Television Review: Oobi
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this excellent educational show
celebrates the moments of curiosity and discovery in a
preschooler's life. The program's themes are based on sharing,
caring for others, believing in yourself, and making friends.
It encourages preschoolers to discover their world and develop
social skills.
Families can talk about the various situations Oobi faces that
relate to a young child's life, such as overcoming fear and
shyness, coping with separation anxiety, and relating to
others. Each episode leaves room for further discussion about
self-expression. How do you tell other people what you think
and feel? Why is it important to care about others'
feelings?
In stark contrast to many other shows aimed at this age group, OOBI is about a preschool-aged child. Instead of using older role models to aspire to, Oobi and his sister Uma are discovering their world alongside kids of the same age. The show's characters -- Oobi, Uma, and Grampu -- are no more than talking hands with googly eyes, yet in their simplicity is a formula that really relates to the preschool set.
When it comes to preschool programming, Oobi really breaks the mold, succeeding in its simplicity and its quest to educate and entertain the newest of little explorers. Whether it's reveling in a rain puddle or refusing a bath, the show strikes close to a child's heart and also celebrates the daily accomplishments that build a child's confidence and competence. After the show, kids may be inspired to make their very own Oobis with their own hands -- a fantastic idea for imaginative play.
Oobi is meant for very young children who are just beginning to explore their surroundings; as a result, older children may lose interest in its simple style. Oobi the character speaks in basic object/action sentences that resemble the speech structure of a child just beginning to talk. This should not be seen as detrimental to a child's speech development -- rather, it's a language that young children understand and appreciate.
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