new kids' tv shows -Sid the Science Kid, and Martha Speaks

We are loving two new kids' shows that just started on PBS: Sid the Science Kid, and Martha Speaks.

Sid the Science Kid is a Jim Henson Co production, and the quality is is, as expected, very high. The format is computer generated animation with motion capture along with some added filmed segments of kids in school. In each episode, Sid starts out wondering about something and then talks to his friends, his parents, and his teacher about his questions. He learns about scientific process, critical thinking, and investigation using different resources, and has a great time doing it. There's also a segment called "Good Laughternoon" where Sid and his three friends tell jokes, which is helping Z to develop his sense of humor. We've seen three episodes so far: learning how to do estimates, using non-standard units of measurement, and different scientific tools. The kids are shown having fun learning about science together, and the family and teacher are shown as supportive and thoughtful, including not being afraid to say "I don't know - let's find out / ask for help". At the end of each episode, Sid incorporates his new knowledge into his life. The overall themes so far have been Investigate/Explore/Discover, and Observe/Compare/Contrast.


Martha Speaks has been developed from a children's book series with a lot of involvement of the author, ensuring that the show stays close to the original quality. Research has shown that kids with a larger vocabulary do better in school, so the goal of the show is to expose kids to new words or different definitions of previously known words through the premise of a talking dog named Martha. The animation is nicely done, and the characters are fun with good voice work (though Martha reminds me of Ellen de Generes' voice and delivery). The vocabulary is introduced in groups like words related to a job or law and order or a farm, and it's done in a fun way that holds up to lots of repeated viewings.

So both kids love these two shows, and DSR and I think the content is terrific and we are happy to remain in the room while they're on.

new kids' tv shows -Sid the Science Kid, and Martha Speaks

We are loving two new kids' shows that just started on PBS: Sid the Science Kid, and Martha Speaks.

Sid the Science Kid is a Jim Henson Co production, and the quality is is, as expected, very high. The format is computer generated animation with motion capture along with some added filmed segments of kids in school. In each episode, Sid starts out wondering about something and then talks to his friends, his parents, and his teacher about his questions. He learns about scientific process, critical thinking, and investigation using different resources, and has a great time doing it. There's also a segment called "Good Laughternoon" where Sid and his three friends tell jokes, which is helping Z to develop his sense of humor. We've seen three episodes so far: learning how to do estimates, using non-standard units of measurement, and different scientific tools. The kids are shown having fun learning about science together, and the family and teacher are shown as supportive and thoughtful, including not being afraid to say "I don't know - let's find out / ask for help". At the end of each episode, Sid incorporates his new knowledge into his life. The overall themes so far have been Investigate/Explore/Discover, and Observe/Compare/Contrast.


Martha Speaks has been developed from a children's book series with a lot of involvement of the author, ensuring that the show stays close to the original quality. Research has shown that kids with a larger vocabulary do better in school, so the goal of the show is to expose kids to new words or different definitions of previously known words through the premise of a talking dog named Martha. The animation is nicely done, and the characters are fun with good voice work (though Martha reminds me of Ellen de Generes' voice and delivery). The vocabulary is introduced in groups like words related to a job or law and order or a farm, and it's done in a fun way that holds up to lots of repeated viewings.

So both kids love these two shows, and DSR and I think the content is terrific and we are happy to remain in the room while they're on.