children's video & dvd review
discover spot
 Rating: 
Ages: 1-3 Subject: Early Learning
Publisher:
Disney
Review Sections: Product Overview Dollar
Value
Product Overview
This likable 75-minute video includes thirteen animated
shorts starring the storybook character, Spot. These stories, based on the Spot
books by Eric Hill, bring life to the characters and stories in an engaging manner.
The shorts are bookended by live-action segments featuring children who demonstrate
and extend some of the concepts presented in the stories in a lighthearted way.
Spot, the yellow dog with big brown spots, embarks on simple adventures in
and around his neighborhood with his mother, father, grandma, grandpa, and three
good friends. His "adventures" may seem tame, but their simplicity is what seems
to appeal to young viewers. For example, Spot plays dress-up with his friends:
Steve, Tom, and Helen (a monkey, crocodile, and hippo, respectively); he gets
ready for bed, washes dishes, plays hide-and-seek, and attempts to make breakfast
all by himself.
Spot is eager to learn — he is a youngster, just like his little viewers.
Even though he is an animated puppy, children easily identify with him as he
discovers the "great big world" around him. The bold outlines and colorful,
yet simple, illustrations lend a decidedly cheerful feel to the series; and
the positive attitudes of all the characters in Spot's world may be a tad unrealistic
to some parents, but many will consider Spot a good "role model" for toddlers
and young preschoolers. After Spot makes a mess in the kitchen, for example,
his mother cheerfully asks him to clean it up — and he does! The stories
are never preachy because they do not explicitly teach children to cultivate
follow-through, politeness, and responsibility. Rather, they "teach" through
example.
This latest Spot video is different than the older editions for a number of
reasons. For one, it is lengthier, featuring a baker's dozen of animated stories.
For another, there are more songs and new voice-acting. Finally, live-action
short segments that feature children playing and learning with colorful props
run at the end of each Spot segment. These video shorts extend the learning
presented in the stories quite effectively. Although pleasant, some parents
find Spot stories lacking in clear plots. The live-action shorts teach children
such concepts as making associations (matching objects that go together), determining
what objects float and sink (and why!), learning about which animals sleep by
day and by night, and so forth. These segments are playful demonstrations —
they are never heavy-handed — and they add educational value to the video.
Discover Spot is best for toddlers and young preschoolers who appreciate
the simplicity of the stories. Youngsters will learn new vocabulary, social
skills, problem-solving skills, and basic early concepts (such as making associations).
Dollar Value
The video retails for approximately $15 US.
The Bottom Line
Cheerful stories and animation characterize this
positive collection of animated segments starring the popular Spot character.
The addition of live-action shorts extend the learning and add educational value
to the simple and appealing Spot stories.
Released: 2002
Reviewed: December 2002
Learning
Opportunities /Suggested Activities
Because Spot stories are very simple, this video can be used effectively as an
English as a second language learning aid. Kids learn to make associations and
learn by example. Preschoolers will easily identify with the character of Spot
as he makes his way through his day. Parents and teachers can discuss each
video short after it runs, asking children if they remember specific events,
and reinforcing concepts (such as cleaning up after making a mess). Caregivers
can read a Spot story book before or after the video, and they can use Spot
printable activity sheets (in the Grown-ups section) as learning
supplements.
VHS edition:
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