From: lauraf@classy.Jpl.Nasa.Gov (Laura Floom)
Newsgroups: misc.kids
Subject: Re: Sesame Street is HARMFUL to children (Was something else)
Date: 21 Dec 92 17:53:11 GMT
Organization: Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA

In article <TIGGER.92Dec20132642@satyr.Sylvan.COM> tigger@satyr.Sylvan.COM (Grace Sylvan) writes:
>My daughter really enjoys Sesame Street, and she has learned some of
>her alphabet and numbers and it continues to spark her interest in
>reading. I don't consider it high education, but it is surely better
>for her than most of the rest of the stuff on TV, and it gives her a
>quite activity to do for a while that doesn't involve *me*.
>

I have heard people who will make an even stronger claim about Sesame 
Street, that it taught their kids numbers, letter, colors, reading, etc.
I am always a bit skeptical about it, but not sure. Last time we had the
SS debate, I did quote from an article that felt that children who watch
SS without any parental backup werent learning much at all, and in fact were
possible being harmed because of the shows fast pace. The article/study felt
that the kids were frustrated trying to learn from the show, and not 
suceeding, thus experiencing failure. I want to emphasize that this was about
SS as it was, and apparently it has improved. But, I have been hearing 
claims of miracles about SS from people for many years, long before it was
'improved' - if it was.

The reason I wonder is that my son (2.75) does not watch SS (or any other TV),
but as far as his knowledge, seems well up there with his peer group that does.
His interest in numbers was sparked by my husbands digital clock. Several 
months ago, at the height of Jeffrey's interest he sat and watched it for 28
minutes (it is an easy activity to time) and kept asking "what is that number,
what is next" etc. Now he has it mastered. That led to an interest in letters,
and he became very interested in a book called "Chicka-Chicka-Boom_boom", that
taught him most of the letters. That and learning hte alphabet song in 
preschool has that mastered (not that learning the alphabet or numbers is
anymore of an accomplishment then learning naything else). He has been using
numbers correctly for quite a while (when he is in the mood). He showed an
interest in colors from a favorite puzzle at 20 months and mastered them 
quickly. This list can go on and on...

Jeffrey is read to alot, and when he shows an interest in something we support
it. From my experience on misc.kid, I know I am not particularly unusual in
my support of Jeffrey quest of knowledge. I also think most of my friends are
pretty much the same way. So, I am always pretty skeptical when a friend or
someone on this net claims that there kids learned from Sesame Street. It may
facilitate them, but I suspect if they didnt watch SS, they wouldnt be in a
much different place then they are now. 

I am not adressing the issue of entertainment value, or just the need to give
your kids something to do that is harmless, so a parent can have some much
needed time off, I am wondering about the educational value of the show, and
is it really as great/unique as parents claim.

Laura Floom
Newsgroups: misc.kids