The Baby Society

review icon

Video Review

The Baby Society (2005). Baby Society LLC, www.thebabysociety.com. Approximately 34 minutes; $19.99 DVD, $14.99 VHS, plus s/h. Reviewed by Debra Schober-Peterson, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA.

The Baby Society, a video intended for children ages 3-36 months of age, is designed to enhance language development through practice in listening to and naming simple objects and actions. The 30-minute tape is divided into segments accompanied by various musical clips that are separated by unique and well-done animated visual transitions. Information for parents regarding strategies to stimulate language development and suggestions from the author, a pediatric speech-language pathologist, regarding how to incorporate use of the tape with their child are included at the end of the VHS version and on a separate track on the DVD version.

The Baby Society could be compared to a simple board book with pictures of real and toy objects presented in animated video format. Common objects (e.g. ball, baby, cat, train) are depicted, as well as several common actions (e.g. "kiss") and modifiers (e.g. "up" and "down"). The majority of the segments feature single word utterances presented at a slow pace making the video most appropriate for children 18 months and younger. The objects used in the video are easy to identify and likely familiar to most children. Visual elements include vibrant color that should capture and hold the attention of young children, and the photography is excellent. The audio track is clear and easy to understand.

Although intended for infants and toddlers, The Baby Society seems to have its greatest appeal for very young children who are at a low level of language development. The pace of the production may be a bit slow for typically developing children, especially those over 18 months of age. Ideally, it should be watched together with a caregiver who is encouraged to provide comments and expand on the basic language presented in the video. One could also use this video as a supplementary tool for exposing young children to simple vocabulary. It provides another format for the naming of common objects beyond the use of simple books or a computer program, and the numerous examples of most of the objects illustrate multiple uses for a single label. This video could be especially useful for children with language delays who need a slower pace and several repetitions in order to understand the words presented. A brochure describing strategies for language stimulation during viewing would be a useful addition for parents who might wish to use this video resource independently.

Text Size:

Print Friendly |

Send to a Friend

Related Resources:

Other Sections