Bob the Builder

Speaking of Bob the Builder, let’s take a look at this import from the United Kingdom. “Can we fix it?” is the catch phrase from this sweet show where the answer is always, “Yes we can!” I do not recommend it as highly as the other shows I have reviewed for reasons I will explain but since I mentioned it in my last post I thought it best to address it. Bob the Builder is fun and harmless and positive but it just isn’t that educational and parents beware: the merchandising for this show is HUGE!!! It does not take too many viewings for kids to become enamored of all the very cool machines and to want to collect them all in as many forms as possible: LEGO, books, battery-operated, non-battery-operated. I warn you in advance if that is not a path that you are willing to take.

Bob the Builder started the year Drew was born and is still being produced in different forms. Here is what Common Sense Media has to say about Bob the Builder:

What parents need to know: Parents need to know that there is nothing objectionable in this show. That said, while the series is primarily about the can-do attitude that Bob and his building crew demonstrate while facing tough assignments, some of the adult details won't interest preschoolers. How much do 3-year-olds want to know about "paperwork" and "raising money"? Not all episodes are abstract in this manner, but enough stress to "get things done" colors the program to make adults feel a little guilty for sitting in front of the tube with their little one.

The most effective aspect of Bob the Builder is the characters' ability to identify a problem, make a plan that aims to solve it, and then delegate the crew to get the job done. On the other hand, this type of organizational structuring would be more suitable for viewers over the age of 5, who have been exposed to the dynamics of a large group and who understand the need for order. The youngest viewers should really learn basics like vocabulary and counting before they're asked to consider the complex problems simplified in this program.

Yes, the animated trucks are fun to watch, and the gracious nature of Bob and his un-stereotypically handy wife are indeed decent role models, but making the assumption that this program should replace the fun of actually playing with actual toy trucks in the actual back yard would be a mistake. So try this: Give the 3-year-old viewers the trucks and sand for building, and observe the situations that they create to see whether they think like adults, or are still children after all.

Me again: It isn’t very educational but it is fun and who can resist Elton John singing Crocodile Rock as a claymation character? That song was on our trip-CD-playlist for over a year. I must also give a shout-out to Wendy, Bob’s friend who is just as handy as he is and that provides a good role model to all the little girls who may want to build and create and renovate, too.