Review: Leap Frog - Let’s Go to School
The last thing I needed was more children’s videos. As it is, I am deluged with PBS’ Sprout on a constant basis. I must admit, though, some cartoons I like – even though I am a full grown adult – because sometimes they teach and entertain.
Leap Frog has come out with a new DVD – “Let’s Go to School” which illustrates and allays the anxiety that a lot of children feel toward their first day of school. With a calmer child that understands a little better, it seems to lessen the parent’s anxiety as well. Although it should be noted that this DVD will not stop a parent from getting misty-eyed the first time they send their wee one off to their very first day of school – there isn’t anything on Earth that could do that!
Pros:
- Close-captioned, unlike most other children’s DVDs
- Takes the viewer on a tour through the classroom, making the environment friendly and familiar
- Entertaining and lively
- Interactive alphabet book
- Sing along songs
Cons:
- 35 minutes
- Single “episode”
The best part of the DVD for me was the classroom tour – I’ve never seen another program really show a child what a classroom is all about. While the other material is not revolutionary, it is still a break from the typical shows seen on television and holds the child’s attention.