Although I am not a proponent for children watching lots of TV, I am a fan of Dora the Explorer. My oldest daughter watched it and picked up new Spanish words. Now my toddler has learned about Dora and is fond of her too. If you are unfamiliar, Dora is an interactive cartoon on Nick Jr. The show features a highly energetic and spirited little girl who sets out on adventures with her best friend Boots. Dora is independent and courageous. On any given day Dora may be crossing bridges and rivers to get to Grandma’s house or swimming away from a grizzly bear to get to Blueberry Hill. She uses her map and all-encompassing backpack to stop Swiper the Sneaky Fox and complete her journey.
In each episode Dora encourages children to help solve riddles and solve problems throughout the show. She engages preschoolers by speaking directly to the audience. She asks questions and uses planned pauses to give her friends time to respond. Dora empowers her audience too. She always lets her watchers know that she needs their help and that she couldn’t have completed the mission without them!
In addition to practicing cognitive skills, Dora also teaches new vocabulary in 2 languages. Dora is bilingual and speaks to preschoolers in Spanish and English. Dora encourages children to be more vocal and they learn that by using language and problem solving skills, they help complete the missions.
As a mother and a SLP I am a fan. Dora does good deeds. She celebrates friendships and kindness. She shares and looks for the best in everyone – even Swiper the sneaky fox who is always up to mischief.
How do I know so much about Dora? Whelp - we watch together. I can monitor the amount of time she spends in front of the TV, but I can also reinforce language and skills presented on the show.
If you are new to the blog, welcome! I am an SLP Mom to a toddler and a teenager. That means that I drop off to daycare and middle school, listen to rap and Sesame radio, and my DVR list includes “Scream Queens” and “Dora the Explorer.” At any given moment you may catch me humming tunes by Drake or singing “Dora, Dora, Dora the Explorer!”