Comparing Sesame Street and Bob the Builder - Assignment Example

The character had to locate the alphabet in order. It also appealed to the social-emotional development as Elmo met people on the street. The interaction comprised exchanging greetings and people helping Elmo find the alphabet.

Bob the Builder

Bob the Builder is a fantastic children's TV series. Bob is a builder who fixes houses and other household items. For the children, it is educational and fun to learn about tools. In this episode, Bob’s saw wears out and he had to replace it (YouTube, 2013). The series shows children how to protect themselves; the character Bob wears a helmet which is a lesson for children to protect themselves when they work around tools and machines. Although the series is gender-neutral, there is a little hint of associating the tool work with men. I don't find it too dangerous because most of the handymen are males. Handling the tools and machines is relatively easier for men. I would allow my children to watch this series. Children can learn a lot by watching this cartoon series. The series nurtures children’s cognition and also teaches them how to engage with people. It feeds the necessary social intelligence.

Kung Fu Panda

Kung Fu Panda depicts a team of animals fighting against the enemy to protect their village princess (YouTube, 2014). It is not educational in the sense that it does not teach children how to count or to teach them the alphabet. But it does teach them leadership skills and how to engage with the group. There is also a hint of the Chinese/Japanese honor system where the character of the panda, Po, is very devoted towards his masters, especially the princess (YouTube, 2014). It teaches children how to honor their mentors. It does not necessarily help educate children about their cognition or emotional intelligence, but it does teach them some values.

Comparison

Sesame Street and Bob the Builder are excellent shows, and there is hardly anything that I would point out as detrimental to a child’s development. From the beginning to the end of the show, everything was structured as if child psychologists helped develop the plot. I would allow my kids to watch these shows because it nurtures the child’s social interaction and cognition. They learn to count, recognize the alphabet, learn about tools, and pick up behaviors of how to politely interact with their fellows and elders. The two shows appear to be completely gender-neutral shows. Kung Fu Panda is a little different from Sesame Street and Bob the Builder. It is not educational in the strict sense, but it is fun to watch. Kung Fu Panda is not harmful to children because it teaches them to work as a team against bad guys.