www.cartoonnetwork.com

www.pbs.org/clifford/index.html

www.fox.com

 
 

    When we surveyed four Kindergartners and nine first graders about their favorite TV shows and why they like them, we received a variety of answers.  Their favorite TV shows were: Scooby Doo, Rugrats, Pokemon, Bug Bunny, Tom & Jerry, Rolie Polie Olie, Clifford, Temptation Island, WWF Wrestling, Thomas the Train, S Club 7, and Power Rangers. Their reasons for liking these shows were: because it is scary, you don't know what is going to happen, the characters, the colors, liked a movie about it, watch with mom, wants to be one of characters, and likes to learn the new moves.
    We also interview these kids about parental involvement and regulation concerning watching TV. We asked them if there were any types of Tv shows that their parents would not let them watch and they all replied yes. When we asked what types of shows they were not allowed to watch they replied killing shows, scary and bloody movies, fighting shows, and vulgar shows. We also asked them if they had ever wanted to watch a TV show that they were not allowed and they all said no but that their parents watch them.
    We concluded that these particular students are aware of what is on Tv and are able to make their own decisions according to their tastes. They do not want to watch violent or vulgar TV shows, even if their parents are watching these shows. Children at this age have a good grasp on what is real and not real. For example, they were able to describe how wrestling shows were practiced moves and the people are not really fighting.