Sprout Television Channel (TV)

The Sprout Channel is also owned by the PBS Company however, the programs on this particular channel are only available through cable providers for a cost. Initiated in 2005, the Sprout Channel is a 24-hour on demand television channel designed specifically for preschoolers.

The programming is mostly consistent with the same shows repeating throughout the day to maintain repetition, occasionally; a new show will be added to encourage a better foundation for learning. A daily schedule consists of the Wiggly Waffle program hosted by the musical group, the Wiggles; the morning show titled The Sunny Side Up Show; The Let’s Go Show, airing in the early afternoon; The Sprout Sharing Show, broadcasting in the later afternoon; and the Good Night Show. All program segments contain preschool formatted entertainment: cartoons, music, puppets, skits, and crafts.

            The majority of the programming builds on the skills of vocabulary, letter knowledge, narrative skills, and phonological awareness, there is little advancement in the way of print awareness and print motivation. In general, the Sprout channel is not a bad tool but more work would be required on the part of the parent to encourage growth in the other skill areas.

Resources:

PBS KIDS Sprout. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.sproutonline.com/