One of the podcasts that made my Five Favorites list on 6/19/2011 featured PBS KIDS Sprout. As it turns out, Sprout is a virtual (literally) goldmine of preschooler-focused digital media—and is well worth Mom’s while to explore. So let’s take a few minutes to poke around the website and it’s comparatively wide variety of digital media offerings for the pint-sized set. Bonus: Since it’s PBS, it’s all commercial-free (except for the occasional non-animated banner ad) ! Insert round of applause.
First, let’s get the visual rundown of characters/shows represented on Sprout Online:
>>Side note: There are some nifty features of the SproutOnline website that are only available if you register. It’s free, it can only be done by a parent (requires your birth date), and they won’t spam Mommy to death. Awesome.
Now let’s get into the fun stuff and all the different ways Sprout is extending the viewing experience with its preschooler audience through a variety of digital media applications:
My Sprout
Once you sign in, My Sprout becomes your child’s personalized portal into SproutOnline. This specially designed section offers a simplified layout and the option to save favorites for easy access later.
Coloring pages
Ok, so this one isn’t exactly pure digital media. But this is where I love how Sprout doesn’t force kids to be in front of a computer. Instead, SproutOnline becomes a go-to place for all things fun and educational, digital or not. There are at least a half dozen ready-to-print pages of all kinds per PBS KIDS Sprout TV show.
Games
Find the game for your tot by character, by type of game, or, if you’ve been here before, by the favorites you’ve saved. I’m a big fan of the ability to view games by type. There’s nothing more frustrating for you and your eager preschooler than a round of trial-and-error with new games. Personally, I’m a fan of the Creativity & Self-Expression Games section. Move over kids. Mommy wants to make her own virtual puppet!
Videos & Music
Just like with Games, choose by character, by type of game, or by the favorites you’ve saved.
Birthdays
Who doesn’t like to feel super special on their birthday?!? Share photos, send a wish, share a card—it could appear on Sprout TV! Or make your own card with Create a Card for a milestone celebration you can email, share on Facebook, and even print. Plus, Party Activities give Mom a hand with the local celebration
Recipes
Similar to the Coloring pages section, here SproutOnline becomes a virtual resource for engaging activities away from the mouse as well. Plus you get to eat the project when it’s all done. Yum!
Send To Sprout
Building relationships starts young. Have a talent? Is it your birthday? Have a question for Chica? Sprout’s all ears right here—and you might even see your video/question answered/artwork featured on any of the major Sprout segments during all dayparts. Sprout’s level of audience participation is above and beyond any other child-focused channel I’ve seen—and my kids get a kick out of seeing themselves or something about them on TV!
Sprout To Go
And here’s where Sprout takes things mobile. You can join them on Facebook (which is chock full of goodies all on its own), get the Sprout Player for iPhone/iTouch/iPad, check them out on Twitter, download two games for both iOS and Android devices, Podcasts, and music too. Boring road trips can take a back seat, it seems.
There’s a big ball of fun on the PBS KIDS Sprout website. I just rounded up the tip of the iceberg to pique your interest to go exploring SproutOnline and the wide variety of digital media and digital media-enhanced experiences you can have with your preschoolers. Enjoy!
Take care,
Jenn @ KinderConnected
kinderconnected 