06.17.2010

Betsy’s Kindergarten Adventures – a review from Parent’s Choice Children’s Media and Toys

Spring 2010 Television

Ages: 2 – 6 yrs.

Producer: Polka Dot Productions

Network: PBS Kids

Review:

Betsy’s Kindergarten Adventures, a half-hour animated series airing on PBS, finds little Betsy grappling with emotions familiar to those about to enter kindergarten. She worries that other kids won’t like her, is intimidated by the size of the school and the rowdy kids on the playground, and is anxious as she tries to figure out where she fits into this big new world away from home. Betsy soon discovers she’s not the only one worrying- many new classmates feel the same way and, to their relief, they find much of the worrying unfounded. Kindergarten is full of adventure; the show’s storylines center around Betsy and her new circle of friends as they make exciting discoveries in the course of their school activities, such as going on field trips and taking care of the classroom pet.

This program is more about character development than it is about academic development – although it is PBS so shows do include some very basic practice with letters and numbers. Betsy’s Kindergarten Adventures shines the spotlight on managing emotions, forming relationships, and taking pride in accomplishments. The animation is simple and clearly inspired by the kind of plain lines and bold colors you’d find in an actual kindergartener’s artwork. Betsy herself is a likable character, so little viewers are likely to trust her reassurances that kindergarten really is cool. Some of the other characters may strike some as stereotyped (Snooty Mean Girl, Brainiac-Boy-With-Big-Thick-Glasses, Street-Smart-Urban-Girl, Crabby Principal) but the points are not belabored.

Overall, Betsy’s Kindergarten Adventures can be interesting viewing for rising preschoolers, and especially helpful for little ones starting kindergarten.

Gina Catanzarite ©2010 Parents’ Choice