Dora the Explorer

Languages

Dora and her friends are bilingual. Although the show is primarily in English, Spanish is interspersed frequently enough that kids actually begin learning the language. Your kids will not become fluent in Spanish just from watching Dora, but they will definitely learn concept terms, such as colors, numbers, directions, shapes, and sizes. If nothing else, the show will make your kids aware that other languages exist. It might even make them curious enough to pursue a foreign language.

Math Concepts

Kids learn basic math concepts in each episode. Frequently Dora will ask her young friends to count items or match by shape. At other times, she will ask for help in finding the "largest" or the "one in the middle." Sometimes Dora will ask viewers to place items in order by size.

These drills help teach pre-math skills in a fun context. What's more, Dora looks straight at the "camera," making kids feel that she is speaking directly to them. She even pauses to wait for their answer and responds with comments like, "Right!" or "I like that, too!" Kids actually feel they are speaking to a friend and will shout out the answers to Dora's many questions.

Dora the Explorer Observation

Dora constantly challenges preschoolers' powers of observations. She might stop and ask, "Do you see Swiper?" Kids then search for the sneaky fox and usually find him hiding behind a boulder or in a tree. Or Backpack will have six unrelated items and will ask, "Which do I need, if it's raining?" Unlike other shows that are passive entertainment, Dora the Explorer strives to keep kids thinking.

Problem-Solving

In her journeys, Dora often runs into obstacles. Sometimes her path is covered in snow; sometimes she has lost an important item. At other times, Dora encounters an animal in need, such as a baby bird separated from its mother. She then exclaims, "I need your help!" Young viewers are encouraged to help Dora overcome her obstacle and reach her goal. The solution is always in reach, even for the youngest viewers. Many times, the solution is as simple as consulting a map or looking in the backpack. At other times, Dora needs to use available tools in innovative ways. Solving Dora's problems gives youngsters a sense of empowerment and confidence in their own lives.

Early Map Skills

One of Dora's helpful sidekicks is Map, her talking map. On every episode of the show, Dora and her friends have a destination. Map shows them the way. The journey to the destination is always a three-step process, with instructions like: go over the bridge, go through the forest, and go to the top of Red Mountain. Throughout the show, Dora stops to ask viewers to help her with directions. This helps kids with basic directional concepts like right, left, up, down, over, and under. It also helps them understand the concept of a map.

Physical Activity

Periodically, Dora stops and asks the kids to get up and move. She might have them dancing the Mamba or pretending they are climbing stairs. Sometimes she has the kids jump up and down or imitate animals. It's not quite a physical education class, but it does get the kids on their feet.

Dora the Explorer Merchandise

There is a whole host of Dora merchandise available. From computer games and books to dolls and clothes, just about anything you can think of is available in a Dora theme. Dora the Explorer merchandise is widely available and can be found at most department stores, toy stores, book stores, grocery stores, and online stores.

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