Jan Zeiger's Blog
Posted by Jan Zeiger
Bindi Irwin was filming a new series, Bindi: The Jungle Girl, with her father before he died. I’m excited to announce that the series has been completed and will debut in June on the Discovery Kids Channel. As you may have guessed, the focus of the show is wildlife conservation. In the series, Bindi has her own tree house that’s set high in the rainforest, where she interacts with animals as well as visitors who stop by (including Steve and Terri Irwin). Kids from all over the globe will have the opportunity to improve their understanding of the importance of conservation and will even be able to write in and have their questions answered via “Bindi’s Blog.” I haven’t gotten to preview the show yet, but it seems like it has the makings of a hit--a charismatic young star, cuddly animals, and fun dance routines.
Bindi will also be starring in her first television special, My Daddy: The Croc Hunter, which will air on Friday, June 8th at 9pm ET on Animal Planet. Look for the premiere of Bindi: The Jungle Girl the following day on Discovery Kids Channel at 5pm ET.
Source: PR Newswire 3/27/07
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Posted by Jan Zeiger
Here are the nominees and winners of the Kids' Choice Awards for 2007 in TV-related categories:
Favorite TV Show
*American Idol*
Drake & Josh
Fear Factor
The Suite Life of Zack and Cody
Favorite TV Actor
*Drake Bell in Drake & Josh*
Jason Lee in My Name is Earl
Charlie Sheen in Two and a Half Men
Cole Sprouse in The Suite Life of Zack and Cody
Favorite TV Actress
*Miley Cyrus in Hannah Montana*
Emma Roberts in Unfabulous
Jamie Lynn Spears in Zoey 101
Raven-Symone in That's So Raven
Favorite Cartoon
Jimmy Neutron
The Simpsons
*SpongeBob SquarePants*
The Fairly OddParents
Acording to Nickelodeon, more than 40 million votes were cast this year, with kids being able to vote online or via cellphone. Visit the Kids' Choice Awards website for a complete list of winners and nominees.
Source: Press Release 3-31-07
Posted by Jan Zeiger
New episodes of Blue's Room will air on Monday through Thursay of next week at 10am. The four episodes which include "Little Red Riding Blue" and "Knights of the Snack Table" will be shown again in a special two hour block on Friday, March 30 from 12 to 2 ET.
Don't forget to check out Behind the Scenes of Blue's Clues for interesting facts about the groundbreaking original series.
Posted by Jan Zeiger
Look for special Earth Day programming on PBS during the week of April 16. The Earth Day lineup will include five new episodes of It’s a Big, Big World as well episodes of Curious George, Dragon Tales, and Clifford the Big Red Dog that will get children thinking about conservation. Miss Lori and Hooper will talk about recycling in between Earth Day-themed episodes and music videos from the children’s band, Milkshake.
Older children will have the opportunity to learn about environmental issues in the afternoons when special episodes of Arthur, Maya and Miguel, Fetch! with Ruff Ruffman, and Cyberchase. Children and parents will also be able to find online activities that will enhance their understanding of environmental issues.
Bonus Tip: Check out Eco-Kids, an excellent Canadian site with all kinds of information, hands-on activities, and printables for kids who are interested in conservation.
My Latest Reviews: Eloise in Hollywood and The Magic School Bus
Posted by Jan Zeiger
I’m not ashamed to admit that we’re big fans of NOGGIN. It’s a great network for preschoolers! I’ve never seen a show on Noggin that gave me cause for concern, and that‘s saying a lot because I‘m a very picky mom. I was delighted to hear that five new episodes of Pinky Dinky Doo, a preschool series that promotes literacy, would be shown during the week of March 26.
New public service announcements featuring Isaiah Washington from Grey’s Anatomy and Cedric the Entertainer began airing today. These segments will direct viewers to NOGGIN’s “Get Ready to Read” Online Campaign. Visitors to this page have the chance to provide a child from a low-income family with a brand new book! Just click on the red button to make a difference in a child’s life. I have talked with my son about this NOGGIN’s important mission and hope you’ll share the information with your children as well. NOGGIN is working hard to provide one million books for low-income children. And you can help with just a quick click of the mouse!
Source: PR Newswire 2/27/07
My Latest Article: The Magic School Bus TV Series
Posted by Jan Zeiger
The animated series based on the popular children’s books, Eloise, airs exclusively Starz Kids and Family. Watch a special showing of Eloise in Hollywood on Sunday, March 11th at 6pm ET. The special will feature interviews with Liza Minnelli who was the inspiration for the character as well as Mary Matilyn, the voice of Eloise. Eloise in Hollywood will air again on Saturday, March 17th at 6pm ET. Guest stars include Sex and the City’s Cynthia Nixon and Party of Five’s Lacey Chabert.
Eloise in Hollywood will be released on DVD on March 13.
Posted by Jan Zeiger
I’m careful about what programs my children watch. Actually, that’s an understatement. I'm extremely careful about what they watch! I visit Movie Mom’s website when new children’s movies hit the theater because I know she‘ll address my concerns about language, sexual content, and violence. I’m more concerned with whether or not it’s appropriate for my children than I am with whether or not she liked the film.
As with movies, I feel that some television shows certainly have value, and those are the programs my little ones are allowed to view. For example, Curious George on PBS and Go, Diego, Go! on Nick Jr. are excellent programs that both my children enjoy. While I can see what’s good in children’s television, what’s not so good is also clear. Shows in which characters use foul language, act out violently, and are mean-spirited are absolutely not suitable for my children.
In addition to my concerns about content, I feel that excessive television viewing is contributing to childhood obesity. I encourage my children to engage in active play by taking them to the park, playing games with them, and enrolling them in organized sports.
Peggy Small-Porter, director of a children’s center in New Hampshire, explores the topic of children and television in Curbing TV Time for Tots. In the article, she shares related statistics along with suggested guidelines for concerned parents.
I hope you’ll also check out my related blog on TV-Free Fun and my article on Children and Television.
Posted by Jan Zeiger
Playhouse Disney will be airing special programming on Valentine’s Day from 8 to 10am. The fun will kick off with Little Einstein’s, followed by Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, JoJo’s Circus, and Higglytown Heroes.
Children who enjoy visiting the Playhouse Disney website might enjoy helping Mickey catch all the heart-shaped cookies in Mickey’s Cookie Grab. They may also want to print and color Higglytown Heroes and Little Einsteins Valentines to share with friends.
Posted by Jan Zeiger
I have two little ones who are about to turn five and two. My son has outgrown many of the shows geared towards younger children while my daughter is just getting into them. Even though there is a difference of three years between my children, I have found that each of them is captivated by the Dora the Explorer spin-off which stars her cousin, Diego.
Today we were at the mall for a playdate when David reminded me that he had saved up $9. He had his wallet with him and wanted to go shopping for a special toy. Upon entering the toy store, he was immediately drawn to a Diego-inspired toy. It was a multi-use tool that included a magnifying glass as well as a pretend compass. When we got home, David went upstairs and changed his clothes so he could play “Diego” in the backyard with his new toy. Of course, his little sister tagged along and wanted the toy--probably because of the familiar face glued to the front.
While I have concerns about marketing to children and consumerism, I don’t mind the fact that David wanted to buy a product that featured Diego. In fact, his choice was a reminder of just how important it is to make informed choices regarding his media diet. When he went into the toy store to spend his money, he chose a toy that featured familiar, well-loved character that he has seen on television. He’s not unusual. Children ask their parents to purchase products all the time because of television characters. Breakfast cereal is a great example of how companies market their product to children by putting colorful images of familiar characters on the front of the box.
There are many programs that I don’t turn on for my children because of the content, but I don’t believe all television is harmful. Obviously, I think there are some excellent programs for children since I’m the Children’s TV writer here at Suite 101. One show I am comfortable with my children watching is Go, Diego, Go. I feel that the lead character, a boy who rescues animals, is a positive role model for my children, so I don’t mind that they’re both hooked on Diego!
Speaking of which, I need to check the Go, Diego, Go LIVE tour schedule to find out if they’re coming to our area in 2007. I'm sure my children would absolutely love the live show!
Posted by Jan Zeiger
A few weeks ago, I wrote an article about Steve Irwin’s last documentary, Ocean’s Deadliest. This weekend was extremely busy, filled with birthday parties and visits with family, so I didn’t even think to set the DVR to record the Animal Planet special. I realized around 11pm that we had missed the documentary “The Crocodile Hunter” was filming when he died as well as the special tribute that was to air immediately afterwards.
I did a bit of research and found that Animal Planet will be airing both programs a few more times during the coming week. I’m sure there are others like me who weren't watching TV tonight, so here’s when you’ll be able to catch these special shows. Note: All times are ET.
Ocean’s Deadliest
January 25, 2007 @ 08:00 PM
January 25, 2007 @ 11:00 PM
January 28, 2007 @ 03:00 PM
Crikey, What an Adventure!
January 25, 2007 @ 09:30 PM
January 26, 2007 @ 12:30 AM
January 26, 2007 @ 02:30 PM
January 28, 2007 @ 04:30 PM
If you were able to see the program tonight, please let us know what you thought about it in the discussion section.
Posted by Jan Zeiger
This episode of Nick News looks especially interesting to me. They’ll be sharing the stories of children who are working for change in areas that concern them greatly. When I read about the topics, I was really impressed because, while I care deeply about these issues now, I can’t say I was aware of such issues when I was growing up.
I don’t take my children to the circus. We boycott the circus because of the inhumane treatment and terrible conditions faced by the animals each day. “Rebels with a Cause” on Nick News will introduce viewers to a boy named Blake in Illinois who, like me, is appalled at circus practices and is doing something about it.
As a former classroom teacher, I’ll also be tuning in to see the story of two Washington girls who are concerned about high stakes testing. What’s high stakes testing? That’s when standardized tests are used to make life-altering decisions. While I don’t have a problem with standardized tests in general, I do have a problem with the way they’re being used in our country today and the negative impact they’re having on children.
Two girls in Illinois are speaking out against the use of child labor in sweatshops. I boycott Walmart for their use of child labor along with other unethical business practices. I think it’s great that these girls are bringing attention to such an important issue.
“Rebels with a Cause” will also feature two additional stories of child activists. I commend these children for standing up for their beliefs and intend to watch the program on Sunday, January 28 at 8:30 ET. See my article for more information.
Posted by Jan Zeiger
I’m really enjoying Nick Jr.’s Parents TV. I recently discovered it and had fun watching interviews with singer Laurie Berkner, Alicia Keys, and Leann Rimes. Steve Burns and Donovan Tate of Blue’s Clues are also featured on Nick Jr.’s Parents TV, and my son had a great time seeing their interviews. He also liked “meeting” the voices of Dora the Explorer and her cousin, Diego. In addition to interviews with voice talent and singers, parents and children can learn a bit about what goes behind the scenes of shows like Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! and The Backyardigans. See an interview with Tracy Paige Johnson, co-creator of Blue’s Clues to learn the origin of Blue’s unusual bark and more. Learn more about Lazytown, a show created in Iceland, by watching an interview with its creator, Magnus Scheving.
I highly recommend checking out Nick Jr.’s Parents TV when you can for great behind-the-scenes information as well as nutritious recipes and craft ideas. The craft ideas are wonderful and definitely worth checking out, and the fact that parents can actually view a video instead of just reading instructions makes them doable for those of us with limited creative ability. The healthy snack ideas are helpful too, especially in today‘s world when children are bombarded with ads for food products and beverages that just aren‘t good for them.
For news in children’s television, check out my latest articles.
Posted by Jan Zeiger
How was 2006 for your family? It was a great year for me, especially since I started writing for Suite 101. I really enjoy writing about the latest and greatest in children’s TV. One of my New Year’s resolutions is to start writing more often, so I’d love to hear from you! I’m looking for topic ideas and would like to learn more about what you are looking for when you visit the Children’s Television section here at Suite 101. To date, my most popular articles have been Go, Diego, Go LIVE and an American Girl Made-for-TV Movie. By checking my traffic stats, I get a pretty good idea of what you like, but I’d much rather hear directly from my readers. Please feel free to email me or post in the forum if you have feedback you‘d like to share.
I’m really looking forward to this year in children’s television. I recently wrote an article on Miley Cyrus of Hannah Montana and plan to follow up with a review of the show. I also wrote an article on the new season of Jack’s Big Music Show which promises to be a great one, featuring regular appearances of the Laurie Berkner Band as well as other artists. Have you had a chance to see Jim Henson Company’s brand new show on PBS Sprout? The Hoobs debuted on Christmas Day and can now be seen on weekdays at 2pm ET. I haven’t gotten to catch it yet but hope to soon.
Looking for ways to entertain your children that don’t involve the tube? I’ve compiled a great list of resources for parents who are looking for information on TV-Free Fun. Are you concerned about your child’s media diet? You may want to check out my article on children and television which provides a list of valuable websites that will help you make informed decisions about your child's viewing habits.
Please bookmark this site or subscribe to blog feeds and/or article feeds to stay informed.
Wishing you all the best in 2007!