Target Age Group: Preschool
Television Station: Nick Jr.
"Go, Diego, Go!" Overview
“Dora the Explorer” spin-off “Go, Diego, Go!” stars Dora’s eight-year-old cousin, Diego (voiced by Jake Toranzo-Szymanski), a bilingual animal rescuer who has the ability to talk to animals. Diego takes preschoolers on interactive journeys inspired by the rich environments of Latin America and by the animals that make their homes in those habitats. The show is flavored with Spanish words and Latin American music, folktales and traditions, giving children the chance to experience the Latin American culture.
According to Viacom, the show’s curriculum goals are based on using observational skills and scientific tools to learn the accurate traits of the animal featured in the day’s adventure. Each episode includes details such as species name, physical attributes and habitat. Every animal on Go, Diego, Go! is researched and its traits authenticated by science education consultant Mario Castellanos, Project Director of Science Outreach for the Smithsonian National Zoological Park.
"Go, Diego, Go!" Episode Outline
In each episode of Go, Diego, Go!, Diego receives a call for help at his Animal Rescue Center in the rainforest. With help from his friends, high-tech gadgets, and viewers at home, Diego identifies and locates the animal in trouble and the adventure begins.
"Go, Diego, Go!" Show Review
Go Diego Go! accomplishes what its creators set out to do in teaching kids about animals indigenous to Latin America. The show features an animal in trouble, and focuses on a few key attributes of the animal throughout the show. Especially effective, Diego refers to, and where possible employs some of these attributes in trying to locate and help the animal. For example, in the episode about Red-eyed Tree Frogs, Diego scales a wall using gloves with suction cups that mimic the frogs’ toes.
The Spanish words are sometimes intermingled in a way that may confuse preschoolers, or they just won’t get it; therefore, co-viewing the show with your child is helpful, so that you can point out the words and explain the concept of speaking a different language.
I love the Latin flavor of the show and the opportunity that emphasis provides for parents to talk with children about cultures, languages, geography, animals …I could go on and on. My favorite thing about the show, though, is listening to my kids attempt to say the Spanish words. The Salsa style song that plays when Diego needs his “rescue pack” is also great. I want to get up and attempt a little Latin dance each time I hear it.
