemed to lose interest once the "journey" had begun. However, older kids gained interest at this point and enjoyed learning about animals they had studied at school. Though sections appeal to both age groups, no one age group was engaged throughout. All of the kids who stayed engaged wanted to know more, especially about the dolphins!
Runtime: 45 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 3-8
Suggested Retail Price: $ 9.99
Media: DVD ISBN # 1600778305

This title is available for purchase from TOPICS ENTERTAINMENT

WILD ANIMAL BABY EXPLORERS: BEETLE MANIA & OTHER STORIES
KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
WILD ANIMAL BABY EXPLORERS: BEETLE MANIA & OTHER STORIES
TOPICS ENTERTAINMENT Click to purchase directly from the producer
Series: INDEPENDENT SHORT, AGES 2-5, ANIMATION
Description - Bring the natural world to life for your preschooler in National Wildlife Federation's new animated series. Episodes include: "Beetle Mania," "Scratch My Back" and "Legwork."
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Well done. Information is incredibly accurate and is aided by real life pictures of the animals. The vocabulary is age appropriate and works well with the characters. Each episode starts with an idea, which leads the characters to explore their world for animals with certain characteristics. We learn about different animals, about their characteristics, commonalities and strengths. "I like how the animals interact with nature and work cooperatively together." Exposes young children to new animals and new facts about animals. The use of "real-life" pictures adds to the educational benefits. Children are exposed to real animals in their real habitats, which expands their understanding of the natural world.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Kids enjoyed this. "I liked the beetles." "Back scratching was funny." The characters "helped each other find a way for Benita to scratch her back. They are helpful." "I want to scratch my back like a bear!" "I want to dig like a beetle." The kids were mostly engaged. Some wandered. They were left feeling like it is okay to learn about new things.
Runtime: 45 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 3-8
Suggested Retail Price: $ 9.99
Media: DVD ISBN # 1600778305

This title is available for purchase from TOPICS ENTERTAINMENT

WILD ANIMAL BABY EXPLORERS: HIDE AND SEEK & OTHER STORIES
KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
WILD ANIMAL BABY EXPLORERS: HIDE AND SEEK & OTHER STORIES
TOPICS ENTERTAINMENT Click to purchase directly from the producer
Series: INDEPENDENT SHORT, AGES 2-5, ANIMATION
Description - Bring the natural world to life for your preschooler in National Wildlife Federation's new animated series. Episodes include: "Hide and Seek," "Sled Stuck" and "Stripes and Spots."
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Jurors liked the mix of animated and live-action footage of the animals. Well-paced for younger children and exposes them to aspects about animals they may not have been previously aware of. Provides a better understanding of wild animals. The animated animal costumes, like the owl with aviator goggles, are cute. The music is light and fun and the characters talk in understandable terms. In Hide and Seek, they discuss ways animals hide, where they hide and even whether or not an animal needs to hide. Animated characters have to find the hidden animals. This concept of "Hide and Seek" is very appealing to a young child and tied together fun and education.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Well received. Kids wanted to play hide-and-seek after watching the episode. "The animals were cute!" "The skunk was funny." "The animals helped each other." "I want to play hide-and-seek like the walking stick." "I want to slide like the penguin."
Runtime: 45 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 3-8
Suggested Retail Price: $ 9.99
Media: DVD ISBN # 1600778305

This title is available for purchase from TOPICS ENTERTAINMENT

WILD ANIMAL BABY EXPLORERS: BATH TIME & OTHER STORIES
KIDS FIRST ALL STAR
WILD ANIMAL BABY EXPLORERS: BATH TIME & OTHER STORIES
TOPICS ENTERTAINMENT Click to purchase directly from the producer
Series: INDEPENDENT SHORT, AGES 2-5, ANIMATION
Description - Bring the natural world to life for your preschooler in National Wildlife Federation's new animated series. Episodes include: Includes, "Bath Time," Mighty Oak" and "Fly Away Home."
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Nicely produced. The characters interact with warmth, consideration and respect for one another. They show particular care for the youngest. Shows motivation and enthusiasm toward the subject-matter. Stimulates curiosity and encourages children to think. Animal babies are computer animated, brightly colored and have sweet features. Both entertaining and informative. The characters are very cute, especially Sammy the Skunk, who talks and acts like a human 2-year-old. They exhibit curiosity about their surroundings and a willingness to seek out answers. The animals question a situation, then go exploring and learn things (clues) that lead them back to their original question. Miss Sally, the adult, gives them help from time to time, flying in and out of scenes. The information was valuable without a lot of heavy vocabulary to assimilate. The animal babies show an excitement for the subject matter, that they convey to the viewer. You can choose English or Spanish on the root menu and get additional information, including teacher resources on their website at www.nwf.org/Wild-Animal.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Fun and informative. Kids sang along with the intro and at the end. They asked to "see more episodes" and "fly in a hot air balloon." Child jurors liked how the animals worked together and "did stuff" together.
Runtime: 45 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 3-8
Suggested Retail Price: $ 9.99
Media: DVD ISBN # 1600778305

This title is available for purchase from TOPICS ENTERTAINMENT

WORDGIRL: EARTH DAY GIRL
KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
WORDGIRL: EARTH DAY GIRL
SCHOLASTIC ENTERTAINMENT
Series: SHORT AGES 5-8, ANIMATION
Description - WordGirl fights crime and enriches vocabulary as she takes on villains. In "Earth Day Girl," villain Birthday Girl learns the Earth is having a special celebration (on her birthday!) she decides to teach the Earth a lesson. Can WordGirl save the day?
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This is a good title for children to watch to learn about caring for the earth we live on. WordGirl takes time to explain why we should care about our communities and that it's important the we all take the time to be responsible with recycling our trash. Several large words are explained in a simple and fun way. The characters are likeable and it is funny to several different age levels. Each segment defines two words, repeating them throughout the story and visibly demonstrates them to reinforce their meanings.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The children seemed engaged. "I like Captain Huggy Face, he was so funny and talked in monkey talk." "I like WordGirl because she is so cool and can defeat super villains." "It made me want to learn how to spell the words." "It made me thin about how everyone has a different point of view. It was funny hearing about how each person told the same story in a different way."
Runtime: 29 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: -
Suggested Retail Price: $ 0
Media: DVD

KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
LET'S GROW: SAFETY FIRST
LIONSGATE FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT Click to purchase directly from the producer
Series: FEATURE FILM, AGES 2-5, ANIMATED
Description - Learn all about safety with your favorite preschool television characters. Barney, Thomas, Bob the Builder, Fireman Sam and Kipper teach children about many different areas of safety. During the Barney episode, children get to hear what a smoke detector sounds like, and they learn what it's for. Fire safety is the name of the game as children learn to "stay low and go" when the air is heavy with smoke. Barney and his friends demonstrate what they mean so children know what to do in an emergency situation. During the episodes themselves as well as in the segments in between with Sprout's Sean and Chica, children learn about actions they can take to make their own lives, and the lives of people they love, safer. They learn about buckling their seat belts, wearing sunblock, and crossing the road safely. In Thomas and Friends, children learn how impatience and not listening to directions can turn a situation into a dangerous one. In Bob the builder, children learn that taking ones' time often has safer results then rushing through project. In Fireman Sam, kids learn about water safety and rescue, and in Kipper, they learn about outdoor recreational safety.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Some adult viewers were a bit dismayed to see Barney testing bath water with his hand instead of his elbow, which is much safer. However, most of the information on the DVD is very accurate and can be used at home and in school to teach children about safety habits and the reasons behind safety actions.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This DVD taught different ways to be safe. I should only walk across the street if a grown-up is there so I can hold their hand. I loved how in Kipper, he let pig use his roller skates. Pig wasn't very good at it. After a while she gets better because they shared the skates and she practiced. I'm not sure if my friends would like this, but it would teach them stuff like you always need to wear a helmet when you are biking, and you need knee pads when you are skating so you don't get scraped up.
Runtime: 76 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-5
Suggested Retail Price: $ 14.98
Media: DVD
      This title is available for purchase from Amazon.com


This title is available for purchase from LIONSGATE FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT

NEW YORK STREET GAMES
KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
NEW YORK STREET GAMES
FALCO INK / HIGHBROW ENTERTAINMENT
Series: INDEPENDENT DOCUMENTARY, ADULT
Description - Covers the origins of the street games that were played and shared by all children within inner city neighborhoods. It's narrated by Hector Elizondo and features interviews with Regis Philbin, Ray Romano and Keith David, among many others.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - A gem, especially for those who grew up in NYC or have heard the countless stories of what kids used to do in the summer and on weekends. A romantic, sentimental feel to it with wonderful memories. Kids would learn a little history, about life before computer games and other modern toys. A fun and in-depth analysis of NYC games and kids. Adults had fun yelling out the rules they could remember while watching. It is fun to see children playing, and value in their learning the games and understanding the history, but this is more geared toward adults in it's language, than toward kids. The archival footage of children playing stickball, stoopball, etc., while the adults watched from sidelines and windows was fun and historical. Provoked many questions concerning the way our children play today and their healthier more active lifestyle. Comes with a game rule booklet to aid in the quest to revive some of these seldom played games.
Runtime: 76 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: ADULT-ADULT
Suggested Retail Price: $ 29.95
Media: DVD

KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
KID TO KID: STAYING SAFE! (2009)
DANIEL PRODUCTIONS Click to purchase directly from the producer
Series: INDEPENDENT SHORT, 8-12
Description - Offers strategies for kids to deal with danger at home, at play, on the street and the internet. Eight-year-old host, Nicole, talks to kids from a kid's point of view. Features Dr. Loretta Long (Susan on "Sesame Street".) Combines animation, music, dancing and live-action.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Takes on a difficult issue and addresses it sensitively. Encourages self-esteem. May be useful to help new parents in recognizing situations that are potentially hazardous for little ones. Many stressed the importance of viewing this first to make sure you are comfortable with the content before showing young kids. Teaches that each person is responsible for their own safety. Gives examples of how to stay safe by giving real life examples and engaging the audience to consider the right response. Use of a child, Nicole, to present to her peers is very effective.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - It told us how to keep safe from people that would harm us. We learned how people use the Internet to get to us and what we should and should not do. For some it prompted intense discussion and even fear. Some kids were uncomfortable with the "scary" content, other appreciated the lessons learned.
Runtime: 22 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: -
Suggested Retail Price: $ 12.99
Media: DVD

This title is available for purchase from DANIEL PRODUCTIONS

LIL' IGUANA BE SMART, STAY SAFE
KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
LIL' IGUANA BE SMART, STAY SAFE
LIL' IGUANA'S CHILDREN'S SAFETY FOUNDATION
Series: INDEPENDENT SHORT AGES 5-8
Description - Come join Lil' Iguana and his friends as they have fun learning important safety lessons. Learn about getting permission before going anywhere, never going anywhere alone, knowing who is a stranger and what to do if a stranger tries to make you go with them. Includes one DVD and three music CDs.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - A good piece to have in your video arsenal of learning about safety. It takes a subject that can be hard to explain to children and turns it into fun. Shows situations, stories, games and songs that get the message across. Different aged kids will pick up on different things, but the pace is slow enough for even the youngest. Use of children and puppets, music and dancing, will help kids relate to the stories.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Kids enjoyed this. "The songs taught us a lot and were fun to sing." "Teaches us how to be smart about strangers." "I liked when they were on the farm with the chicken." "This movie taught us how to be safe - that's really important!" Kids seemed to enjoy the music and the scenery and understood most of the lessons imparted.
Runtime: 22 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 4-7
Suggested Retail Price: $ 29.95
Media: DVD
      This title is available for purchase from Amazon.com


SAFARI ANIMAL DISCOVERY
KIDS FIRST ALL STAR
SAFARI ANIMAL DISCOVERY
KIDZ ON SAFARI NEW YORK INC Click to purchase directly from the producer
Series: INDEPENDENT DOCUMENTARY, AGES 5-8
Description - Two brothers, Mugo and Tugo, go on Safari to discover the magic of Africa, from animals to culture and their roots. They discover more than they expected.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Follows two little brothers on a safari trip, learning about the animals they encounter. There are two short quizzes to help children remember what they learned. The next best thing to going on a real safari. Great for building excitement prior to a visit to the zoo. Educational as well as entertaining. Kids will enjoy the ABC song, sung by African children. Promotes a positive view of Africa and their animals. Enjoyed the use of nicknames for animals to engage the kids - "Here comes Mr. Temper." Pop-ups appear on screen with "fun facts" so kids can put information together with the animal they are viewing on-screen. African music enhanced the theme. Some adults appreciated the border that sometimes appeared on the screen, saying it helps to draw attention of pre-schoolers, other found it detracted from the film. A good media tool to introduce young children to the conservation and appreciation of wildlife. After viewing with children, one juror said, "Yeah, this is definitely a keeper."
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The children love the musical exploration of some of Africa's safari animals. It really makes kids want to know more. Children are engaged and full of questions/comments throughout, "Can I pet a flamingo," "Tortoises are good animals," "My favorite animal is the snake." They like the African children singing the ABC song about the animals, learning that there are at least as many animals as there are letters in the alphabet. Some try to guess which animal will be chosen for each letter in the song. "Beautiful, I like how the giraffe stands when he is drinking water." "The brothers were excited and followed the rules of the safari - be good to each other." "I really liked the question and answer part." "It taught me about animals I didn't know - I never saw a water buffalo before," "It told me some names of animals I didn't know, but didn't show a picture of them, so I want to look them up." "Press the PLAY button again!"
Runtime: 25 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 4-10
Suggested Retail Price: $ 20
Media: DVD

This title is available for purchase from KIDZ ON SAFARI NEW YORK INC

KUNG FU FOR KIDS
KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
KUNG FU FOR KIDS
YMAA PUBLICATION CENTER, INC
Series: INDEPENDENT FEATURE, AGES 8-12
Description - An instructional program teaching kids the basics of traditional Kung Fu. Simple follow-along workout featuring cartoon segues with Shing. Training tips for parents, teachers. Features Ben Warner, Nicholas Yang, Cameo by Dr. Yang, Jwing Ming.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Very informative. An excellent tool to teach the importance of health and exercise. Most useful broken up into segments for better learning results. Interactive format allows for kids to participate in the movements while watching. Promotes health and wellness. Positive and respectful.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Kids liked it, "it taught me that Kung Fu can by anything. When you work hard and reach your goals you can tell your friends you have done Kung Fu." Fun and motivating, the kids got up and moved around. "I learned that Kung Fu is about more than fighting. It is about discipline, practice and hard work." "Kung Fu can develop your body and mind." "It was fun and had a lot of activity." "It taught us the basics stances, punches, blocks and kicks. It was easy to follow." "Ben, the instructor, was friendly and playful." "It made me think about humility, respect, trust, courage and loyalty." "It made me think bout fitness." "Kung Fu is a fun work out."
Runtime: 75 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 4-12
Suggested Retail Price: $ 19.95
Media: DVD ISBN # 978154391880
      This title is available for purchase from Amazon.com


SO SMART: BABY'S FIRST WORD - HOUSE
KIDS FIRST ALL STAR
SO SMART: BABY'S FIRST WORD - HOUSE
ECHO BRIDGE HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Series: SHORT, AGES 0-2, ANIMATED
Description - So Smart! is an award-winning brand trusted by parents for over a decade. This new animated series, Baby's First-Word Stories, is created especially for 1 to 3 year-olds, who are beginning to explore the rich world of language. In this baby DVD, So Smart! friends Edward, Iggy, Larry and Dee Dee will first introduce your little one to simple words about objects in the home, and then build sentences and stories around them. A deliberately gentle pace, engaging imagery, and soothing music make So Smart! a winner for both children and parents.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Lovable, non-frightening characters, easy-to-understand stories with gentle humor and great educational value for developing early language skills. The video encourages engagement and participation with its questions such as, "What sound is that?" "What words do you remember?" There are 4 vignettes: Bath time, Who's Hiding in the House, Sounds in My House and Clean-up Time. The total time of the video is 30 minutes but each story can be viewed separately. The content is suitable for very young children with friendly characters, relatable stories, lovely cadence of voice-over narration. Its gentle humor and positive messages are just right for this age. The four characters include two male characters and two female characters. The characters' genders are recognizable, race is not a factor and the characters are typically middle class as each has its own home, clean clothes and toys. The stories respect the fact that children can get dirty (while eating or painting) but lets children know its okay to get dirty and that one must later take a bath to clean up. The stories have gentle humor as the characters get dirty all over again even after they take their baths. There are no repercussions if one gets dirty again which is a forgiving, accepting message. The simple animation style is appropriate for very young children as is the use of simple sentence structure. The voice over by the narrator is warm and loving. The use of sound effects is education and gentle such as the sound of the phone ringing, the doorbell, birds chirping, splashing water, bounding of a ball. The use of color adds to the visual experience and is not glaringly brilliant. In all four stories, repetition is used. Vocabulary is appropriate to this age with a recap at the end of each vignette when the narrator asks, "What words do you remember?" For example, in thee Bath time vignette, the new words that are emphasized are bath, bubbles, boat and soap. The interaction between the characters is cooperative, kind, and friendly.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The kids giggled, danced, clapped their hands and were all engaged. They repeated the new vocabulary words such as door, couch, chair, table. Some growled and made claws with their hands and pretended to be Larry the Lion. Some, who had watched other titles in the series, recognized the characters and called out the names of Larry, Iggy Dee-Dee and Edward. They responded to the narrator's questions, "What words do you remember?" with their new vocabulary words. Kids loved the "Sounds in My House" section. When a visual of a phone appeared onscreen, they spontaneously said, " phone." When the narrator says bye bye to Larry, they repeated it and waved as well. This is obviously well planned out for this age group, who loved it, learned new words and found reinforcement for social skills they are developing. It encourages cooperation and friendship.
Runtime: 30 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 0-2
Suggested Retail Price: $ 15.99
Media: DVD
      This title is available for purchase from Amazon.com


SO SMART: BABY'S FIRST WORD - PETS
KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
SO SMART: BABY'S FIRST WORD - PETS
ECHO BRIDGE HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Series: SHORT, AGES 0-2, ANIMATED
Description - So Smart! Is an award-winning brand, trusted by parents for over a decade. In this DVD, So Smart! Friends Edward, Iggy, Dee Dee and Larry will first introduce your little one to simple words about pets, then build sentences and stories around them. A deliberately gentle pace, engaging imagery and soothing music, make So Smart! A winner for both children and parents.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This DVD provides an entertaining supplemental to children's language development. The narration and animation is sweet and simple. Use repetition but keeps it to a level that we don't lose interest. Very predictable, which is good for this age group. It offers a way to watch and hear things, that if not familiar, can become so and a nice easy to watch pace. Allows for interaction, asking questions that little ones can easily answer. Pets are a great topic of interest for toddlers.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Enjoyed it though some needed some prompting to engage in the interactive sections. With adult interaction, kids repeated words and responded with answers. When they saw a cat, one child yelled "kitty" and another one "meow", using the language skills they already had and applying them to the situation. All the kids who paid attention seemed to enjoy the animation and sounds. Got less attention from the kids who were not really ready for language development of this kind. Overall a nice video for kids ready to learn new words and interested in watching media on TV.
Runtime: 30 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 0-2
Suggested Retail Price: $ 15.99
Media: DVD

SO SMART: BABY'S FIRST WORD - WE GO!
KIDS FIRST ALL STAR
SO SMART: BABY'S FIRST WORD - WE GO!
ECHO BRIDGE HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Series: SHORT AGES 0-2, ANIMATED
Description - From the So Smart! Series which teaches children key words using an easy-to-follow, present-tense narrative and repetition. In this DVD, So Smart! Friends Edward, Iggy, Dee Dee and Larry will first introduce your little one to simple words about things that go, then build sentences and stories around them. A deliberately gentle pace, engaging imagery and soothing music make this suitable for ages 1-3.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Wonderful stories, animation, characters and music, blended with an appropriate pace. Teaches and entertains at the same time. High quality animation kids will love and keep parents interested as well. Featured pictures of things kids love - cars, trucks, trains, boats and other transportation vehicles. Broken down into five smaller stories so you can easily watch a little at a time. Stories are more simplistic at first, then with more problem-solving, such as the story about the chicken who has a piano and wants to take it home, but she needs a truck first. Each story highlights a different character and kids are given the opportunity to participate by saying what they learned.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Children really enjoyed interacting, with younger children yelling "doggie" or "chicken" at the animals they recognized. Boys especially liked the vehicles and yelled out the answers at the end of each section. Loved to yell out during the "what words did you learn" sections. Kids noticed the colors of the backgrounds and it created a ton of discussion between all of the children, even the one-year old!
Runtime: 30 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 1-3
Suggested Retail Price: $ 15.99
Media: DVD

SO SMART: BABY'S FIRST WORD - NIGHTTIME
KIDS FIRST ALL STAR
SO SMART: BABY'S FIRST WORD - NIGHTTIME
ECHO BRIDGE HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Series: SHORT, AGES 0-2, ANIMATION
Description - So Smart! is an award-winning brand trusted by parents for over a decade. This new animated series, Baby's First-Word Stories, is created especially for 1 to 3 year-olds, who are beginning to explore the rich world of language. In this baby DVD, So Smart! friends Edward, Iggy, Larry and Dee Dee will first introduce your little one to simple words about nighttime, and then build sentences and stories around them. A deliberately gentle pace, engaging imagery, and soothing music make So Smart! a winner for both children and parents.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Lovely, simple animation and calm tone by the narrator. Flows nicely and has good predictability which children this age love. Offers a way for children to watch and hear things that, if unfamiliar, can become familiar. The video uses words that the children should already be hearing and mixes them with words that may be unfamiliar. This may help their vocabulary grow, particularly if a parent or caregiver watches along and emphasizes the words in other contexts, outside of the video itself. The animal characters are very cute. The colors are bright but not over the top. The use of the music is thoughtful and suitable to the program and audience. This video makes a good supplement to a child's learning development and is repetitive and predictable enough to work and yet not become tedious. Among the very best of DVDs for the 1-3 year old group.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Very engaging. Easy to play in segments. The 2 and almost 2's stayed focused for the entire show, saying words for objects they knew. As each segment began, one 2-year-old would say, "Ooh! More!" The 10-month-old looked up now and then but was more interested in his toys than the DVD. The 2's enjoyed a second viewing as much as the first. One 22-month-old, who is more verbal than the 25-month-old, said words without prompting - from the beginning he said, "moon, star, night night, book, light, etc." There are really no opportunities for singing, dancing, playing along, but the 2-year-old oohed and smiled when he liked something. When the narrator asked, "Let's see what we can remember…" they didn't respond. When the adult facilitator asked the same thing, they did. They didn't grasp the idea of someone onscreen asking them a question. Some 4 and 5-year-olds also viewed it, found it darling. But, of course, they already knew these words.
Runtime: 30 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 1-3
Suggested Retail Price: $ 15.99
Media: DVD

SO SMART: BABY'S FIRST WORD - OUTSIDE
KIDS FIRST ALL STAR
SO SMART: BABY'S FIRST WORD - OUTSIDE
ECHO BRIDGE HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Series: SHORT, AGES 0-2, ANIMATION
Description - So Smart! is an award-winning brand trusted by parents for over a decade. This new animated series, Baby's First-Word Stories, is created especially for 1 to 3 year-olds, who are beginning to explore the rich world of language. In this baby DVD, So Smart! friends Edward, Iggy, Larry and Dee Dee will first introduce your little one to simple words about being outside, and then build sentences and stories around them. A deliberately gentle pace, engaging imagery, and soothing music make So Smart! a winner for both children and parents.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Really loved this DVD. Great music. Loved the piano music. Nice uses of pauses to catch a child's attention. For example, pause then say "leaves fall" and then see them fall. The music is toe-tapping. Pace is great, moves very smoothly and logically from one story to the next. Coloration is pleasant. Some infant DVDs are just blasting full of brilliant colors, this is much more subtle and thus, more enjoyable. There are a couple of instances where the backgrounds blended too well with the characters but that was infrequent. Great use of repetition. Words are restated, then shown again with an image. The producers seem to respect that babies and toddlers need to have their attention caught, then caught again. The pause effect addresses this well. Good use of exercises to encourage memory skills for what was shown. This worked particularly well for slow learning children or a child who takes longer to express himself verbally. The activity guide that comes with it can be printed out and used to reinforce what has been watched. There is also a website to go to for more information about the video and the company. All of our jurors said they would buy this for their own use.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The children were very engaged, particular the 2-year-olds. They laughed at some parts and repeated words from the video. All the children liked the segments with the animals in it best. The boys in particular liked the animals and the girls liked repeating the words they heard. All enjoyed counting along. It was a bit slow for some of the 2's but the 6 month old enjoyed it a lot until he lost interest at the end. A couple of 5-year-olds watched it but didn't find it interesting enough to stay with it. They went on to other things.
Runtime: 30 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 0-4
Suggested Retail Price: $ 15.99
Media: DVD

SO SMART: BABY'S FIRST WORD - GET DRESSED
KIDS FIRST ALL STAR
SO SMART: BABY'S FIRST WORD - GET DRESSED
ECHO BRIDGE HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Series: SHORT AGES 0- 2, ANIMATION
Description - So Smart! is an award-winning brand trusted by parents for over a decade. This new animated series, Baby's First-Word Stories, is created especially for 1 to 3 year-olds, who are beginning to explore the rich world of language. In this baby DVD, So Smart! friends Edward, Iggy, Larry and Dee Dee will first introduce your little one to simple words about getting dressed, and then build sentences and stories around them. A deliberately gentle pace, engaging imagery, and soothing music make So Smart! a winner for both children and parents.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Sweet, easy to understand, simple stories, some gentle rhymes (day/hurray), lovely production values and delightful, upbeat music. The narrator is easy to listen to, the characters are non-threatening. The DVD encourages the child to participate by asking questions such as, "What words do you remember?" There are a series of short vignettes including: Iggy Gets Dressed, Let's Play in the Snow, Hats for Everyone, Edward Finds an Umbrella, and Edward's New Shoes. The use of repetition helps children learn new words. Participation is encouraged by asking the viewer questions they can easily answer. This is an easy re-introduction to colors, seasons, numbers, seasonal activities and getting dressed. The characters are very likable, they behave in friendly and caring ways toward one another. They resemble children and genders are portrayed by the little girl wearing the color pink and the boy wearing the color blue. The stories are gentle and portray simple frustrations such as a child might experience in life: a button falling off, the rain coming, the snow melting, a zipper breaks. Characters are shown dealing with these little inconveniences in such a way that we can see how easy it is to replicate. Very nicely done, a plus for any toddler library.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Loved it. A multicultural group of Hispanic, Asian and Caucasian kids all enjoyed it. The girls seemed more transfixed than the boys but both clapped, pointed and waved at various times. Several children remembered and called out the characters' names. Several called out "Hello" when the characters said, "hello." Many counted along with the onscreen counting. Most responded when the narrator asked, "What words do you remember?" They answered, "snow, umbrella, etc." When asked how much they liked it, all said, "Great!"
Runtime: 30 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 0-2
Suggested Retail Price: $ 15.99
Media: DVD
      This title is available for purchase from Amazon.com


MY DAISY DAYS, VOL. 3
KIDS FIRST QUALIFIED ENDORSEMENT
MY DAISY DAYS, VOL. 3
MY DAISY DAYS, INC Click to purchase directly from the producer
Series: INDEPENDENT SHORT, AGES 2-5
Description - Includes 3 episodes: "Daisy Goes to the Zoo" - Daisy learns about the animals; "Daisy Watches Big Trucks" - Daisy discovers the wonders of big trucks; "Daisy's Winter Play date" - On a winter day, Daisy romps with her toddler friend and canine chum.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Non-narrative film with mediocre production levels. The dog, Daisy is cute and the segment at the zoo the most appealing of the three. The audience for this is limited - dog lovers would probably enjoy it most.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Kids liked the animals and the trucks. And, of course Daisy was a hit.
Runtime: 41 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 2-5
Suggested Retail Price: $ 19.95
Media: DVD

This title is available for purchase from MY DAISY DAYS, INC

MY DAISY DAYS VOL. 2
KIDS FIRST QUALIFIED ENDORSEMENT
MY DAISY DAYS VOL. 2
MY DAISY DAYS, INC Click to purchase directly from the producer
Series: INDEPENDENT SHORT, AGES 2-5
Description - Includes 3 episodes: "Daisy Goes to the Fire Station" - Daisy gets a warm welcome at her local fire station; "Daisy Counts to 10" - Daisy learns numbers from 1 to 10; "Daisy Goes to the Park" - Daisy visits her favorite park and sees some friends.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - From the adult perspective, this is a bit tough to get into. There is no dialogue; it's just music and watching the dog. Daisy goes to different places - the fire station, the park. And, she counts to 10. Very mediocre production levels.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Most appropriate for the 2-year-olds. It's a bit long even for them. They enjoyed seeing the fire truck, pointed to the squirrel, the ducks. Definitely the kids enjoyed this more than the adults.
Runtime: 33 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 0-3
Suggested Retail Price: $ 19.95
Media: DVD

This title is available for purchase from MY DAISY DAYS, INC

MY DAISY DAYS VOL. 1
KIDS FIRST QUALIFIED ENDORSEMENT
MY DAISY DAYS VOL. 1
MY DAISY DAYS, INC Click to purchase directly from the producer
Series: INDEPENDENT SHORT, AGES 2-5
Description - Includes 3 episodes: "Daisy Goes to the County Fair" - Visit the County Fail through Daisy's eyes; "Daisy Learns The ABCs" - Join Daisy as she learns the alphabet; "Daisy Goes on a Boat Ride" - Daisy takes in a host of water activities.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Daisy is cute but even our dog lovers found this a bit slow moving. It can be fun to watch shows like this with very young children as it shows some everyday activities that they might recognize or call out the names for. However, doesn't hold children's attention for long. There is no real story being told. Daisy, the dog visits places and the story evolves from where she goes.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Mixed reactions from kids. "Daisy visits places but there is no real story" Some kids liked the images of balloons, sailboats, and the ABCs. They did enjoy seeing the dog. "It's a happy dog who shows you what happy is." They seemed to like parts of it, especially the dog, Daisy. That is the one thing that holds it together.
Runtime: 34 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 0-3
Suggested Retail Price: $ 19.95
Media: DVD
      This title is available for purchase from Amazon.com


This title is available for purchase from MY DAISY DAYS, INC

KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
EPLANET: RAINFOREST QUEST
FINK PRODUCTIONS
Series: INDEPENDENT FEATURE, AGES 8-12
Description - Join Timo and Dina as they explore Earth's rainforests. Together they'll discover the science behind the scenery; why jungles are so important and what people are doing to protect and preserve them.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Great video of the rainforest areas. Excellent clips of different topics and regions. Brief but full of information. Nice music, good voice overs. Computer animated hosts were a bit corny. Many other important science concepts are covered as well such as conservation and ecology. Teaches about different plants and animals found in the rainforests. Children learn about the four layers in the rainforest, how animals and plants have adapted to their particular habitats and alerts them to the fact that rainforests are endangered. It illustrates how deforestation is injuring our planet and looks at how groups are attempting to preserve areas of land and water. It also teaches about the medicinal properties of the trees and plants of the rainforests and presents the challenge that people may have to make in order to heal and preserve our planet. Encourages viewers to learn more about the rainforest and think about how we are caring for the earth. Visually appealing. Wonderful cinematography. Offers a huge dose of facts in an interesting format that should hold a child's attention.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Enjoyed it. "I liked the animals and plants. We got to see lots of cool places." The maps and animals drew their interest. "They showed very colorful forests and interesting animals." "The sounds let you know what a real rainforest would sound like. That was neat." Kids didn't like the computerized hosts. "Those computer graphics people were annoying." "I would show it to friends who like science." "We enjoyed this and thought it has All-Star qualities. The only thing we didn't like were the animated hosts."
Runtime: 75 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-14
Suggested Retail Price: $ 0
Media: DVD

YOUNG MINDS - NUMBERS AND COUNTING
KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
YOUNG MINDS - NUMBERS AND COUNTING
MATHTUTORDVD.COM
Series: INDEPENDENT SHORT, AGES 0-2
Description - Teaches children numbers and counting from 1-10 through animation and images of nature.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - As a program designed to teach pre-verbal children the numbers one through ten, it does a pretty good job. The classical background music is pleasant enough but after a while it begins to feel like I'm listening to elevator music. It is well produced with clear images and audio and a pleasant narration by a child. However, I am convinced that unless this is watched together with an adult, a child under the age of 2 would not get much out of it.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Mixed reviews. "It was happy." "It was pretty nice." "I counted with it." "I liked the lions." "I wanted to see sharks." One 4-year-old counted along and easily named all the objects. After a while however, she asked to watch a different DVD. Some two-year-olds started recognizing numbers. One two-year-old lost interest in a few minutes and was quite verbal about not wanting to watch more. End result of our testing with kids - some liked it, some didn't. None wanted to watch the entire thing.
Runtime: 54 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 1-3
Suggested Retail Price: $ 19.99
Media: DVD

SCRIBBLENAUTS (NINTENDO DS)
KIDS FIRST ALL STAR
SCRIBBLENAUTS (NINTENDO DS)
WARNER BROS INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Series: VIDEOGAME, AGES 8-12
Description - Scribblenauts for Nintendo DS is a videogame where players use their imagination. Players jot down the word for any object that comes to mind in order to help their character Maxwell solve a series of puzzles. Write anything; solve everything!
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Very entertaining. The main character locates the little stars and has to figure out how to get to them by using tools and overcoming obstacles. You feel good for getting through the obstacles and finding the stars. This game definitely encourages planning and strategy and using tools on hand. The levels get more difficult and challenging. The child loses information from the level they are on, but can start the level again when they restart without having to repeat the lower levels. Provides hours of entertainment that is engaging, creative and wholesome. Good value. This is a terrific problem solving game. Really encourages "out of the box" thinking. Cause and effect is easily and readily seen. Encourages creative use of everyday items. Offers pracr5tice in spelling in a fun way. It is not only inventive but is highly entertaining, with a bit of learning thrown in. It is actually very clever and requires the player to not only figure out how to get out of situations or solve puzzles but also requires them to be creative and to be able to spell words. If a player spells something wrong, then they are shown several options, so they actually learn spelling along with the normal game play and problem solving. Like most games for the 10-14 age group, the player can choose more violent methods of solving problems such as using a gun to stop an animal from attacking you, although the animal poofs away and there are bonus points given for selecting non-violent methods. Graphics are pretty standard for current DS games although what is unique is that you can write almost any word down and that object will appear on the screen.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Enjoyed it. It is a very fun game where you get to draw things that come to life. It's really cool. Awesome!" "I can control the game with my clicks and it is very easy to get started. "You just type things and they come to life. Love that." "Maxwell, the main guy who you are, during missions sometimes helps save cats and stuff like that." "I would definitely play this again."

KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $ 0
Media: Videogame

MORE FAMILIES OF MEXICO
KIDS FIRST ALL STAR
MORE FAMILIES OF MEXICO
MASTER COMMUNICATIONS Click to purchase directly from the producer
Series: INDEPENDENT SHORT, AGES 8-12
Description - Guadalupe is eight years old and lives with her parents and grandparents near the top of a small mountain in the state of Veracruz. The whole village, surrounded by coffee trees, is built on land that used to be part of a large hacienda. Spend a day with Guadalupe as she visits the hacienda and goes to school.
Twelve-year-old Maurice lives in the city of Jalapa, the capital of the state of Veracruz on the Gulf of Mexico. Join Maurice as he goes to school, takes karate lessons and goes to a birthday party complete with piñata.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The simple narrative format with the video of the children's day is informative and interesting. We follow them to school and the doctor and see them interacting at social events with their families. Two children share their days with us. We learn some of the similarities and differences between daily life in their country and ours. The contents flows well and holds your interest. Everyone behaves respectfully. The narratives are easy to follow and the addition of Spanish words, in context, aids in exposing kids to another language. It is fun being part of the children's lives. The narrative reading on the second portion is a bit stilted but the content is good. Nicely paced, not too fast or slow. Holds your interest. Broadens a child's global perspective.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Enjoyed it. "Yes, we liked it very much." "Definitely above average." "My friends would find it interesting to learn about Mexico." "It shows how boys and girls live in Mexico." "The main characters are Guadalupe, her sister Ingrid, Marius and Marius and his sister, Caroline." "I liked the housekeeper, Eloise. That is the name of my cat." "I am eight, like Guadalupe and I also have a sister who is four." "They treat each other great. You can tell they care about each other." "The parts of the day that were filmed tell the story and show the different lives the kids have." "I liked seeing the mountain above Guadalupe's home." "I was curious about how washboard the mother used and how she hung up the clothes because I have that job at my house." "the medicine in a straw was near." "We liked the Karate class and seeing Eloise wash the dishes."
Runtime: 30 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $ 0
Media: DVD

This title is available for purchase from MASTER COMMUNICATIONS

FAMILIES OF PANAMA
KIDS FIRST ALL STAR
FAMILIES OF PANAMA
MASTER COMMUNICATIONS Click to purchase directly from the producer
Series: INDEPENDENT SHORT, AGES 12-18
Description - Very nice video that teaches about the country and culture of Panama. We learn about the school system, games children play there and what their life is like. This is educational and entertaining. It flows easily. It follows the day in the life of a family based on a child's point of view. Very appropriate language for the audience. Nicely done, beautifully shot. Contains a bit of history.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Liked it. "Panama is very colorful. We saw the city and country." "I enjoyed the scenes where the children were swimming. " "I didn't know anything about Panama. Now I do." "I learned a lot about the land and that the children live far from the United States." "I liked seeing the parents at work." "I liked seeing Grandma spend time with the boys after school."
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Liked it. "I thought it would be boring but it wasn't." All said they may watch it again, especially if doing a report for school. They related to Raisa and Juan, the on-air hosts. "I have the same things going on in my life - school, weekend activities, parties, etc." "I liked seeing where they lived and what their school looked like. It's different from outs." They enjoyed the costumes at the school festival and noted, "we wear school uniforms too." "We liked it and learned about a new place." "I didn't know anything about Panama before. It is really beautiful." Most thoroughly enjoyed the movie. It is well paced, very informative and shows both traditional and non-traditional families.
Runtime: 30 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-8
Suggested Retail Price: $ 0
Media: DVD

This title is available for purchase from MASTER COMMUNICATIONS

IF THE WORLD WERE A VILLAGE
KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
IF THE WORLD WERE A VILLAGE
MASTER COMMUNICATIONS Click to purchase directly from the producer
Series: INDEPENDENT SHORT, AGES 8-12
Description - There are more than six billion people in the world. Though it's hard to imagine so many people at one time, what if we imagine the whole world as a village of just 100 people? Children discover that life abroad can be very different from their own.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Very different way of showing things. They break down the world population into 100 people, then take percentages of how many people have the internet, have 2 cars, would cook with electricity, have running water. Very informative. Animated.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Kids enjoyed it. "We liked it because it talks about different lives of people around the world in a fun way." Most said they would watch it again. "I think our friends would enjoy this if they were in school because it teaches you about geography." "It talks about how many people are from different parts of the world and how they live." "It's easy to understand." "There are LOTS of different types of people from all over the world. Maybe too many to count." "The picture is clear. The music is okay. It doesn't really add a lot to the video but it's not bad either." "I liked seeing what people wear in other countries."
Runtime: 25 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $ 29.95
Media: DVD

This title is available for purchase from MASTER COMMUNICATIONS

FAMILIES OF GUATEMALA
KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
FAMILIES OF GUATEMALA
MASTER COMMUNICATIONS Click to purchase directly from the producer
Series: INDEPENDENT SHORT, AGES 8-12
Description - Mariaelena is seven and lives on a farm. Watch how coffee is roasted and macadamia nuts are shelled. Jorge, 9, lives in the city of San Marcos. See how his Dad, a doctor, finds a kidney stone using an ultrasound. Share in the Family Day festival.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Love this series. Kids get to see how other children lead their lives in another country. The way that we are led to understand a country through the eyes of a child is really a great way to enhance cultural understanding. Parents and teachers provide excellent role models for the children. The content helps a child understand what life is like in another country. The very straightforward approach works well.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Mixed responses. Most really enjoyed it though some found it too slow and lacking in storyline. "I liked seeing the farm and listening to the music." "It's good cause kids get to see how these kids go to school for only a half a day." "The first kids got up and went to school right away in the morning and then a different group of kids was there in the afternoon. The boys in the second part lived in town." "Marialena and Jorge were a little older than I am and lived in a different country but were a lot like me because they went to school and played sports and had to do chores and stuff." "Everyone was nice to each other in their families. They played together." "It showed where the kids were going and what they were doing - like you were going with them." "You saw their country." "I thought about their half day of school and how they play sports like I do but in a different country." "I liked it pretty much."
Runtime: 30 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 8-12
Suggested Retail Price: $ 29.95
Media: DVD ISBN # 978-1-60480-050-0

This title is available for purchase from MASTER COMMUNICATIONS

SIGNING SAFARI: ALL ABOUT ME! DAILY LIFE AND FAMILY SIGNS
KIDS FIRST ENDORSED
SIGNING SAFARI: ALL ABOUT ME! DAILY LIFE AND FAMILY SIGNS
SIGNING SAFARI Click to purchase directly from the producer
Series: INDEPENDENT SHORT, AGES 2-5
Description - Emphasizes the beauty and accessibility of American Sign Language for parents and their children by highlighting 15 family life signs through upbeat original rhymes. Signs for potty, bath, grandmother and grandfather are included.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Very engaging, well produced video which teaches what it sets out to do very well. A good variety of visual strategies are used, both with people in a studio and footage of the actual thing or activity we are learning to sign. Nicely paced and good length. It is simple. Takes things one at a time. Isn't too slow or too fast. Gives us a sign to learn, and reinforces it by showing the thing or activity. Great content. Keeps you engaged. Visuals are well shot and well edited. Different races, ages and genders are well represented. The time spent on each item is appropriate and gives audiences of all ages the opportunity to absorb the material. Uses a variety of strategies to get the lessons across. It ends a bit abruptly. Definitely leaves you wanting to learn more signs.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - A bit hit! "Yeah! It's really special. I like all the things they talked about with the signs, especially the doggie." "It's great. I like this movie." "My friends would like cuz it's great and I think they would want to learn about signs too." "I liked learning the signs." "I want to learn sign language. I liked the diaper change one. I liked the doggies having a bath." One two-year-old pointed excitedly to the twin brothers when they were hugging. Both two year olds moved closer to the TV once they started really watching it. The four and five-year-olds were doing the signs as they saw then. One five-year-old said, "That is true" when they said Grandpas teach you to fish. "Mama, I want a (signs bath)." After watching, everyone continued to do the signs they had just learned. Socks, sister, change, kitty and potty were popular.
Runtime: 28 minutes
KIDS FIRST! Juror Recommended Age: 1-5
Suggested Retail Price: $ 19.95
Media: DVD ISBN # 9780980218008
      This title is available for purchase from Amazon.com


This title is available for purchase from SIGNING SAFARI



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