Are You Watching Oobi?
A couple of days ago I walked into the living room just in time to hear my son yell out “Oobi!” along with the TV. Since it isn’t one of the shows he normally watches it caught me a little off guard.
So what exactly is Oobi? Oobi is a show on Noggin based on bare-hand puppets (with eyes and accessories). “Oobi” is a curious four-year-old who explores the world around him with the help of his little sister Uma, his best friend Kako, and his grandfather, Grampu.
Oobi introduces simple concepts that occur in a child’s every day life. The show explores the wonder and amazement that most children experience when they discover something new. As Oobi and his friends play, they help preschoolers build vocabulary, concepts and skills from mathematics, early literacy and logical thinking. During the breaks between each episode, the characters have interactions with real toddlers based on the theme of the show.
As with most shows there are both good and bad aspects of the show. My one big gripe about the show is the speech that is used throughout it. All of the characters on the show, including Grampu, speak in simple phrases-often leaving words out-rather than using full sentences. While it does keep things simple for the preschool aged viewers that it is aimed at, it does not model proper speech patterns. Parents of autistic children, however, find the show refreshing as they find it easier to communicate with their children in simple sentences like those used on the show.
While I don’t keep it in frequent rotation, I do allow my son to watch it occasionally because he really does seem to enjoy it. I, on the other hand, have to find some other kind of distraction while it is on.
Oobi, Noggin, preschooler, speech, autism, Uma, Kako, Grampu
February 8th, 2007 at 10:17 am
My kids love this show and I have no idea why. I don’t let them watch it but sometimes my husband does.
I think it is stupid!
February 8th, 2007 at 11:59 am
I do not like this show. My son doesn’t seem to care much either way, so we don’t watch it. I don’t think it is a bad show altogether, but the way they talk grates on my nerves too!
February 8th, 2007 at 12:33 pm
My nephews (who live abroad) watched this show a few times when they were in the States over Christmas. They thought it was so funny. I find it rather annoying and encouraged them to watch other shows that I prefer, like Diego or Wonder pets.
February 8th, 2007 at 3:09 pm
I’m glad to see I’m not the only parent that isn’t fond of Oobi!
February 8th, 2007 at 4:28 pm
I have never seen this show, but my impression from the discussion here is that I haven’t missed much…kinda like TeleTubbies?
February 8th, 2007 at 6:25 pm
I think I would rather have some teeth pulled than watch Oobi. Give me Wow Wow Wubzy!