Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums General Discussion Rethinking the Colorful Kindergarten Classroom

I found that my early statistics education was greatly edified by determining the number of holes in an "average" 12" acoustical ceiling tile, actually.

Yeah, okay-- so taking my book away so that I'd pay attention.... probably not a terrifically successful tactic, all in all.

Interestingly, the library had a nice low-key decor, but I have no recollection of ceilings there.

Think about this. PBSkids cartoons are much more educational than other kids cartoons that are out there. Would they be any more educational if they were in black and white instead of color?

Not sure that I agree with the assertion that these cartoons are "educational"... but that might just be a definitional difference. At any rate, I would presume that teachers wouldn't have cartoons playing in the background while children are trying to attend to their work.

Obviously I'm not suggesting teachers play cartoons in the classroom. I was just making an analogy. There's nothing intrinsically wrong with colorfulness. It's the educational content that matters.

And PBSkids cartoons certainly contributed to our children's early reading. They definitely have educational content that most cartoons lack.

PBS cartoon fare is, generally speaking, far different in terms of style and content that, say.... Cartoon Network original shows, or some on Nickelodeon.

More subdued colors, less jumpy action, etc. Compare Arthur to, say, Ren and Stimpy.


On the other hand, Katie KaBoom definitely counts as educational television for parents.

No, I don't think that cartoons are inherently useless. I've learned a lot from The Simpsons. I'm also pleased to note-- though perhaps I should feel some shame-- that the Schoolhouse Rock classic, I'm Just a Bill got me an effortless A in high school American Government class, thank you very much.

Love that Bill!!!