Jenni4's TV Reviews

Since 1969, Sesame Street has been promoting the intellectual growth of preschoolers. This is not simply just my opinion, but studies have actually been conducted that show a strong positive relationship between viewing Sesame Street and increasing children's learning (as well as better impulse control and concentration). The positive effects of this show seem to benefit children from many various backgrounds, as well as both boys and girls.

Among the positive effects, improved vocabulary, learning of numbers, letters, and other skills such as sorting and classification are the most noted (Mabel Rice 1990). Perhaps the segments of the show children might learn (and retain) the most from encourage their involvement (such as responding with clapping, talking, or singing along), repeated segments to aid in memorization, and the various skits that are possibly found more entertaining.

With all the negative effects many studies have suggested TV viewing has on children, the research on Sesame Street may seem especially hopeful. Television is usually an inescapable part of our lives, and still has the potential to be used for good (as certain cartoons are attempting as well). Not only does Sesame Street provide the entertainment that may be sought after in other programs, it's engaging and repetitive qualities seem to have significant association with intellectual growth in young children as well. Sesame Street may be far more useful than mere entertainment.