Xbox Kinect Sesame Street TV
A few months ago we sold our Wii for an XBox 360 with Kinect sensor. I had several opportunities at Toy Fair and other toy related events to test out many of the new games developed for use with the Kinect sensor and it just seemed like this system was a better fit for our family now. Though we’ve had some fun family moments with the Wii, I really liked the way the Kinect places players inside the video game and how your body movements and actions are the controller.
Having a child who has recently turned 3, there are certain milestones that I’ve been thinking about. Hooray, we are now able to provide him with playsets that have smaller pieces, but given his love for the iPad, LeapPad and anything technology related, we figured using video games wouldn’t be too far away on the milestone list. I didn’t realize how much content is now available for even young children in the 3-5 year old age range with XBox 360 with Kinect.
XBox Kinect Sesame Street TV is a really unique concept. This experience allows young preschool aged children the opportunity to dabble in video game activities on a simple level, with motor actions and instructions that are geared completely for their abilities. I wouldn’t think of it as buying a video game, because it’s actually like purchasing interactive television episodes.
With Xbox Kinect Sesame Street TV, children continue to learn all about letters, numbers, and the social skills that Sesame Street provides during live television programming, but these episodes layer on another level of educational opportunities at the mental and physical level. The Kinect sensor takes pictures of your child completing the activities and is able to project their video image so that when they look at the television screen, their picture is projected right into Elmo’s World and various games in each episode.
There were 2 discs included in the game we were provided. Each disc has 4 episodes, 30 minutes in length. We’ve played 3 different episodes and have barely scratched the surface in terms of content, because within each episode there are several different activities that follow the same general sequence. Generally one of the character’s will engage the child in a physical activity that involves clapping, jumping or throwing. Each episode teaches a letter and number, just like in regular episodes. Bruno Mars was featured in one episode singing, “Don’t Give Up.” The episode featuring letter G, also included the popular Glee spoof. Each episode also ends, just like the television show, with Elmo’s World.
Did you ever think your child could learn how to count by stooping down in front of the television, pretend to pick up coconuts, stand up and throw them, while Grover counts them? Or that Elmo would ask your child to stand up so that they could play catch? Your child can also be the star of the next Elmo’s World episode. The control that a young child can have in their world with their body actions and voice is amazing for their confidence as well.
As an educator, multi-sensory learning is crucial to how children learn, and transitioning from being a passive listener to an active participant with Kinect Sesame Street TV is a fantastic way for kids to solidify these foundational skills for their educational, social and physical benefit.
Certainly, I would suggest this as a family activity. Initially, your child will need your help to understand some of the questions and how to interact with the experience, even if it’s repeating the instructions, encouraging them to stand up or slide over to where the Kinect sensor can find them. However, just like I couldn’t believe the awe my son exhibited when it came to soaking up his first few episodes of Sesame Street on television, a renewed sense of excitement was there, when he saw Elmo directly interact and respond to his actions. This game is available at retailers as a DVD, or episodes can be downloaded online through XBOX LIVE.
Microsoft provided this game free to facilitate this review. Any opinions provided are my own.