Hi-5

This is a show that parents can watch with their kids that gets them both dancing, singing and learning! The skits help children ages 2-8 learn numbers, math, problem-solving, learn words and music and shapes. Its almost like a whole day of preschool in a 20 minute show that you will not be able to tear your kids away from. Plus, the songs are not annoying (compared to Barney or even the Wiggles) so even you will be singing them all day as well! Check out the show on TLC and Discovery, during their "Ready Set Learn" programming block, and be sure to pick up your copies of the 3 DVD or VHS released early August, and the CD that will be released in early September. Go to hi5america.com for more info.

It's a quagmire of freakyness. All the bright colors and singing and imaginative play is, I agree, good for a kid. I don't care for the puppets, but there aren't many of them. But as someone who can't tolerate the campy prancing of the average Broadway musical, I find it hard to handle. There seems to be a belief in entertainment that if everyone likes a thing, they'll like it better with songs, no matter how cheesy. I suppose this is somewhat true of children, but it is as usual carried too far even in their shows.

So kids will like it up to a certain age, not sure which age because my 10-year-old complains about how corny it is and then sits and watches it. But for adults, at least those who tend to watch the Macy's parade without the Broadway prance samples, it's rough... but easy to handle than Barney.

I was a huge Hi-5 fan when I was young. It was super fun to watch their shows, and sing along to all of their songs! I also went to one of their concerts, which was my first one. I still have memories from how fun that day was. I met them later that day, and the entire cast was wicked friendly, and personable.

I have a 2 1/2 year old daughter and she loves Hi-5 and so do I. In fact, we recently went to a HI-5 concert and listening to an hour and a half of their songs showed me just how much vocabulary my daughter has learned from listening to this group. I started catching phrases in the songs that I heard my daughter saying on a daily basis.

This wonderful group manages to sneak learning in during the fun of singing and dancing. Each of the 5 characters teach different sorts of things -- shapes, problem solving, music, vocabulary and movement and they do a great job of it. I recommend them to any parent with toddlers. If they come to your city, I also recommend getting tickets to their concert. It's worth it.

This Discovery Kids show is full of music and fun. While it's geared towards kids, I find myself singing the tunes myself. Our three year old looks forward to watching it every day, and our 18 month old jumps up and runs around in circles (aka dancing), singing along and chanting "Hi-5!" Whenever the new episodes come out it's at the top of the list of things to watch at our house. Note that this is the American version of the show. There are other shows in other countries with different characters. I have heard they are also fantastic, but having watched these characters so long, I am not sure if my kids would be as happy with the others.