Nickelodeon’s “The JumpArounds” Aims At Kids’ Musical Sensibilities
by Karl J. Paloucek
The folks at Nickelodeon are once again stepping up their creative edge, introducing new and arguably more hip programming for preschoolers. Just announced this morning, summer 2009 will see the premiere of a new music-based series for the pre-K set. In production right now, The JumpArounds is being billed as “an energetic, vibrant new music series … packed with hip, catchy songs, dynamic choreography and clever storylines.”
At the center of the series are four friends and bandmates who attend music school. Through their musical experiences, preschoolers will acquaint themselves with basic musical concepts like rhythm, melody, tempo and … well, what they’re calling “performance styles.” (We hope this doesn’t essentially boil down to generalized music categorization, but if so, oh well — it is the iTunes generation.)
More than just about music, The JumpArounds aims to help kids solve everyday challenges, teaching them the importance of friendship, working together and respecting differences.
Oh, and in case you’re not sure of the legitimate “street cred” of the series, check out the roughly 6-year-old breakdancer in one of the two preview clips. (Though on a personal note, I’m not sure how important it is for kids’ shows to be “hip” …) Anyway, here are the links, if you care to check out the new “videos” made for the series:
“Go Go A Go Go”:
For PC:
http://www.criticalmention.com/vg/nickelodeon/Jumparounds_GoGoAGoGo.wmv
For Mac:
http://www.criticalmention.com/vg/nickelodeon/Jumparounds_GoGoAGoGo.mov
“Great Day”:
For PC:
http://www.criticalmention.com/vg/nickelodeon/TheJumpArounds.wmv
For Mac:
http://www.criticalmention.com/vg/nickelodeon/TheJumpArounds.mov
________
Photo:
Credit: Randee St. Nicholas/Nickelodeon
The “commercials” for the jumparounds are on all the time on Noggin. I can’t put my finger on it, but it seems like it’s encouraging idol worship. My daughter is 4.25 and she wants to watch them on the computer all the time. Maybe this is my own crap from the past, but it seems when kids watch this stuff, it ultimately will get them hooked on sitcoms which, when watched often, skew a person’s expectations of what life is supposed to be like, ultimately resulting in disappointment. Anyway, I am glad we are getting rid of the TV when we move.
To me. it reminds me of the Archies music. But the way I always wanted it to be, when I was young… with REAL people. I think it’ll be just fine!
(a new parent at 49)
This show is for kids and I like that it’s entertaining and has catchy songs. My 2 1/2 and 8 month old always stop what they are doing to starting dancing and having fun when they hear their sonds.
I think the show is gonna be great!!! Often times as parents (and in my case, an auntie), we forget that kids shows are supposed to be aimed at kids so I think it’s great that it’s “hip” because it’s marketed towards a younger audience and a new generation. Can’t wait til the show premieres because my niece loves the commercials already.
The Jump-Arounds are absolutely horrible! Please don’t air this on Noggin…actually, please don’t air this anywhere! If you don’t believe me…there are plenty of other people that agree!!! Just Google it.
This show is so NOT appropriate for noggin…take it elsewhere. Give us back Jack’s Big Music Show or more of Lazy Town. I know I am already sick to death of seeing these lousy dancers and the horrible job of lip syncing they do. Get Rid of It before it spreads. YUCCCCCCCK
The Jump Arounds are like musical packing foam. There is no substance here at all. If I want my child to listen to vapid, insidious pop crap, I know where to find it, thanks — Disney! We watch Noggin specifically because it’s *NOT* Disney or Nick. Please stop dumbing down my son’s “preschool on television.”
I was just writing about this on Cafemom. My daughter watches Noggin, and I really don’t appreciate a show that is geared for children ages 4-7 on a channel that is supposed to be for toddlers. It is like High School High. I have even seen articles that say it is “Preschool High.” My GOD!!! Noggin feels like the only educational programming for my youngster, and now we have to deal with this drivel. I mean, yeah they are cute and hip, but I don’t want my daughter watching shows with attractive teenagers and one that raps. I think Jacks Big Music show is adorable and teaches music appreciation in an age appropriate way. Please don’t put this on Noggin!!!!
My son is 3 and he LOVES the music videos on Noggin. I have no problem with the idea that The Jump-Arounds are “geared towards 4-7 year olds” on a pre-school channel. I think they seem like sweet kids and there is only happy and up-beat lyrics in their songs. Those of you who think their dancing and singing is terrible… think about this… ITS NOT FOR ADULTS! These singers and dancers have to dance in a way that my child has a chance of learning the dance moves so he can do it too with the video (which he tries to do) or singing along with it. Its more fun for kids when it isn’t too difficult for them to learn and have fun with it. They might not be the best singers… but its a kid show for crying out loud! Lay off of them!
I find it amusing that the red-haired jump around was on Days of Our Lives playing a 20 something. I agree with the comment about idol worship, since in the first video I saw, the older jump arounds each had a mini-me dressed just like them. Otherwise I’m indifferent because, afterall, I can turn it off. We have a few noggin shows we watch, that’s it. If you just let it run all day, then yes, you no longer have control over the content.
I think the jump arounds are great! My 3yr old and my 2 yr old love them. It is so cute how they jump and dance around the family room to the jumparounds music video. Please Noggin keep the music videos coming.
Thank you noggin for finally jumping on the disney tween music bandwagon. In this case they aiming it at our preschoolers. I guess I wont be watching because I don’t want my child to learn about music from Hannah Montana Jr and Poochie the rapping dog.
Where can I buy a DVD of the Jump Arounds for my grand kids I just watched it on Noggin with my grandson and we loved it.
i agree with some of the people when they say the kids are to old for noggin.my son 3 yrs and 1yrs love them wants me to buy the videos and all.again i don’t think its a bad show but again not for noggin put it on nick.my babys will still watch it.
People who comment that this stuff is bad for kids must have A LOT of issues. The JumpArounds are just giving children a chance to bop to the music! There are a lot more important things in the world to worry about than bashing this cute little group!
Go Marina, Oh Go Go Marina…..
My daughter loves them! She wants me to find her Marina’s outfit. Where can I get the music?
Uh…..not for Noggin. My 2 year old loves Dora and Rin-Too the Tiger, because they teach him something. I agree with the above. Jack’s Big Music Show and the Backyardigans teach music appreciation and dance. Let these 20 somethings go to Disney or Nick at Nite and NOT a place where learning is a way for preschoolers. Noggin is Noggin for a reason. These “Jump a whatevers” need to realize that 2, 3, and 4 year olds need to learn about numbers, letters, manners, and how to share.
Um, okay. First of all, some of the stuff that’s already on Noggin is crap. LazyTown?? What is that? And what’s with that creepy looking bad guy who looks like a real person who is sort of animated or wearing a mask?!? If that were on when I was a kid, it would have given me nightmares for weeks! Even the good guy looks creepy! And what’s it about, exactly? Trying to teach kids to exercise and be healthy…yet it’s called “Lazy Town?” HUH?
Let’s talk about Yo Gabba Gabba for a minute. Um, WHAT THE…?? DJ Lance Rock is BIZARRO, to say the least. A freaky, skinny, rapper-type character with David Ruffin glasses and a weird orange wig (or is it a hat? I don’t even know). And he takes creepy looking toy creatures out and puts them a little stage where they come to life and he controls them. And you like to have your kid watch THIS, but not a show about singing and dancing to pop music?
Now, in contrast, The JumpArounds appears to be about a wholesome group of teens (I know, they’re in their mid-20s in real life, but preschoolers THINK they’re teens, like we were supposed to think John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John were teens in “Grease”). Anyway, the kids sing and dance, sing boppy and catchy tunes about having a great day, friends helping each other out, and getting up and going. It’s not like this show is going to have a lot of sexual innuendo or violence! SHEESH! For those of you who prefer those other two creepy shows over this, I have to say that I think you must be in the distinct minority.
As far as the idol worship concern goes, give me a break. Toddlers and young children learn how to behave by EMULATING adults. I’d much rather have my daughter emulate Kiki or Marina vs. DJ Lance Rock! If your kid has half a brain, he/she is not going to let television control his/her life. Just enjoy the music and wish these JumpArounds well. If my daughter loves it, then so do I.
By the way, in case you don’t know who David Ruffin was, he was the original lead singer from The Temptations (singer of “My Girl”, “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg”, “The Way You Do the Things You Do”, etc.). DJ Lance Rock bears a resemblance to Ruffin, mostly because of the glasses. Check out this photo of the early Temptations (Ruffin is with glasses on the left): http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/gallery/2008/dec/23/motown-50?picture=341060871
versus this photo of DJ Lance Rock: http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/strollerderby/2009/04/DjLance.jpg
Anyone else see the similarity here? The only difference is that Ruffin was a very talented singer. DJ Lance is just…scary.
My son is 3 and simply loves The Jumparounds - I was actually trying to see if they had a music DVD that I could get for him because when watching the music videos that they run between the shows he has started dancing to the music. And this is something I appreciate because my son is autistic and while he’s doing great he does not always want to interact with me. He’ll dance with me when the videos come on with a big smile on his face and that makes my day. I did not even know that they had a show coming up with them on it - but I will check out the show when it comes out - most likely when he’s not home so that if I decide it’s not something I want him seeing then he won’t see it.
If you don’t like the show change the channel - I think shows w/real people teaching about friendship, working together and other social skills could be a good thing. I work on teaching my son manners & other social skills but like most autistic children he learns by observation - so this show could be good for him. I am very picky with what my son watches and if I don’t like a show I don’t spend time putting it down - I simply change the channel - it’s that simple.
LOL!! Dee Dee and David both have great points, because I remember feeling like more like David and then I had to adjust. At first, I had to get past all the creepyness. Secondly, I had to focus on the message being delivered. Finally, I settled with caring about the message and decided to let her watch it because I figured these shows are geared to catch the attention of children being taught these types of lessons by their parents and the mystical mythical or what ever characters are meant to encourage good habits. Just as long as there is no kissing and sexual advancing (Hanna Montana Raven and who ever else) I figure I can deal with it as long as it remains Y Rated.
For example I really initially came to this site to complain and reading the blogs made me consider all the facts that I related with. For example my daughter is 2 1/2 and she seems to like the jump arounds and I like the way the show encourages dancing and singing (originally I was like what the f… yea, the bad lip singing and so on, and i’m not going to start on Twist or Shout. I’m sort of okay with the girls), Lazytown does the same (T hoes grown a.. men and a little girl? Thank goodness for the other weird characters), and Yo Gabba Gabba encourage good habits and dancing and singing.(I really had to just support the moral cause of this program because of everything David mentioned except the dancy dance) You have to look at this in a broad sense and adjust to this as fresh producers and directors ect. move in and the old timers move out. Look for the balance. It’s hard, but possible. Come on guys!! You all are hilarious, but I feel you!! Straddle the fence with me.
Where do we BUY these Videos???????????? My 15 month old Son loves them and it makes me so very HAPPY to see him bop around to the music.
Kristen:
The series is brand new; DVDs likely will be available in the not-distant future, but Noggin and its parent companies are going to want the original episodes to pick up steam for a while first.
You’re brave, though — by the looks of some of the comments here, some people might take you to task for wanting to buy them for your 15-month-old.
Seriously, you people complaining about The Jumparounds need to re-evaluate your lives. It’s completely harmless fun. Young kids love the music. They dance around to it when its on. The kids are cute, talented, energetic. And it appears on your TV, what, once every hour for maybe a minute? If you think that’s going to somehow scar your kid for life, then you’re really doing a crappy job of being a parent and you should consider putting your kid up for adoption.
And if your objection is that you don’t like the dancing or don’t find the music deep enough … Seriously? I mean, that’s seriously your problem? It’s “vapid”? The lip-synching is off? Really?
It’s fun. F-U-N, fun. Why can’t it just be about that for 1, 2 and 3 year olds. Why does everything have to have some sort of deeper meaning or be critically perfect. Watching Angelina Ballerina makes me want to hit myself in the head with a hammer. It’s a stupid concept. The voices are annoying. A mouse that does ballet? What is that? And do I really want a show that promotes the importance of rodents?
But you know what? My kid loves it. He has fun watching it and smiles when it’s on, so we watch it. That’s that.
Honestly, some people take things way too serious. And if that’s you, you know what you can do when The JumpArounds come on? TURN OFF YOUR DAMN TV. It’s the button marked “OFF”. I bet your kid can find it
To feel safe and happy making 1 or 100 mistakes, while friends continue to give you a hand, though you have many awkward moments and loco legs….yet no one judges you for being a clown? Nonsense and fun is a relief and an anti-stress haven where seeing through you little ones eyes, and joy, childhood is preserved in a troubled time. Most of all, it is for the children, to feel free and joyous and protected. I LOVE it, and the kids obviously do too! To let them have an non-judgmental uncynical atmosphere to be KIDS is wonderful!
Hard to see how cruel some of the mentoring parents set the example! Perhaps the eyes of the child and the kindness of the show can ultimately help the adults lighten up and relax with their own foolishness as well. a little child shall lead them!
Aww…we are all entitled to our opinions. The fact that we, apparently, get all emotional when opinions of others differs from ours truly shows the examples we set for our babies. Maybe it’s more important to consider how we behave with our babies.
Just noticed the comments bout idol worship and it seems that the humor of the little versions of the Four, is being missed in that I believe they are supposed to be the childhood memory of each of them. Their inner child escorting them and continuing in accompaniment with them.
It is a charming thought, a bit multi-dimensional and subliminal. They aren’t groupies but their root source and continuum. You are complicating a childlike thing, like missing the forest for the trees. You have to relax and just go with it. You know, like your kids!!!
Hey - What’s happened to the Jumparounds? There’s a “come back later” message on the website, and I’ve seen nothing of them on Noggin. Are they gone?
I hope they haven’t pulled this b/c of the “critics” that are concerned that the dancing and choreography isn’t up to their standars, who cares what you think? The children love it, and if you depend on the TV for your child’s “pre-school” than you shld be happy they have something that wld get them off the couch and moving every once in awhile. My 3 yr old loves it, not b/c it’s encouraging sitcoms or whatever the hell you people are saying, it’s b/c it’s colorful with catchy easy to follow along w/ lryics and easy dance steps for him, not for you, so get over yourselves and stop being so selfish!
I personally liked the Jumparounds for my 2 1/2year old. Its good, fun music. I rather for her to listen to that music in my car instead of playing the music from the radio.
My 2 yr old loves the jumparounds (and i have to admit i think the songs are pretty catchy and fun to sing along) and i know she will the love the show. Whenever she would see the videos on TV she would dance and sing which are not bad things for kids to do!
Yea what happened to the Jumparounds?? My 12 month old loved them! All the ppl who dont like them get a life or turn the channel! They were great my kid would dance and sing kike crazy, which after all is what they are all about - BRING THEM BACK NOGGIN, dont listen to the silly crowd!
I agree with some of the people, where are the jumparounds gone? They made much more catchy music that my baby liked compared to that silly old woman they have on now! Jumparounds where are you?
They’re now called the Fresh Beat Band, just saw the commercial. Same four cast members and the FBB have link on the Nick Jr. site. So relieved, my daughter has been going crazy for The Jumparounds. The commercial says the new show kicks off August 24.
This is ridiculous. The jumparounds have been removed from Noggin because some parents are bothered by the campy songs.
I have 16 month old niece who’s face just lights up whenever they came on TV or I played the vids on my PC.
I have one comment to those who have petitioned for this group to be removed from the airways. “If you dont like it, simply shut your TV off. Don’t punish the other children because you’ve quieted the child inside. “
I think the Jumparounds can be a bit annoying when their songs are played EVERY 10 minutes. But im pretty sure thats because they were getting them out there and collecting feed back for their new show. BUT nothings better then my 20 month old going CRAZY and singing and dancing around every time their songs come on. And might I say that little break dancing kid is AMAZING! It got my 5 year old nephew into break dancing!
I think the moms who say is inappropriate or stupid or who bitch and moan about how it shouldn’t be on TV…. GET OVER IT! Its not for you, you 30 something year old prude. Its for the kids. And if your kids go nuts when it goes on consider it 5 extra minutes you have to wash the dishes. DOnt ruin good things for other people because you want to put your own personal preferences before your kids sence of fun and excitement!
Some of you parents need to give it a rest. My daughter LOVES the Jumparounds. She is almost 20 months and she loves to dance to their upbeat music. Haven’t seen the show so I don’t know if it’s going to “teach” her anything or not, but I do know that she has fun watching them and dancing along. Maybe some of your kids need to be taught to have fun, but not my daughter because I let her have fun all day. Appreciate the show for what it is, an upbeat show that gives kids a chance to cut loose and bust a move! And for those of you who have a problem with the “rapping”, I think you’ll find that it’s a true form of expression whether you like it or not. So go back to your boring chamber music and if you ever see my daughter and me on the street, you’ll recognize us by the big smile on her face!
UPDATE:
The JumpArounds has been renamed. (Maybe Nickelodeon took heed of everyone’s discussion here?)
http://www.channelguidemagblog.com/index.php/2009/07/24/the-artists-formerly-known-as-the-jumparounds-introducing-the-fresh-beat-band/
BTW, chamber music is anything but boring — just as rap often gets a bad rap. It’s all there. Keep your ears open.
I’m actually annoyed that they are airing this on Noggin, and going to be playing it on Nick. We don’t watch Nick because they constantly change the preschool schedule and I don’t want my three year old watching the junk that comes on Nick. Or the commercials. They did the same thing with Olivia. Please stop hyping shows on Noggin that my child isn’t even going to be able to watch!
Oh and she’s totally not buying this name change, everytime she sees them she says, No, it’s the Jumparounds! Lol!
My daughter, husband, and I absolutely LOVE The Jump Arounds. Who ever is walking through when the commmercial would come on we would all start dancing. I think it is a great uplifting moment that is fun. All these parents that dont think it is educational or think it could be addictive needs to turn off their TV and teach their children one on one and not depend on TV teaching them. It is called you control what and when your kids watch it. I hope they start playing them more. WE MISS THEM>.
This band has made my 2yr old so happy. As parent any stimulus that makes him dance, jump, play and learn is well welcomed. Please keep the video, music, and shows coming!
PS get DVD asap my son is driving me crazy and I need to search online for ever to get clips
Why are the Jump Arounds now called The Fresh Beat Band? My 3yr old and 2yr old love them. They love to sing and dance around. Yeah they are a little cheesy but kids like them.
For those parents that are complaining about the educational value. If you really cared about your kids education you wouldn’t let them watch TV in the first place so get off you soap box!!!!
I read all these posts and can’t help but laugh. I personally don’t think shows like high school musical, hannah Montana, and the jonas brothers are appropriate for kids because they’re all those perfect attractive kids and I think it gives our kids bad self images if they aren’t perfect. I saw more barely dressed five and six year olds for Halloween this year claiming to be hannah Montana. I feel like the Disney channel is trying to target younger kids with more mature content. Now it seems like nick has decided to jump on the bandwagon. Shows that come on nick like drake and josh or whatever they’re showing now aren’t that big of a deal because they come on later. But the “fresh beat band” showing on nogin I think is inappropriate. My little boy is very young so he doesn’t have any preferences to that yet (besides to gabba gabba) but I don’t think he should be watching that kind of stuff as a todler.
From a musical standpoint, yes, they’re trying to teach kids melodies and harmonies and rhythm and so on but really, I am a very accomplished musician and my sons dad works for his dad as a sound engineer with his own recording studio and we never watched the fresh beat band. The kind of musical abilities some of you say the show is trying to teach really can’t be taught. Enhanced at an older age, yes, but if you can’t naturally sing harmonies or keep a beat, you can’t be taught to. I understand the bad dancing because they are trying to simplify it for kids but the editing could be better. The girl in blue is obviously not playing the drums and why does the white boy rap and play on the turntables? It’s like nick flipped the stereotype too dramatically. And I agree with an earlier post. He must have been someone importants son because he has no talent. Or he could have been chosen for his image but it’s not likely that my two year old niece is going to have posters of him all over her room and talk about how she’s going to be “mrs shout” or twist or whoever he is. And on noggin that is the audience that is targeted.
First of all to all you ignorant parents who leave a tv on 24hours a day and who think that the shows are responsible for teaching your children manners and numbers and letters and all the basics: THAT IS YOUR JOB! Not the job of a tv show! How about you spend sometime with your children doing things instead of tuning them out and letting the shows on noggin and nick jr babysit them! And you call yourself parents! LOL! The Fresh Beat Band is cute and entertaining: FOR CHILDREN!
I AGREE WITH THE ONES ABOVE THIS SHOW IS NOT FOR PRESCHOOL KIDS 2 TO 5 YR OLDS. MY SON IS TERRIFIED OF THEM WHEN HE SEES THEM HE CRIES AND COVERS HIS EARS TO ME THAT SAYS ALOT HE JUST RESENTLY GOT TUBES AND LOVES EVERYTHING HE CAN NOW EXPERIENCE HEARING BUT THE JUMP AROUND/FRESH BEAT WHATEVER THEY ARE CALLED .I HATE TO HAVE TO BAN NOGGIN IN MY HOUSE HE LOVES ALL THE OTHER SHOWS AND REALLY LOVES THE LAURIE BERKNER BAND MUSIC.AND YES THESE SMALL CHILDREN NEED TO LEARN TO SHARE,COUNT AND READ NOT JUMP AROUND LIPSINGING IN SKIRTS WITH GUYS OLDER THAN THEM I REALLY HATE THEM CAN U TELL GLA D I CAN LET SOMEONE KNOW AND I HOPE EVERYONE ELSE WILL DO THE SAME AND GET THEM OFF OUR NOGGIN FOR GOOD.PLEZ LISTEN TO THE COMMENTS AND GIVE THE CHILDREN WHAT THEY NEED THEY WERE GONE INT THE 1ST PLACE AS THE JUMPAROUNDS FOR A REASON RIGHT?????
TO7998 WE AS PARENTS WHICH U OBVIOUSLY ARE NOT OR U WOULD KNOW THIS DONT LET THE TV BABYSIT AND TEACH. THERE ARE TIMES WE CANT ALWAYS BE WITH THEM LIKE WHEN COOKING OR THINGS AND THEY GET TV TIME AND IT SHOULD BE FUN LEARNING TV TIME NOT THAT CRAP WE ARE ALL SO TALKING ABOUT I KNOW IM NOT ALONE ON THIS GET RID OF THE JUMP AROUNDS/FRESHBEAT PRETENDERS
Ok. First I AM a parent and yes I do understand that you can’t ALWAYS be with your child. I was only directing my comment to the many parents that said the tv was on ALL day! And besides if you don’t like what is on TURN the channel! Or put in a dvd of something that you feel is appropriate. All shows no matter how much they claim to be educational often times don’t teach children. TV is entertainment for kids just as it is for adults. The actual teaching should come from parents and if by some chance your child learns a number or a rhyme from whatever show then count that as a bonus! Don’t rely on television for the education of our children…..that very well could be the problem with today’s society now! Children have no imagination because they are always set in front of a tv or given a video game of some sort. Fry your children’s brains if you so choose with many hours of television a day. I choose to allow a few choice shows and to actually teach my children to use their minds and enjoy playing outside instead!
with regards to davids comment about dj lance rock resembling david ruffin, i lauhed so hard. i actually thought he resembled leon from the five heartbeats. my sentiments exactly about lazytown, which i loath! why promote a show for toddlers with the title lazy? the characters are downright silly and annoying. as an african american mom of two toddler boys i am not too keen on yo gabba gabba portraying a black man with orange tights, stepping and fetching, grinning and cheesing in 2009. sorry, it is quite offensive. the fresh beat band seems harmless, and i agree that it should be geared towards teens not tots. i love the backyatdigans and jacks big music show.
I AGREE WITH THE MAJORITY. I BELIEVE THAT NOGGIN IS SLOWLY TRANSFORMING INTO WHAT DISNEY AND NICK IS, OR HAVE BECOME. THE JUMPAROUNDS, OR WHAT EVER NAME THEY CHOOSE NEXT, DOES NOT FIT INTO THE PRESCHOOL ON TV CATEGORY. I WILL NOT TUNE INTO THE CHANNEL WHEN THEY BEGIN. HOWEVER, I WILL CONTINUE TO PURCHASE WHAT I WANT MY CHILD TO VIEW
My 3yr old son is not watching tv all day but when he happens to see the Jump Arounds he loves these songs and stops whatever he is doing to dance to the song when it comes on tv. It is very cute to watch. I don’t see the problem with this.
The Jump Arounds changed their name to The Fresh Beat Band! I like the Junior Fresh Beats, which are so cute and younger than the Jump Arounds! The Backyardigans are different musical styles more than hip hop and pop so the fresh beats holds hip hop and pop forever! I like the keyboard like Shout plus-minus I like some guitar! Who plays keytar in The Fresh Beat Band? Nobody knows! Smarter than this preschool story, There Was An Old Lady Who Swallow A Fly and some people play keytar in the funkiest show in Nick Jr., Yo Gabba Gabba!. The wonder pets aren’t related to the fresh beats, do you guess what type of music it’s has?
I was looking for a date when a Freshbeats DVD might be available and stumbled upon this site. I have a three year old son who LOVES the Freshbeat band. I agree the show, for adults, has terrible acting and dancing. I support the show because of the messages it sends about friendship and working together and I think there is value in the fact that the kids don’t dance and sing perfectly. My son rarely watches TV, but the only station that is allowed on our TV when he is awake is NOGGIN. I am not happy about the transition to NICK JR. because I fear they will change the tone of the shows in the future.
I do feel that Lazy Town has a far worse message with Robbie Rotten than the Freshbeat Band. I also feel that if you are apposed to a show simply change the channel or pop in a dvd. As far as entertaining your children when you are cooking, try setting them up at the table with books, coloring, playdough, or pots and pans to mock what you are doing. I have done this since my son was tiny and he loves to be in the kitchen while I am cooking. This is not a judgement to those of you who are sitting your kids in front of the TV, just a suggestion.
The thing that struck me most when I was reading the comments was how nasty and angry people were about a show. As an elementary school teacher I am sure I could pick the “complainers” kids out of the crowd. Think about what is really important and don’t spend so much time and energy worrying about a show. Spend more time thinking about engaging your kids in meaningful activities and conversations.
Hmmmmmm…
Someone commented above requesting more shows like Jack’s Big Music Show (which is great) and Lazy Town. Wow. Lazy Town is disgusting. The puppets are a frightningly strange representation of live people, and “Stephanie” is an unrealistic expectation of what little girls :should” look like. Check out the Lazy Town website. They are talking about making a film based on the show and there is a very sexualized photo of this girl. Her body is most certainly not that of an eleven year old anymore but they dress her in clothes that would fit a toddler! yikes! I guess it will be a great movie for the young dads! Gross! The Jumparounds, or Fresh Beat Band as they are now known are real people with real talent. Lazy Town is a freak show.