Ready Set Learn! A Comprehensive Review of Discovery Kids' Educational DVD Series
Discovery Kids' "Ready Set Learn!" was a preschool destination designed to promote emotional intelligence and specific learning content. This article delves into the "Ready Set Learn!" DVD series, exploring its content, educational value, and overall appeal. The series, which aired on Discovery Kids Channel and TLC, is now available on DVD and features multiple episodes of series, including "PAZ," "WILBUR" and "THE SAVE-UMS!," as well as bonus episodes from other series, including "TODDWORLD,” “BIGFOOT PRESENTS METEOR AND THE MIGHTY MONSTER TRUCKS”, and “PEEP AND THE BIG WIDE WORLD,” plus “HIP HOP HARRY” and “HI-5” music videos.
Overview of Ready Set Learn!
Ready Set Learn! was a television block broadcast from late 1992 until 2010 across TLC and Discovery Kids. It was a cable competitor to PBS's children's offerings, broadcasting twice on weekday mornings with three hours of original, imported, and rerun programming, plus music videos geared towards preschoolers. Discovery developed the block after a 1990 Carnegie Foundation report. Shows were selected based on their educational value and visual vibrancy. TLC invested $10 million in a line of home video and software releases and plans to spin it off into a standalone channel. The parent company used Ready as a loss leader to expand the network's carriage. A counterpart for older children debuted on the main Discovery Channel in early 1997.
The Core Programs
The "Ready Set Learn!" DVDs feature episodes from three main series: "PAZ," "WILBUR," and "THE SAVE-UMS!" Each of these shows brings a unique approach to early childhood education.
Paz: Emotional Intelligence Through Play
Paz, an adorable five-year-old penguin, serves as both a character within the show and the host of Ready Set Learn!. Every Paz episode is designed to promote emotional intelligence. The pint-sized penguin has a big imagination and looks at the world with optimism, energy, and curiosity. Paz provides educational and story-based segments inspired by the interesting things that happen in a preschooler’s everyday world. Paz is based on the popular book series by Irish writer Mary Murphy.
Wilbur: A Love of Books and Reading
Wilbur, an enthusiastic young calf, believes that “Books are Moovelous!”. With a nostalgic red barn as a backdrop and a crew of barnyard animals, Discovery Kids teaches early literacy skills to preschoolers with this series. Wilbur and his friends encounter problems and turn to books to help solve them. The episodes all support vocabulary development and narrative skills as children watch the episodes and learn knew ways in which to interact with the world.
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The Save-Ums: Problem-Solving with Technology
This series features 3-D animated super action heroes who help prepare preschoolers for their role in the 21st century. The Save-Ums utilize helicopters, space ships and other machines to solve problems and nurture an interest in technology and critical thinking. Preschoolers will learn the principles of cause and effect and the impact of cooperative play. The Save-Ums are victorious because they work together, demonstrating that small is powerful.
DVD Features and Content
The "Ready Set Learn!" DVDs offer a variety of content beyond the main episodes.
Bonus Episodes
Each DVD features bonus episodes from other popular "Ready Set Learn!" series, including "TODDWORLD," "BIGFOOT PRESENTS METEOR AND THE MIGHTY MONSTER TRUCKS", and "PEEP AND THE BIG WIDE WORLD."
Music Videos
The DVDs also include music videos from "HIP HOP HARRY" and "HI-5," adding a musical element to the educational content.
Packaging and Extras
The DVDs are packaged with finger-puppets and an activity booklet, enhancing the interactive experience for children and parents. The activity booklet is aimed at helping parents “develop your child's emotional intelligence.”
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Educational Value
"Ready Set Learn!" is designed as a teaching and learning tool for children and their parents or caregivers. The programs promote specific learning content that is invaluable to a child’s development. For example, a program can encourage school readiness skills and creative play. The stories and characters from the programs in "Ready Set Learn!" demonstrate important skills regarding practice, persistence and patience, as well as many other skills for managing the frustrations of early childhood. The series promotes healthy emotional well being, early literacy development, and problem solving skills.
Reception and Reviews
During its run, "Ready Set Learn!" was positively reviewed. One review highlighted "Ready Set Learn! (the remake of an Australian format) and The Save-Ums! as the standouts, noting that "All the new shows are colorful, watchable and scrupulously created with the principles of child development firmly in mind."
Specific DVD Examples
Ready Set Learn, Vol. 1: Try, Try Again!
This DVD features episodes from Paz, Wilbur, and The Save-Ums. The DVD totals 105 minutes long. The episodes all support vocabulary development and narrative skills as children watch the episodes and learn knew ways in which to interact with the world. It is most appropriate for children ages 2 years to 4 years old. It also includes bonus episodes from Bigfoot Presents: Meteor and the Mighty, ToddWorld, and Peep and the Big Wide World, as well as music videos from Wilbur, Hi-5, and Hip Hop Harry, along with a 30-page booklet aimed at helping parents “develop your child's emotional intelligence.”
Ready Set Learn, Vol. 2: Spring Fling!
This DVD features a number of animated animals and characters teaching toddlers about basic concepts concerning emotional intelligence, helping the young viewers recognize feelings in themselves and others. It includes episodes from: Bigfoot Presents Meteor and the Mighty Monster Trucks, Peep and the Big Wide World, ToddWorld, Music videos: Wilbur, Hi-5, Hip Hop Harry, Emotional Intelligence: A Guide for You and Your Child.
Legacy
Ready Set Learn! ran on TLC from December 28, 1992 to September 26, 2008, with Discovery Kids following suit during the 2000s. The final TLC airing of Ready Set Learn! occurred almost three weeks before its launch.
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