If your child is all about a particular television show, there are a number of interactive and educational ways to extend the fun beyond the screen. Here are a few ideas:
• Play Pretend: Get creative by fashioning character costumes from what you have at home, then have kids pick out favorite scenes or invent their own. Stage a play or create a video acting them out.
• Toys and Games: Look for toys and games based on your children’s favorite programming. For example, the new Go! Go! Cory Carson toy line from VTech, based on the hit animated preschool series available on Netflix, lets kids create their own adventures with vehicles based on the show’s characters, and playsets inspired by popular scenes from the show. Technology brings it all to life with fun sounds, phrases and songs to encourage pretend play and maximize fun.
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The toys, available exclusively at Target, include DJ Train Trax & the Roll Train, a fun playset that gives kids the opportunity to groove along to music, help the characters dance on stage and even roll DJ Train Trax to light up his rainbow chimney while listening to sounds and phrases from the show. With Freddie’s Firehouse, kids can go on a rescue mission, race down the slide to answer calls or explore all the activities that the firehouse has to offer. And of course, don’t forget the characters themselves. Cory and his little sister Chrissy are toys that talk, sing songs and offer role-play fun and adventure all around Bumperton Hills. For more information, visit vtechkids.com/corycarson.
• Draw and Paint: The next time kids sit down for arts and crafts, encourage them to draw portraits of their favorite characters or scenery from the show. Experiment with different supplies — from crayons and colored pencils to watercolors and clay. Then create a gallery for kids to display their artwork. And, visit Netflix Jr.’s YouTube channel for some fun D.I.Y. activities inspired by Go! Go! Cory Carson.
• Story Hour: It’s never too early to foster a love of reading, and you can help by selecting books associated with your child’s favorite television series. Spend time reading together (don’t forget the silly voices and character impressions to make it more engaging) and when your child is ready to do so, have them read these same books to you.
By creating new educational experiences for kids based on their favorite shows and characters, you can feel good knowing you’re making the most of your child’s screen time.