children's video & dvd review

blue's safari 

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Review Sections: Product Overview  Dollar Value    

Product Overview
Blue's Clues shows are some of the most delightful preschool programs around. Steve, the live-action host, has tremendous childlike charm. He invites young viewers to find his spotted dog Blue, and, later, Blue's pawprints on a search for 3 clues that will help solve the mystery of the day! Equipped with his "handy dandy notebook" and help from a myriad of objects-come-to-life (such as Slippery Soap, Mr. Salt and Mrs. Pepper, and Mailbox), Steve ends his quest for clues on the Thinking Chair, asking the audience for help in solving the mystery at hand. Steve invites preschoolers to interact by talking directly "to" them, asking lots of questions, and, generally, playing "dumb" — a clever way of building confidence and getting kids to participate. Children love this series! It is always educational, encourages interaction, and helps kids learn how to solve problems.

Combine Blue's Clues and a subject that is close to children's hearts — animals — and you have an especially winning video. This video runs for approximately 51 minutes and contains 2 episodes.

The first episode features the mystery: What animal does Blue want to learn about? During their search for Blue's pawprints that mark the clues, viewers learn about all kinds of animals. Steve wants to learn about anteaters. Whenever a new animal is introduced, Steve wants to "look it up" in his animal book. Kids will find answers to questions like: why do bluebirds sing? and why do beavers pick up sticks? All sorts of little details about animals abound throughout the episode. For example, Nightstand hops like a kangaroo, Mailbox is dressed up to look like a monkey, and even Blue's pawprint morphs into a turkey!

Viewers watch as Steve and Blue meet up with Lady Good-diver then hop into her submarine for an expedition to the bottom of the ocean to learn all about sea creatures. Children find camouflaged fish such as the rock fish, and learn why fish need to hide. Later, they watch a clip of live-action video featuring children watching and talking about animals at the zoo.

Once all 3 clues are found, kids can figure out the animal Blue wants to learn about. Hmmm, what is black and white, lives on the ice, and waddles?

Episode 2 is all about taking care of plants, animals, and babies. Children will help search for clues to figure out what Steve and Blue need to do today. Taking care of baby Paprika requires a bit of problem solving — what does she need when she is crying? when she is shivering?

Blue and Steve "skidoo" into a safari where they meet up with some rather filthy jungle animals — an elephant, lion, and monkey. They need to find their homes and take baths. Kids will learn where these animals live, and the unique ways each of them gets clean.

This video is designed to promote thinking skills like: understanding animal behavior, observing and imitating animal sounds and movements, identifying animal habitats, understanding visual cues and gestures.

You may be interested in the following reviews of Blue's Clues software:

• Blue's Treasure Hunt
• Blue's 123 Time Activities
• Blue's ABC Time Activities

Dollar Value
It sells for $9.95 US, and is well worth the investment.

 

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