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Now’s crunch time for helping your offspring make a smooth transition from summer to school. (Like, you know, encouraging him to wear shoes again.) And don’t forget to do your TV homework. After the jump are a few of our fave back-to-school programs. We chose them not because they’ll prime your kid’s Spanish vocab or help with memorizing the fifty states. But because they offer some genuine insight into those ever-tricky school social interactions.
Paz
Based on Mary Murphy’s popular picture books, this (very short) show about Paz the penguin and his pals Rabbit, Pig and Dog, is half-puppetry, half-animation. The gentle stories are all about getting preschoolers to learn to express their feelings, while showing them the importance of being both persistent and optimistic. (Example: “It’s hard to ride a scooter, but keep at it and you’ll get it!”) Differences are celebrated, risk-taking encouraged, and mistakes, well, they happen, so move on. One thing we feel compelled to mention: Some people (that would be me) think the voices of the show are akin to fingernails scraping down a chalkboard. But we urge you to be an optimistic risk-taker and record an ep anyway.
(3-6 years)
Recommended by Parents’ Choice
As Told By Ginger
This Emmy-nominated animated show, created by the same people behind Rugrats, follows nerdy Ginger Flouty and her two best buds, Dodie and Macie, as they attempt to climb the ladder of popularity in their junior high. You’ll be able to see what’s coming a mile away – the trio is teased by rich, pretty girls; they test their thresholds for embarrassment and humiliation; and will always come to the conclusion that their own friendships are way more important that general acceptance. But to your tween, who’s just beginning to learn how to navigate her (or his) way through the shark-infested waters of school society? This show will be as informative as it is entertaining.
(6-9 years)
Recommended by Common Sense Media
Recess
Not a new show (it first premiered in the 90’s) but its insights into kid-dynamics are still right on target. Recess follows six friends –- a prankster, a tomboy, a smart girl, the “cool one,” etc. — as they deal with he usual tween horrors like bullies, snitches, an evil principal, bad hair cuts, detention and the grossness of kissing. We love that such a diverse group of kids are shown as super-close friends. And adore the plethora of so-close-to-the-truth jokes: all Ashleys at the elem school are forced to join a group called “The Ashleys.” There’s a music geek who has the annoying habit of singing instead of speaking. And the kindergartners are a band of uncontrollable rogues who wear face paint and carry tribal weapons. Not to worry: Life lessons are learned. Friends are BFF.
(9-11 years)
Recommended by Kids FIRST!
