| It is rare that a show manages to be so | | | | most high schools require students to take foreign |
| overwhelmingly effective at accomplishing essentially | | | | language classes, a child's brain is far more receptive |
| everything which it sets out to do as the Dora the | | | | to learning languages in their early years. This means |
| Explorer cartoon has proven to be. In many ways, the | | | | that the Dora the Explorer cartoon is introducing |
| Dora the Explorer cartoon follows in the footsteps of | | | | children to Spanish at the age when they are best able |
| such public television greats as Mister Rodgers' | | | | to integrate a new language, and thus setting them up |
| Neighborhood and Sesame Street. These shows, like | | | | to be well prepared in the long run. |
| Dora, managed to be entertaining, charming, and still | | | | The second reason this is important, though, is quite |
| teach children everywhere a number of valuable | | | | possibly far more important than the first. While the |
| lessons which were about more than just your basic | | | | Dora the Explorer cartoon introduces children to the |
| academics. | | | | Spanish language, it also introduces them to elements |
| Indeed, the Dora the Explorer cartoon does teach | | | | of the Latin culture. These elements may be subtle, but |
| many of the basics that children in the target age | | | | they are the basis of a powerful message that is |
| group should be learning, essentially an animated | | | | every bit as powerful as anything children are learning |
| preschool classroom. However, Dora goes further than | | | | in schools. It is a lesson that is as vital as it is simple: |
| just your basic shapes and numbers by integrating a | | | | diversity is good. |
| constant flow of Spanish vocabulary into each | | | | There can be no doubt that this is something the |
| episode. This may not seem to be particularly | | | | newest generation of the world's children needs to |
| significant at first, but here are two basic reasons | | | | learn, as they are growing up in a world where so |
| which make this important in the lives of children today. | | | | many people are still so blinded by where someone is |
| The first reason is the state of global relations | | | | from that they can never seem to see who that |
| currently. It is often said that the world is getting smaller | | | | person is. Things like the Dora the Explorer cartoon |
| every day, and for the most part that is true. | | | | have the potential to help a great deal to bring up a |
| Communications technology is making it easier and | | | | generation of children who, when they come in contact |
| easier to talk to someone across the world as easily | | | | with someone who is different from themselves, they |
| as you could talk to someone across the street. The | | | | do not think of how those differences separate them, |
| borders between cultures are blurring and crossing at | | | | but rather they think of what those differences can |
| an ever-increasing rate. In this world, where | | | | teach them. |
| communication is paramount, children who learn a | | | | Copyright © Jared Winston, 2006. All Rights |
| second language are at a potentially great advantage | | | | Reserved. |
| over other children in the long run. While it is true that | | | | |