The boys have been watching a video most days for a few months now - delightful! They seem to be moving on past Baby Einstein, though, and have been more interested in the CedarMont Kids sing-a-longs. Jonah requests these by saying “Video! Babies!”

Then a few weeks ago we received a review copy of the Phonics 4 Babies video from Parent Bloggers and it has become a favorite as well. Mallory Lewis, a ventriloquist, interacts with several puppets – playing games, talking about manners, and sounding out letters and words.

Personally, I wouldn’t have picked up this video if I saw it in the store. I don’t like the:

• Title   (I hate phonics)
• Subtitle   (“Unleash the Genius in your Child”?!?!)
• Busy-ness of the images on the screen   (the layout needs decluttering)
• Tummy Tot puppets   (only slightly better than TeleTubbies)

BUT.... Mallory Lewis has a genuinely enthusiastic personality that kids love - she has both my boys talking back to her! They also love letters and pay close attention as she sounds out the alphabet. And - although this may be completely coincidental – Jonah is now more willing to say “help, please” and “thank you” without having an epileptic fit.

I close with the words of Benjamin as he walked through the kitchen yesterday: “Buh-buh-ball!”