Quality Programming Educates

	Age-appropriate television viewed actively can help children develop pre-reading skills, including vocabulary development, sequencing, letter and word recognition, and an understanding of character, setting and passage of time.

When you tune into PBS GUAM for your own viewing experience or for a child’s, you’re tuning into the PBS network of quality television that not only enlightens and entertains, but also educates. As television viewers we have numerous choices—but you can always count on PBS GUAM and PBS to provide you with outstanding programming that enriches everyone’s life.

Most researchers are in agreement that excessive television viewing isn’t good for people, adults and children alike, because it may keep us from doing other important activities and, in some cases, expose us to negative messages.

Q. Why not just turn off the television and prohibit kids from watching TV?

A. Children are going to watch TV no matter what. The only question is whether or not they will have the skills to choose well and view actively. Kids who don’t watch at all miss out on some great stuff. There are a lot of places that only television and video can take us—to other planets or a volcano or a special performance.

Q. Kids watch too much TV already. Should they watch more in school or child care?

A. Some kids do watch too much TV, and extensive viewing isn’t good for them. But the same children who are viewing too much at home are also the least likely to be learning critical viewing skills at home. Using TV actively in the classroom or child care setting can model a different—and more productive—way of viewing. Thus, viewing in a controlled or structured educational setting can actually support and expand learning.

 

Q. Does TV keep children from reading books?

A. The studies are mixed on this. Some researchers have found that television viewing can replace other “quiet time” activities, including reading. This is especially true for heavy viewers. Other studies have found no effect, especially in light or moderate viewers. However, we do know that television can be used to reinforce reading.

Age-appropriate television viewed actively can also help children develop pre-reading skills, including vocabulary development, sequencing, letter and word recognition, and an understanding of character, setting, and passage of time.