I don’t know how far and wide Spout TV is at this point, but we do get it here in California. I personally love Sprout TV, as it is full of kid-friendly, educational programming.
On the old PBS, there were certain programs that came on in the mornings like Barney, Clifford, Sesame Street and others. In the afternoon, it would change to just regular old Public Broadcasting, and had no programs suitable for kids.
With Sprout, however, there is always something available, with some new shows and some old ones, too. Shows include: Angelina Ballerina, Zaboomafoo, Calliou, Dragon Tales, Berenstein Bears, Kipper, Sagwa, Teletubbies, Jay Jay the Jet Plane, Sesame Street, Boohbah, Kipper, Pingu, James the Cat, Make Room for Noddy and Thomas and Friends – just to name a few. What’s ideal about most of the shows is that they are in 15 minute increments, and really hold your kids attention – and have absolutely no commercials.
The hostess, Melanie, is great. She appears every so often with introductions to the shows, or with craft ideas, or stretching activities. She also sings, and smiles and makes friends with all of her viewers. She’s sweet but nor too corny, and even my older children enjoy her. Unlike PBS, where you have to contribute to get a “Happy Birthday” sung to your child on his special day, Sprout allows you to send in a card and will show it on TV.
Melanie also has a fish named “Hush” and they do some interaction with him as well. One of my favorites is the “Hush, Hush Little Fish” rhyme. My daughter knows it almost word for word. With the rhyme, Melanie exhibits sign language as well.
If you don’t get PBS Sprout in your area, call your cable company and see when it’s coming! It’s definitely worth checking out.