Sesame Beginnings - DVD Review

Sesame Beginnings DVDs offer a research-based series created for parents and children six months and older that encourages learning through parent-child interactions. In light of research indicating that young children learn best when experiences are shared with a loved one, Sesame Beginnings DVDs model examples of age-appropriate play and interaction between children under two and their caregivers.

In the DVDs, baby versions of children's favorite Sesame Street characters and their muppet caregivers sing and play together in a way that will entertain baby viewers and give ideas to their parents. The DVD also contains sections which give tips to parents and caregivers on how to implement and extend the learning, and according to Sesame Workshop:

“Sesame Beginnings content was developed in collaboration with an advisory board of child development and media experts and ZERO TO THREE, a national nonprofit organization comprised of pediatricians, child development experts and researchers dedicated to promoting the healthy development of infants and toddlers.”

In creating Sesame Beginnings, creators wisely incorporated material for both babies and parents. Targeting the under two age group for DVDs is controversial because of warnings issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics about television for children under two; however, Sesame Street created the DVDs in response to research about children’s viewing habits. Sherrie Westin, Executive Vice President, Sesame Workshop noted in a press release:

"Our own research showed that Sesame Street videos were among those frequently viewed by the under two set, in spite of the fact that the content and curriculum of Sesame Street is designed for ages 2-5. With the Sesame Beginnings DVDs, we're providing parents and caregivers of children under two with content specifically designed to use media as a tool to further adult/child interaction."

The material in the DVDs is age-appropriate for babies, and the slow pace of the DVDs engages babies in a more meaningful manner than simply using rapidly changing images and music to keep their attention. Also, the songs and interactions between the caregivers and baby muppets are loving, sweet, and a good reminder that babies have their own pace and need undivided attention and unconditional love.

• Beginning Together: Share a "Wiggle and Giggle" with Elmo and his Dad during Elmo's bath time, watch Big Bird and Nani Bird discover "Who's that Baby in the Mirror," and more. Every time you and your baby laugh and connect over a silly song or a funny game, you encourage your child's curiosity and interest in learning. (This video contains a special appearance by Brandy and her daughter, Sy'rai.)
• Make Music Together: Explore language, rhythm, and sound with your favorite Sesame Street friends as babies. Be there when Elmo's daddy swings and sings with baby Elmo to "Swing Baby Swing!" Shake along as baby Prairie Dawn and her mommy make music and sing to "Shake Baby Shake!"
• Moving Together: Dance along with Baby Elmo as his dad sings "There You Go, Little One." Laugh along with Baby Big Bird when he falls over his big feet as he learns to take "Baby Steps." When you laugh, sing, and move together, you build your child's self-esteem and eagerness to explore and learn. This DVD features a special guest appearance by Sarah Jessica Parker.

• The DVDs offer great ideas for parents to use in playing and learning with their children. Also, the Sesame Beginnings website contains many valuable articles and ideas as well as clips from the DVDs.