Text: Licia Selepe. Article from the September 2014 issue of Living and Loving Magazine.
Our round-up of six fun and educational kiddies’ TV shows.
64 Zoo Lane
CBeebies, Channel 306 on DSTV, Daily
64 Zoo Lane is about a little girl named Lucy who lives close to a zoo. Every night, the zoo animals visit Lucy, tell her an exciting story, and send her on a magical adventure. At the end, the moral of the tale is discussed, and then bedtime is declared, sending Lucy off for a cosy night’s sleep. The stories are simple and easy to follow and emphasise friendship, responsibility, and helping and caring for others. These themes are also intended to send out positive messages to children about emotional and social development.
Doc McStuffins
Disney Junior Channel 309 on DSTV, Daily
This series is about a little girl named Dottie ‘Doc’ McStuffins, who decides she wants to become a doctor like her mother. She pretends to be a doctor by fixing toys and dolls. When she puts on her stethoscope, the toys, dolls and fluffy toys come to life, and she can talk to them. With the help from her fluffy toy friends Stuffy, Hallie, Lambie and Chilly, Doc helps other toys ‘feel better’ by giving them check-ups and diagnosing their illnesses. Doc McStuffins will have your kids running around pretending to be doctors.
Baby Jake
Cbeebies, Channel 306 On DSTV, Daily
This show features Jake, an adorable nine-month-old baby. Narrated by Isaac, who is the only person who can understand what Jake is saying. Each episode sees Jake in a different environment, doing all the things babies love to do, like rolling, laughing, sliding and playing – but rather than rolling around on the sofa, he may be flying. The show mixes live action with bright and colourful 2D animation, and is full of baby-speak songs, which we come to understand with the help of Isaac.
Cool Catz
ETV, Daily at 2:35pm
Cool Catz is a funky, fun kids’ show starring four of the coolest cats in town: Catnap, Wildcat, Smartycat and Kitty Kat. Their favourite hangout is the Cool Catz Club House, which is situated at the top of a very tall tree. They sing, play games, make things, and generally have loads of fun. Cool Catz embraces the energetic and imaginative world of children. It entertains, excites, stimulates, and motivates them to enter the magical world of the Cool Catz.
Takalani Sesame
SABC 2 Weekdays at 10am; SABC 1 Tuesday to Saturday at 7:30am
This show engages children and parents and promotes school readiness, literacy, numeracy, and health and hygiene. The Muppets have entertained South Africans for over a decade. The series takes an holistic approach to early learning and development by integrating education and entertainment and setting clear educational objectives. The series incorporates traditional and non-traditional broadcast methods in five of South Africa’s official languages.
Big Cook Little Cook
Cbeebies, Channel 306 on DSTV Daily
Big Cook Little Cook is a cookery programme for preschoolers that takes young children on a culinary adventure. Big Cook Ben and Little Cook Small run a café together and love cooking up exciting dishes for the people who come to visit them. Small is a superimposed tiny chef who helps Ben around the kitchen. The programmes are fast-paced and funny, encouraging children to try things they wouldn’t normally eat, and to think more about where their food comes from.
Q & A with Mister Maker from Cbeebies
CBeebies’ Mister Maker is a great hit with children. He’s inspiring, fun, and loves coming up with new ways to use paint and glue.
His show is fast, funny and full of easy-to-copy activities for little ones. The star was recently in South Africa for a series of shows, and Living and Loving caught up with him to find out more.
Q Have yo u been to South Africa before?
A I’ve been lucky enough to visit South Africa many times. We’ve received an amazing response to our show here – both on TV and live from valued Mini Makers. This is something that makes me feel very proud.
Q What do you love most about South Africa?
A There’s too much to put in one answer! I love the wonderful people, the beautiful country, the amazing food, the gorgeous weather… and even the really good cricket team (and I’m a big England fan!) The audiences in South Africa always make lots of noise, so I’m looking forward to seeing them again.
Q For those kids who haven’t seen the show, what are they missing’?
A For a start, the presenter has an excellent hairstyle! (laughs). But most importantly, the show is all about arts and crafts… and having fun creating something.
Q What makes your show different and so popular?
A lt’s a very visual show -full of fun, comedy, music and great arty ideas. It’s also produced in a way that everyone can enjoy it. We want all ages (and grown-ups!) to be inspired by our show and to enjoy making things together.
Q Where do you get your arts and crafts ideas?
A From the world around me. That’s a big theme of the show – look at home, at school, in the street, in a park… anywhere! They can all give you inspiration to make something. We also have a passionate, talented team that helps us come up with ideas. It’s a real team effort.
Q Do you have any tips for parents doing crafts with their children?
A Have confidence… and lots of fun! Art isn’t like maths – there’s no right or wrong. So get making, enjoy yourself, and be proud of your creations!
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