We were knocked down by germs for two weeks at the end of February/beginning of March. To survive, we resorted to a lot of video watching. Thankfully, our awesome local library has a lot of the NEST Animated Heroes Classics DVDs! Nest Entertainment offers a wide selection of Christian and Family Entertainment for the whole family.
After over two weeks of extensive viewing and the aftermath, I have compiled a list of pros and cons of watching educational videos with Dr. J and Meatball.
PRO
My sons learned about Benjamin Franklin, the Wright Brothers, Marie Curie, Galileo, Leonardo daVinci, Judah Maccabee, Thomas Edison, Helen Keller, Alexander Graham Bell, and Marco Polo.
CON
My apartment has been destroyed by a river of water (aka pile of blankets steamrolling around) like the Maccabees used to defend themselves against the Greek soldiers. The debris is widespread.
PRO
I have learned about these important people as well. Did you know Alexander Graham Bell taught at a school for deaf children? Marie Curie could have made millions off the secret of radium, but she chose to give it away instead.
CON
Our play kitchen keeps getting torn apart like failed experiments of Thomas Edison that exploded. A set of bunk beds that lasted another family around twenty years in nearly pristine condition have been carved into by a paper clip, in an effort to “take the whole thing apart and start all over again” like the Wright Brothers.
PRO
My sons have wholesome things to reenact instead of some current cartoon craze. They have turned our recliner into the Wright Brothers’ glider. It is adorable to watch them act out Wilbur’s trial flight as they quote the movie exactly, down to the expression and gestures!
CON
There are times when the boys have been a bit too aggressive acting out passionate scenes from history. Emotions run high and little boys get frustrated and hurt.
PRO
My sons repeatedly watched examples of determination, honor, perseverance, kindness, courage, and integrity. We have been able to discuss God’s protection, truth, and the need to keep trying.
CON
My Dr. J has a new arsenal of echolalia (repeating language) for when he gets stressed, excited, or simply doesn’t know what to say. He quotes Helen Keller’s father in a Southern accent, saying, “Stop this fightin’!” He’ll run into a room like Alexander Graham Bell, yelling, “Stop! Don’t touch anything! What were you doing?” Other times he brings out a French accent and quotes, “I think Mr. Chanute is keeping secrets.” Or, he will scare Meatball by saying, “We’ll pick up the mountain and drop it on him.”
Conclusion
Overall, I think the pros outweigh the cons. We’ll continue to check out these DVDs and more. I just hope Dr. J doesn’t decide to quote my personal favorite echolalic speech when we’re out at a store! From Leonardo daVinci to his young student…”Your spending has become reckless. No more money until you spend some time with a brush!” Or as Dr. J will do, he’ll insert something instead of brush. He might tell someone in line behind us, “Your spending has become reckless! No more money until you put back those bananas!”
