As promised, I have a treat for you today. Do you all remember Reading Rainbow? I sure do. I think i was 8 or 9 when It came on. I loved it! That show had everything. The theme song was amazing, (the original not the new one they tried to put on in the 90s). The host, Lavar Burton, was friendly, personable, and he knew a lot about books. The show encouraged kids to get a library card, check out a book, and explore with your imagination. According to Wikipedia; Reading Rainbow ran from June 6,1983 to November 10,2006. They showed reruns up until the last time on air August 28,2009. Sniff Sniff.
I think I just woke up the neighbors. I love singing this song. I get goosebumps every time i hear the beginning of the song come on.
I will never forget the first episode of Reading Rainbow. I was at my grandmother's in Detroit. As soon as the theme song came on- I was hooked! They read us "Miss Nelson is Back" by Harry G. Allard Jr. and James Marshall. They even had a great musical number called " Check It Out" to encourage kids to go to the library.
AND ITS ON YOUTUBE! SHUT UP!!!! -"Check it out.. don't shout!"
When I was in school, we had a library in the building. I think you had to be in the 1st or 2nd grade to get a library card. It was free. I loved having my name printed on my little card. If you were in grade 2-4 you could check out one book. If you were in the 5th grade you could check out 2! I was an avid reader. I love to read. I love to go on adventures and meet new friends. I think children should be read to at an early age.
I am sad that earlier this year, Reading Rainbow was taken off air. It was a great run! A child never forgets their childhood friends. PBS has always done a great job helping grade school children learn to read.
The other good part about Reading Rainbow that I remember was when they let real kids tell you their reviews on books they read. The kid would review the book and at the end they'd say " but you dont have to take my word for it. " I remember they talked about "Where the Wild Things Are" , by Maurice Sendak. I went and got the book the next time we were able to check out books at the school library. You can get it too at Amazon.com Where the Wild Things Are . Maurice Sendak also created "Little Bear " and "Really Rosie", among other things.
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Coincidently, "Where the WIld Things Are" has been turned into 2009 live action Motion Picture. It comes out in theatres October 16,2009. Take your kids and have a great time. I think this may be a little scary for your kids under age 7. But you know what your kid can and cannot handle. Otherwise, go celebrate it! The preview looks cool doesn't it?
Another fantastic set of books that became a PBS staple is "Arthur". I loved "Arthur". The first book I ever heard about the cute little aardvark and his friends, was " Arthur's Eyes". I liked the book because I wore glasses. back then. any kid, or cartoon with glasses, I loved. We seemed to connect somehow. I read all the Arthur books and I love the cartoon. I have a favorite episode called " It's Only Rock N Roll". The Backstreet Boys actually took time out to come and do voices of themselves in the cartoon in 2001. I still think it is AWESOME!
Here is the backstreet Boys Version :
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Since PBS was such a great platform for Childrens' Television, we cannot forget Sesame Street, Mr. Roger's Neighborhood ( RIP Fred Rogers), The Electric Company, Square One and 3-2-1 Contact!
Every kid I know, grew up with Sesame Street as a babysitter. Sesame Street was a melting pot for everyone of all races and ages to interact. I loved it. I mean, I was kinda mad when people didn't ever see Snuffy for the longest time, but I loved it. I learned a lot of songs and letters and numbers because of Sesame Street. I am going to share a few favorites with you as well as the theme song. My personal favorite Sesame Street Puppets ( not to be confused with the Muppet Show Muppets ) are Big Bird, Grover, Oscar, Guy Smiley, Forgetful Jones, Cookie Monster. and Snuffy. I also loved Ernie. As the years went by, I saw and fell in love with Elmo too,(until he became too much of the focus of the show). I love that they also let my favorite Muppet of all, Kermit the Frog, have his little News Flash. And who could forget that welcoming song. This is the one I grew up hearing. They keep changing it every so offten or messing it up as i like to call it)
I LOVE KERMIT!
Mr. Rodger's Neighborhood is going to be reviewed on another day because I really have to give Mr. Fred Rogers his props. He was an amazing man who really wanted children to use their imaginations. Sometimes he creeped me out, but He was still Mr. Rodgers. I was really scared of that Lady Elane Puppet. Was that even a lady?
I know that the Electric Company started in the 70s, but I remember it. I will never forget the beginning to the theme " HEY YOU GUYYYYYS" Come on. You know you remember it too!
I have to include these two clips because If I don't I'd kick myself. One of my favorite charters on Electic Company was "Easy Reader". He just happens to be one of my most favorite actors, Morgan Freeman. Sorry Mr. Freeman, i have to do it to ya. Much love.. Much groovey love. You know it was the 70s. And thats his excuse. Ha ha!
This will make you laugh. It has to. Everybody does.
As Fozzy Bear would say" Waka Waka Waka".
Square One was for older kids. It helped with multiplication and Division. I loved the little segments called Mathnet and Mathman the little pac-man like game. Ha ha.
Last but never least is 3-2-1 Contact. The Theme Song was catchy. I can't really remember if this was a science show or what. I just remember the sketch " the Bloodhound Gang" and that theme and how much fun it was.
The bloodhound Gang was cool!
I hope you all got a fresh blast from the past right now. I am gonna get going. Lots to do and see. Please come back soon. Today's blog has been brought to you today by the numbers 3 and 9 and the letter 'H' . Like Lavar Burton said at the end of Reading Rainbow . " See ya next time".
* Some of the TV shows that we discussed today are available on Amazon.com in selected editions on DVD or Audio CD. You may enjoy these with the kids. " But you don't have to take my word for it".
Reading Rainbow Selections
Sesame Street Audio & Video
Mr. Roger's Neighboorhood
The Electric Company DVDs
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