Target Age Group: Preschoolers
Episode Length: approx. 30 minutes
Network: The Disney Channel, airs Saturdays at 9 a.m. (check listings to verify times)
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse - Overview
The classic animated characters that made the Disney name, and are still unsurpassed as the most famous and beloved animated characters ever I might add, are back! The Disney Channel’s 3D computer animated show Mickey Mouse Clubhouse introduces preschoolers to the characters their parents and grandparents before them knew and loved. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, and Pluto entertain and educate, along with other characters such as Chip and Dale who make guest appearances.
Each episode of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse begins in the clubhouse and introduces children to the story and some type of problem that they must help the characters solve. From there, the story could take kids anywhere – around the clubhouse, into space, to a fairytale setting, or some other far away place. Uniquely, the problem and story are designed to introduce kids to problem solving and mathematical skills. Ending each episode, the characters dance along to the congratulatory song “Hot Dog!” performed by They Might Be Giants.
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse - Curriculum
The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse curriculum focuses on problem solving and early math skills including sequencing, counting, classifying, sorting, complex patters, spatial relations, size and distance comparisons, addition, subtraction and more. Producer Bobs Gannaway says the following about the findings of the research team behind the show curriculum:
“We asked them to go out and see what concepts were lacking in current educational programming. What we learned was that math skills were not being covered. We’ve really broadened the definition of math skills to include not just counting, but shapes, patterns, colors and fractions.”
Mickey guides kids through the episodes in an interactive way, allowing proper response times when he asks questions and cheering kids on as they help the characters in their varied quests.
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse - Guide Review
I loved seeing Mickey and the gang in a new show again, but what really clenched it for me was seeing Chip and Dale. The familiarity and flood of memories made a poignant point to me, the original Disney characters are animated icons because they have personality plus, and kids can relate to each one on so many levels. Even the most popular of characters today fall short of the magic. How could I give the show anything less than 5 stars?
Not only that, but I found it very refreshing to see a preschoolers show that really delves into math and related skills. I am a big fan of all the literacy oriented shows too, but math is also important, and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse effectively introduces kids to early mathematical skills in a fun and entertaining way.
