This is one of those blessed videos for babies, toddlers, and children that wholly entertains the youngsters, but is mercifully easy upon repetition (which it was indeed designed for) for parents and caregivers. So Smart! A Learning Video for Babies is just that. With an emphasis on moving, familiar shapes that evolve into perfect first-word, first-identified objects, a child will comprehend and learn. The soundtrack features beautifully produced classical music. The first segment, in which Cecil the Circle morphs into various objects including the porthole of a boat, the bubbles of a fish, and a clock, is set to music adults will recognize as the Masterpiece Theater theme. Part 2 centers on Suzie the Square as she turns into parts of a house, train, and truck. In Part 3, Traci the Triangle turns into boat sails, a mountain range, and more. It's more than appropriate, with initial viewings, for adults to watch closely with their children, pointing out what the letters and words (appropriately remedial) say and mean, and their relationship to the images. After the inevitable repeated viewings, then it might be effective to have the young viewer identify shapes and objects themselves. With Handel and Tchaikovsky providing the soundtrack, parents won't mind having this video in the foreground or background. --N.F. Mendoza |
