Education vs Entertainment

A lot of children's entertainment is too loud, too busy, too fast and in the wrong key. Still, children like it. So what if it's sensory overload to rival a sugar fix, too fast for them to sing along to, and too low for them to sing in tune? They are having fun. Isn't that worth something? At least they might learn to move to the beat.

I suppose it's a bit like junk food or watching a soap opera on TV. It's fun, but don't kid yourself that it's doing you good. It's entertainment, not education.

Coming down heavily on the entertainment side are The Boogers, a US punk rock band for the pint-sized. I discovered their website today, and I'm torn. My youngest boy would be right into it. Out would come the air guitar and the rocker's scowl. However, he'll probably lose some of his hearing and so will the rest of the family.

There is a messsage in here for those of us who prefer more "worthy" music education for our children. We can't ignore the entertainment factor. Just because it's educational doesn't mean it has to be as dull as dishwater.

I reckon that Playschool gets it just about right. There's a reason it's been on air for so long. It's interesting and entertaining for kids without being overwhelming. And there's always the chance that Jay and Justine will break into harmonies!

Picture: "Watching"