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KIDS FIRST! NEWS 2003
Turning your TV Time into Quality Time
April 30, 2003 Issue #4
Ranny Levy, Editor
[email protected]
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IN THIS ISSUE
1. Letter from the Editor
2. New Endorsements
3. Media News
4. Parent and Family News
5. Members' News
6. Events, news, special events
7. Classifieds
8. Subscribe/un-subscribe
* Permission to forward or reprint the content herein is granted with
complete attribution.
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Welcome to KIDS FIRST! NEWS. All articles are by Coalition for Quality
Children's Media unless otherwise noted.
* QUOTE OF THE MONTH
Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired, signifies,
in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who
are cold and are not clothed. The world in arms is not spending money alone.
It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, the
hopes of its children - Dwight David Eisenhower. US General and 34th president
of the United States, 1890-1969
Dear Readers,
Hardly a day goes by in my life that someone doesn't ask me if I'm not discouraged
by the negative programming that's marketed at children today. My usual reply
is that yes, there is more bad programming, and more bad marketing of programming
inappropriate for children but at the same time there is more great programming
for kids as well. From independent producers to studio supported programming,
I can honestly say that there is an honest effort to produce great, thoughtful
programs for kids. It thrills me to no end to see titles endorsed for producers
such as Marci Winters Allen (Sweetwater) and Tim Sherry (COACH Coz And The Kid
Crew) who have contacted KIDS FIRST! more than a year before their production
is even complete. I know how difficult it is to bring a creative idea to fruition
and applaud these people for crossing the finish line. I also know how difficult
it is to sell independent films once they are produced so I encourage our readers
to click on the websites of these titles and supporting their efforts.
I am busting with news about a couple of new projects that KIDS FIRST! is developing
right now but it's slightly premature to share that information with you today.
I expect that within the next month, we can release this to you and I think
you'll be as delighted as I am.
In the meantime, again, I thank you for your concern about children and media.
You are making a difference in this world.
Much love,
Ranny
NEW ENDORSEMENTS http://www.kidsfirst.org/kidsfirst/html/newend.htm
Video, Ages 1-4
*** BABY BEETHOVEN, SYMPHONY OF FUN - Illustrates the music of Ludwig Van Beethoven
with baby-friendly images, colorful toys and puppets. Mix of instruments includes
the vibraphones, glockenspiel, English horn, marimbas, and finger cymbals. Adult
Juror Comments: Pleasant tempos with lots of movement, color and activities.
Excellent progression of music with movement. Well produced. Positive interaction
between children and toys, puppets and puppeteers. Kid Juror Comments: Fast,
colorful, interesting and unique. Children enjoyed babies faces and joined in
clapping and singing. "The children shared the toys." "I liked
the songs." Engaging music. High educational value and holds children's
interest. Video. 30 min.; $14.99; Age: 1-3. THE BABY EINSTEIN COMPANY
* BABY PRODIGY - A picture book-style production with music by Emmy-award winning
composer, Neil Argo. Adult Juror Comments: Non-verbal presentation of lots of
toys and visuals with a variety of colors and shapes set to a variety of music.
Well produced but lacks focus and consistency. Kid Juror Comments: Mixed response.
Puppets and toys attracted the children occasionally. Some pointed out colors
and shapes then walked away. Silly parts, such as the monkey blowing bubbles
were engaging. Video. 30 min.; $14.99; Age: 1-4. BABY PRODIGY. 0972442707.
Audio, Ages 2-7
*** THE FAMILY TEAM - Each song is a lesson about positive family interactions.
Comes with lyrics, ideas for games, and hand motions. Adult Juror Comments:
Well produced, good pace. Encourages sharing, reading, and eating together as
a family. Encourages good decision-making skills and cooperation. Catchy songs,
simple, easy-to-learn lyrics helped by playing each song twice. Kid Juror Comments:
Kids enjoyed the music, sang along and tried the hand motions. "The songs
were fun. I learned about helping." "It showed my family how to act
and taught me to be good." "My favorite was the cookie song."
Fun and entertaining. Audio. 23 min.; $20; Age: 2-7. LITTLE NOTES UNLIMITED.
Video, Ages 2-5
** COACH COZ AND THE KID CREW - Teaches movement using dance instruction with
original music videos to classic songs from the 70s and 80s. Includes dances
such as the twist, the snake, the sprinkler and the worm. Encourages family
involvement. Adult Juror Comments: Fun, silly and fast pace. Encourages kids
to get up and exercise. Shows people from different generations playing, dancing
and having a good time together. Teaches dance moves and allows kids to try
them out to fun music videos. Simple production. Kid Juror Comments: Kids got
up and danced and played to the music and had an all-around good time. Enjoyed
trying out the different dances, especially the snake. "It was fun, I liked
to sing and dance." "People were friendly and nice to each other and
had fun together." Video. 30 min.; $14.95; Age: 2-5. FUN TRAIN PRODUCTIONS.
0-9722-6340-3. http://www.coachcoz.com/ Link to video preview page: http://www.coachcoz.com/preview.htm.
** FEET FIRST (KIDSKILLS AMERICA TRAINING SERIES) - Encourages learning new
sports skills, rhythm, confidence, physical agility, balance, and coordination.
Kids can follow along with the kids on-screen doing simple tasks accompanied
by music. Adult Juror Comments: Inviting music, simple content and production.
Teaches controlled movements that should be fun for kids to do together with
an adult. Simple and to the point. Good for gross motor development. Doesn't
use expensive props. Little diversity. Kid Juror Comments: Children enjoyed
the music and joined in the exercises right away. "I liked jumping in the
hula hoop." "We had fun doing the exercises. I liked moving my feet
and legs in a funny way." "We did the moves together and bumped into
each other sometimes." Video. 23 min.; $14.95; Age: 3-6. KidSKILLS America.
0-9710641-0-5.
Ages 5 - 8
** THE FUNDAMENTALS OF BASEBALL WITH STINKY SHOE AND COACH LAROO - Teaches the
skills needed to play baseball, while emphasizing the importance of teamwork,
good sportsmanship, listening and the value of practice. Adult Juror Comments:
Well produced. Good basic instruction. Uses animation, real kids and jazzy music
to teach technique and sportsmanship. Easy to understand. Simple sound quality.
Presents opportunity for discussion between adults and kids. Good use of baseball
terminology. Kid Juror Comments: Interesting and entertaining. "They showed
good teamwork." "I'm going to watch it again before I start to play
on my team." "I really like how it showed girls playing baseball too."
"The rules part was good." Kids especially liked slow-motion pitching.
VideoDVD. 30 min.; $19.95; Age: 4-10. A.L.L. FOR KIDS
** THE FUNDAMENTALS OF SOCCER WITH STINKY SHOE AND COACH LAROO - Teaches the
skills needed to play soccer, while emphasizing the importance of good sportsmanship,
listening, respect and the value of practice. Adult Juror Comments: A fun introduction
to soccer skills. Well produced. Explains and demonstrates techniques. Shows
respect and consideration for others and good sportsmanship. Kids are active
participants. Kid Juror Comments: Kids enjoyed learning how to play soccer.
Easy to follow and understand. "It taught me lots of soccer things that
I didn't know." "The kids are real and they are just like us."
"It was fun and I learned how to play soccer." Video/DVD. 30 min.;
$19.95; Age: 5-10. A.L.L. FOR KIDS.
Ages 5 -12
** VANISHING VIDEO, THE (MAGIC FRANK'S LESSONS IN MAGIC) - Consists of 23 vanishing
tricks, from silks, sugar, paper, money and even a crayon. Adult Juror Comments:
Clear and concise instructions and
demonstrations on how to perform magic tricks with ordinary household items
or special props, which are included. Repeats difficult parts. Simple production.
Good resource for magic enthusiast. Kid Juror Comments: Kids liked the props
and tried all the tricks they saw. "I could actually do a magic trick after
watching this. The best part was being able to make a scarf disappear and I'm
only eight." "I like how he shows the trick and then explains how
to do it." Video. 52 min.; $19.95; Age: 6-10. MAGIC FRANK. 0-9716139-3-1.
Ages 8 -12
** SWEETWATER - Brady Grey, an eleven-year-old tomboy faces the challenges
of coming of age in a small town filled with children full of big ideas. The
spirit of her grandfather appears to guide her. Adult Juror Comments: Well produced,
addresses many issues facing children as they become adults such as boy and
girl friends, loyalty, family and independence. Stresses the need for communication
between parents and children. Emphasizes supporting your friends. Kid Juror
Comments: Kids related to the issues. "My grandfather died, so I know how
Brady felt." "It shows grownups and kids talking to one another."
"Parents are just people. It helped me to see that maybe I should try harder
to get along with my mom." Video. 75 min.; $25; Age: 10-13. Empower. (httpwww.sweetwaterfilm.com)
Adult
*** MY GRANDBABY & ME - A learn and play program encouraging grandparents
and grandbabies to play together. It combines exercise, music, and learning.
There are rhymes, circle-time activities, lullabies and tips on how to best
physically interact with your grandbaby. Adult Juror Comments: Excellent content
and presentation. Good pace, great diversity, informative and encouraging with
excellent role models Sensible way of showing a nervous grandparent how to play.
Unspoken message is that all grandparents have concerns in common. Kid Juror
Comments: Video. 45 min.; $17.95; Age: Adult. MY BABY AND ME EXERCISE.
MEDIA NEWS *****************************
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Youth Media Network (YEA)
To ensure that youth worldwide have a voice in mainstream media, YEA has formed
partnerships with youth groups which have access to very large organizations
of youth worldwide who are making a difference in their own communities. The
Youth Media Network's goal is to secure 50 US and 50 international major daily
newspapers to run the youth-generated stories coming out of this partnership.
YEA is looking for youth resources willing to provide stories on a weekly basis.
If you are willing to contribute, or know of organizations which can mobilize
youth networks, please contact Sherry Sacino, Advisor, Global Peace Schools
program, Youth Program for the United Nations Office of the Special Representative
for the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict on [email protected].
Emerging Documentary Filmmakers
AOL Time Warner and Harvard University's Department of Afro-American Studies
have created a new documentary completion-grant competition around African-American
themes and issues. One winner each in the categories of "Current News Documentary"
and "General Documentary" will be awarded a $100,000 in-kind grant
(a $25,000 cash award and $75,000 in production services designated by HBO and
CNN at their discretion) to be used toward the completion of a documentary film;
the winners' films may also be broadcast on CNN or HBO. Submissions must explore
African-American themes or issues. Applicant filmmakers must be at least eighteen
years of age, be legal residents of the U.S., and have not had previous work
broadcast nationally on television or in a theatrical release. Submissions will
be judged based on their originality, general appeal, historical accuracy, and
adaptability / appropriateness for purposes of filming. Eligibility information,
program guidelines, and submission forms are available at the HBO Web site.
Deadline: May 15, 2003
http://www.hbo.com/lifethroughyourlens/
ALERT!
MEDIA OWNERSHIP UPDATE - FROM CHILDREN NOW
As you know, the Federal Communications Commission recently initiated a proceeding
to review its media ownership rules without taking into consideration the needs
of children. The FCC has tentatively set June 2, 2003 to vote on these changes.
Thanks to your participation, over 9,000 letters have been sent to the FCC and
Senate Commerce Committee urging them to consider the needs of children in this
proceeding. Hearings also have been held throughout the country to raise public
awareness and garner input before any decisions are made. For those of you who
haven't sent a letter to the FCC and Senate Commerce Committee, we encourage
you to send one using the FREE, easy-to-use Action Center at: http://ga1.org/campaign/fcc_02_03
Children Now will be releasing a study this May detailing how the variety and
availability of children's programming in the Los Angeles area has changed in
an increasingly consolidated market. This report will be submitted to the FCC
to inform its upcoming rulemaking process. View the latest information on media
ownership at: http://www.childrenandmedia.org
Digital Television Comments Sent to FCC
The transition of broadcast television from an analog to a digital spectrum
presents new challenges in meeting the needs of children and families. Children
Now is leading a coalition of public health, media research and advocacy organizations
to ensure that broadcasters meet their public interest obligations to children
in the digital age. On April 21, 2003, the coalition submitted comments to the
FCC and addressed 1) the application of the Three-Hour Rule to a digital environment;
2) parental education about the v-chip and educational / informational programming;
and 3) the impact of interactive advertising on children. View a summary of
the comments on digital television at: http://www.childrennow.org/media/fcc-03/fcc-comments-04-22-03.pdf
FROM CONNECT FOR KIDS
Protect Children's Television
Whenever media ownership rules are loosened, quality TV programming for kids
suffers, argues Children Now. The Federal Communications Commission is scheduled
to rule on whether to relax media ownership limits by June.
http://ga1.org/campaign/fcc_02_03/
Radio Daze: Alcohol Ads Tune in Underage Youth
America's youth heard more radio ads for beer and distilled spirits in 2001
and 2002 than did people of legal drinking age, according to the Center on Alcohol
Marketing and Youth at Georgetown University. http://camy.org/research/radio0303/
Speak Up to Save Head Start
The National Head Start Association has a new Web site with sample letters to
lawmakers opposing the Bush administration's plan to change Head Start funding
and standards. http://www.SaveHeadStart.org
TV Violence: How Much Is There and How Does It Affect Children?
Based on the cumulative evidence of studies conducted over several decades,
the scientific and public health communities overwhelmingly conclude that viewing
violence poses a risk to children, but critics of the research challenge this
conclusion. Decide for yourself with the help of this TV Violence Fact Sheet
from the Kaiser Family Fund. http://www.kff.org/content/2003/3335
FAMILY AND PARENTING NEWS ****
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PETITION AGAINST VIDEO GAME VIOLENCE
Submitted by AMLA member Alison Brzenchek From MediaWise e-Alert: "Grand
Theft Auto: Vice City," a game that glamorizes and trivializes violence
against women, is on track to be the best selling video game of all time. The
National Institute on Media and the Family has joined with the University of
Wisconsin-Madison Campus Women's Center and concerned women and men everywhere
in a petition drive. The goal of the petition drive is simple. Tell the makers
of video games: "Publicly apologize and stop the sexual violence against
women." Please join us in sending the makers of these games a message.
At a time when frightening numbers of women are victims of sexual violence,
it is unconscionable that a major game maker portrays extreme violence toward
women as entertainment. It is our responsibility to inform the maker of a game
that rewards players for murdering a prostitute after having sex with her that
this type of content is unacceptable. To see footage of the game, get more information
and to add your signature, please visit http://www.mediaandthefamily.org/video_clips/petition.shtml
CAUTION: THIS VIDEO CONTAINS INTENSE VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL SCENES.
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Resources ***********************
******* KIDS FIRST! Book ***
Our book, A Parent's Guide to the Best Children's Videos, DVDs, and
CD-ROMs, featuring reviews of more than 1800 KIDS FIRST! endorsed
videos, DVDs, TV shows, and CD-ROMs is available now. To order your
copy, call our office, 505-989-8076 or send your request, to
kfnews@http://www.kidsfirst.org. You can view sample pages of
our book at http: //www.pgpress.com/Book_Excerpts/kidvid/
* SCEC TAKES THE NATION
A review of Alissa Quart's book on marketing to teenagers, Branded, includes
a significant discussion of SCEC and our 2002 summit, Consuming Kids: Marketers'
Impact on Children's Health. SCEC members Susan Linn and Tim Kasser are quoted
extensively.
Rebecca Segall reports: "These activists [SCEC] make a strong case suggesting
that children and teens don't have such a developed sense of the world, which
leaves them – in the minds of marketers – defined by and valued for
their plasticity." Rebecca Segall. "The New Product Placement."
You can read the full article at: http://www.jbcc.harvard.edu/media2/Nationarticle.htm
********************************************************************
Become a Coalition for Quality Children's Media Member ***
If you've found our e-zine and web site helpful, please consider
becoming a member of KIDS FIRST! Members help underwrite the various
projects of this organization and are a critical component of our
success.
The Coalition for Quality Children's Media's relies on the generous
support of its members and donors to support its programs. An
individual/family membership is only $25/year. An organizational
membership is $100/year. An independent producer membership is $200 -
$10,000 / year. For more information, visit our website
(http://www.kidsfirst.org) or contact our office for an
application form, 505.989.8076.
*** MEMBER NEWS ****
Please note the new Coalition for Quality Children's Media members
below and support their work by visiting their sites.
WELCOME NEW AND RENEWING KIDS FIRST! MEMBERS:
A.L.L. For Kids
http://www.stinkyshoe.com
Description of Company: A.L.L. For Kids has produced a series of instructional
sports videos featuring two amusing animated characters, Stinky Shoe and Coach
LaRoo, with the goal of helping children enhance their skills and ultimately
gain self-esteem and a positive attitude with respect to that sport. The content
emphasizes listening, learning, practicing and the importance of physical fitness.
Children can learn a number of life lessons as they partake in sports in a positive
manner beginning at an early age. They learn that winning within the rules is
good if they compete well and do their best. A child, who is given the proper
tools to learn the game, will feel good about participating in the game and
have FUN! The first two videos highlight baseball and soccer.
Baby Gourmet, LLC
http://www.babygourmet.com
Description of Company: Our videos give parents the tools they need to inspire
babies & toddlers, as well as, instill a lifelong love of healthy eating.
Early exposure leads to acceptance when parents introduce new foods! Our video
tapes are designed to educate & entertain infants & parents in a gentle
& amusing way that babies love.
The Baby Prodigy Company
http://www.babyprodigy.com
Description of Company: Our company recently released our first video entitled,
"Baby Prodigy." It is an educational entertainment video for the age
group of infant to four years. We plan on releasing several more educational
entertainment videos in the near future.
Creative Learning Company, Inc.
http://www.LetsTalkPuppyDog.com
Description of Company: At Creative Learning Company we are committed to developing
unique learning tools to make learning a creative adventure for children. We
currently make videos, DVDs, Audio CDs, and Hand Puppets.
Eat Your Lunch
http://www.eatyourlunch.com
Description of Company: Eat Your Lunch produces tasty family entertainment.
We're currently in pre-production for our first video, which we expect to release
in Q1 2003.
Fun Train Productions
http://www.coachcoz.com
Description of Company: Producers of children's dance/exercise video entitled
"Coach Coz and the Kid Crew".
Kidskills America
http://www.kidskills.com
Description of Company: Kidskills America is Cleveland, Ohio based company designing
and producing children's physical skills training programs and developmental
products for preschoolers. The abilities to focus, to concentrate, to solve
problems, ALL KEY LIFE SKILLS, are incorporated into the KidSKILLS Training
Systems. The ways kids learn to think are founded in the ways they learn to
move.
Little Mammoth Media
http://www.littlemammoth.com
Description of Company: Our goal is to create children's programming that really
makes a difference.
My Baby and Me Exercise, Inc.
http://www.mybabyandme.com
Description of Company: Our goal is family support and education through interactive
home videos.
Production Associates, Inc
http://www.production-associates.com
Description of Company: We produce, predominately, children's educational content
for distribution into schools, day-care centers, homes and libraries. We also
produce special interest instruction titles for distribution into varied markets.
Sea Fun for Kids
http://www.seafunforkids.com/
Description of Company: Produce/distribute educational books, videos and DVDs
Sea Fun for Kids is dedicated to enhancing the appreciation of the ocean and
its creatures for future generations. After all, the ocean is our children's
inheritance and we want them to love it as much as we do.
Way Way Back Entertainment
no url at this time
Description of Company: A new company that is creating a unique interactive
children's videos.
VISIT OUR MEMBERS' SITES ******************
*****************************************************
http://www.advancedbrain.com
http://www.adventuresinoz.com
http://www.allbymyself.com
http://www.anchorbayentertainment.com
http://www.babybrother.com
http://www.a-imagination.com
http://www.activeparenting.com
http://www.BabyAboutTown.com
http://www.babyplaytime.com
http://www.babysongs.com
http://www.babyeinstein.com
http://www.babygenius.com
http://www.babygourmet.com
http://www.babyplaytime.com
http://www.babyprodigy.com
htto://www.coachcoz.com
http://www.devine-ent.com
http://disney.go.com/DisneyVideos/
http://www.eatyourlunch.com
http://www.edact.com
http://www.familiesoftheworld.com
http://www.fancymonkey.com
http://www.finemediagroup.com
http://www.filmmarketonline.com
http://www.familytv.com/index_usa.asp?AFID=2002072002"
http://www.hunktabunkta.com
http://www.iluminadaproductions.com
http://www.kidskills.com
http://www.kathybyers.com
http://www.kidskills.com
http://www.kirikou.net
http://www.lafete.com
http://www.LetsTalkPuppyDog.com
http://www.Littlehardhats.com
http://www.littlemammoth.com
http://www.magicfrank.com
http://www.mybabyandme.com/
http://www.mybestenglish.net
http://www.nafce.org
http://www.nestfamily.com
http://www.newvideo.com
http://www.northbayentertainment.com
http://www.pixiesage.com
http://www.powertocreate.com
http://www.production-associates.com
http://www.rainbowplace.com/
http://www.seafunforkids.com/
http://www.sesameworkshop.org
http://www.shanabanana.com
http://www.sosmart.com
http://www.splashesfromtheriver.com/web/pl1.html
http://www.sqedunk.com
http://www.strangerinthewoods.com
http://www.stinkyshoe.com
http://www.tcfhe.com
http://www.underthewaves.tv
http://www.vidmedia.com
http://www.hamtaro.com
http://www.vtmproductionsinc.com
http://www.wamtv.com
http://www.warner.com
http://www.zula.com
EVENTS and NEWS ***************
***************************************
LITERACY AND LIBERTY: Rights, Roles and Responsibilities in a Media Age, National
Media Education Conference 2003; Baltimore, Maryland; June 28-July 1, 2003 http://www.AMLAinfo.org/nmec_conf.html
To add your event to this list, please sent a notice to
[email protected]
********* IF YOU FIND THIS NEWSLETTER USEFUL ...
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Copyright 2002 by Coalition for Quality Children's Media,
http://www.kidsfirst.org
**************ABOUT CQCM AND KIDS FIRST! ***************
KIDS FIRST! is the not-for-profit Coalition for Quality Children's
Media's initiative that evaluates and rates children's media -
videotapes, CD-ROMs, and television - using a highly acclaimed method
that has been praised by parents and educators alike. It utilizes
professionally designed criteria and evaluation tools and engages a
volunteer jury comprising child development professionals,
teachers and parents nationwide and children of diverse geographic,
socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds. KIDS FIRST! endorsed titles
appeal to people around the world and include many programs on topics
important to children's development. KIDS FIRST! - endorsed titles
are available on CQCM's award-winning Internet site, in The Parent's
Guide to the Best Children's Videos, DVDs, and CD-ROMs and in reviews
it provides to more than 75 publications.
CQCM evaluates feature films, television programs, videos, CD-ROM,
DVDs, and audio recordings. For an application form and application
deadlines, visit our website (http://www.kidsfirst.org), call
our office (505.989.8076)
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