Dora The Explorer: Map Adventures

Dora DVDs are a staple in our collection. Our most recent Dora DVD purchase was “Dora The Explorer: Map Adventures”

I picked this little gem up while shopping at my local Pathmark for $14.99. It has played so many times since, that if it were a VHS tape, it would have snapped by now. I literally put this DVD on twice a day at least. This falls in between JoJo and Little Einsteins in the rotation and is one of my personal favorites.

This DVD includes 2 episodes on the main menu and 2 bonus episodes.

The first 2 episodes are:

“Lost Map” – In this episode a bird confuses the Map for a stick and takes him to his nest on the tallest mountain. Dora and Boots have to make their own map in order to find him. They ask your child to help them find their way through the butterfly garden, the corn field and up the tallest mountain. They will fly like a butterfly, crawl through a log, avoid the “mean ants” and jump over watermelons on the tallest mountain. Your child will also help Dora stay on the lookout for Swiper the Fox, and keep him from stealing by shouting “Swiper, No Swiping”. Throughout the adventure, Dora will continuously ask for “your help” to keep children engaged and interactive. This episode encourages color recognition, counting, problem solving skills, social skills, Spanish vocabulary and colors, physical coordination and physical and verbal interaction

“Super Map” – This episode continues on top of the tallest mountain after Dora and Boots have rescued Map. Map finds a cape and becomes “Super Map”. Dora’s mother calls her to come home and see a “super surprise” that is waiting for her. Super map will help clear the way back down the mountain to Dora’s house. Children will avoid snakes and spiders while jumping over logs, try to keep Swiper from stealing Super Map’s cape and take a boat ride with Tico (lifejackets are worn by all!). This episode encourages color recognition and matching, counting, problem solving skills, social skills, Spanish vocabulary and colors, physical coordination, verbal and physical interaction and water safety.

The bonus episodes include:

“Three Little Piggies” – In this episode Dora and Boots have to find the three little piggies who escaped from their pen. Along the way, they have to stop Swiper from stealing the Piggies’ Blue Ribbons. This episode encourages counting, problem solving skills, social skills, Spanish vocabulary and colors, physical coordination, verbal and physical interaction, and animal recognition.

“Lost and Found” - In this episode, Dora and Boots help Baby Bird find her way home in the little blue tree. As usual, you have to be on the lookout for Swiper. This episode encourages color recognition, counting, problem solving skills, social skills, Spanish vocabulary and colors, compassion, physical coordination, and verbal and physical interaction.

The DVD also includes a Parents Guide which skills this DVD encourages, and offers ideas on how you can interact with your child to enhance these skills.

This DVD is not rated, but I would recommend it for all preschoolers.

My daughter has learned many Spanish words from watching Dora. She realizes that Spanish and English are separate languages and can differentiate between the two when my husband’s grandmother speaks Spanish to her. She knows when it is appropriate to say “hello” and “goodbye” (with my family) or “hola” and “adios” (with my husband’s family). This show is making it easier for her to learn Spanish since she doesn’t see my in-laws that often.

I really think that in recent times, knowing a second language has become quite important and I am very happy to see it being encouraged in shows geared toward younger children. Add to that all the other lessons (counting, colors, problem solving, social skills, etc.) and you really do have a great show that is fun, colorful, engaging and most importantly, educational. Every episode is jam packed with fun songs, dances and games that get children involved and keep them there. My daughter dances and sings along, and is learning all along the way.

This DVD is definitely on my highly recommended list, right up there with the “Little Einsteins: Our Big, Huge Adventure”, and “JoJo’s Circus: Take A Bow”.

Look out for more childrens DVD reviews, as I buy them and watch them 500 times, I will review them. lol :)