G Is for Growing: Thirty Years of Research on Children and Sesame Street

Book Overview

This volume--a collection and synthesis of key research studies since the program's inception over three decades ago--serves as a marker of the significant role that Sesame Street plays in the education and socialization of young children. Editors Shalom M. Fisch and Rosemarie T. Truglio have included contributions from both academics and researchers directly associated with Sesame Street, creating a resource that describes the processes by which educational content and research are integrated into production, reviews major studies on the impact of Sesame Street on children, and examines the extension of Sesame Street into other cultures and media. In the course of this discussion, the volume also explores broader topics, including methodological issues in conducting media-based research with young children, the longitudinal impact of preschoolers' viewing of educational versus non-educational television, and crosscultural differences in the treatment of educational content.

As the first substantive book on Sesame Street research in more than two decades, "G" is for Growing provides insight into the research process that has informed the development of the program and offers valuable guidelines for the integration of research into future educational endeavors. Intended for readers in media studies, children and the media, developmental studies, and education, this work is an exceptional chronicle of the growth and processes behind what is arguably the most influential program in children's educational television.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0805833951
• ISBN13: 9780805833959
• Release Date: November 2000
• Publisher: Routledge
• Length: 294 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.1" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Why "The Street" Succeeds

Sesame Street, one of television's most significant shows, continues to educate children after 30-plus years on air. The success of the program is due, in large part, to a focus on research and curriculum development. The curriculum has evolved over the history of the show from being primarily cognitive to including many affective elements. This book shows the development of Sesame Street's curriculum and the development of other media. It is a must read book for those interested in childhood development, children's television, and fans of the show. After reading this book, one appreciates the fact that the success of the show is no accident.

An impressive synthesis of key research studies

"G" Is For Growing: Thirty Years Of Research On Children And Sesame Street is an impressive synthesis of key research studies done on one of the most influential, pervasive, and enduring children's televisions programs since its inception in 1969. The contributors examine, analyses and comment upon the processes by which educational content and research are integrated into production for a show which began for the purpose of preparing preschool children for school and went on to become a world-wide cultural icon. Very highly recommended reading for students of the television and its cultural influences, "G" Is For Growing also explores methodological issues in conducting media-based research with young children; the longitudinal impact of preschooler viewing of educational versus non-educational television; and cross-cultural differences in the treatment of educational content.