Special Agent Oso - TV Show Review

TV Rating: TV-Y
Genre: Children's educational
Age range: Preschoolers
Network: Disney Channel

Special Agent Oso - Overview

With clever episode names such as "Gold Flower" and "Carousel Royale," Special Agent Oso entertains preschoolers with an educational spoof on secret agent classics. Special Agent Oso (Voiced by Sean Astin), a furry and lovable bear, works as a special agent-in-training for U.N.I.Q.U.E. (United Network for Investigating Quite Usual Events). In each episode, Agent Oso is instructed to complete an agent training exercise, but he inevitably runs into trouble. Also, Agent Oso is inevitabley called away from his training in order to help a child who is having trouble completing an every day task. In helping the child with the conundrum, Oso saves the day and learns something new that later helps him complete his training task.

Caring and considerate, Oso loves to help others, but he also gets a lot of help from his friends. Senior agents Wolfie and Dotty instruct him on his training missions. His communication device, Paw Pilot, alerts him to kids in need of his help and breaks down the solution to the problem into "three special steps." Oso communicates with his mysterious boss, Mr. Dos, through his advanced wristwatch. Finally, and most importantly, Agent Oso enlists the help of viewing children as he works to complete the three steps and accomplish his missions.

Special Agent Oso - Show Curriculum

Special Agent Oso focuses on helping kids develop problem-solving skills as they see solutions broken down into simple steps and help Oso accomplish each one. Also, the steps often encourage kids to use other skills, like math skills, as they help Oso with problems such as distinguishing top from bottom and left from right, figuring out how to work puzzles, and choosing between different colors. Not only that, but Oso often throws in little lessons about life as well. For example, he always makes sure to buckle his seat belt.

Special Agent Oso - Guide Review

The secret agent style of Special Agent Oso is fun and engaging for kids, and the show contains several effective educational elements. There is a lot going on in every episode, so very young kids may not be able to follow everything; however, the simple tasks Agent Oso undertakes are individually easy to understand with clear challenges and solutions. The show contains opportunity for learning on several different levels in each episode.

Kids will enjoy the cuddly characters and the official feel of the special agent theme. Boys may take to Oso a little more than girls, as he does not possess the pink and princessy qualities that preschool girls are often into. Dotty is an adorable character who will certainly attract little girls, though, and both boys and girls will identify with the various children Oso meets, so there is something in the show for every preschooler.

Special Agent Oso - Expand Upon the Curriculum

• In the series, Agent Oso earns training badges and special assignment "digi badges." If your preschooler adores Oso, you can use badges as motiviation for him to complete tasks or goals by making your own badges.
• Since after watching Special Agent Oso your preschooler will be onto the idea of breaking tasks down into steps and marking them off, you can use the method as a way to make jobs or tasks fun. When you little secret agent needs to clean her room, for example, tell her it is an important mission and give her a check list with a few small jobs that she can proudly check off as she completes each one.
• Check out the Special Agent Oso website for additional games and activities.