People often tell me that Sophia talks like a little adult. She’s been hyper verbal as a toddler. She’s bilingual as well. I’ve never shied away from using big words with her. In fact, as a toddler one of her first big words was pediatrician.
Now, her vocabulary is supplemented by our favorite PBS Kids shows. Martha Speaks is one of our family favorites. Martha, a dog, is able to talk because one day her human fed her alphabet soup. It’s been nonstop talk ever since. Kind of like Sophia talking nonstop. I don’t mind, because it’s one of the few children’s tv shows that I enjoy watching with Sophia. Sometimes I catch hubby watching it when there are no kids around. Sssshhh.
Today begins the Summer Fun Week on Martha Speaks. All week, there’s summer themed episodes including a NEW one airing today, Martha’s Slumber Party of the Weird. All the kids on the show camp out in the back yard and tell weird stories. There’s also another brand new episode airing on Friday, July 1. I think many school aged kids will be able to relate to The Long Rotten Summer.
PBS’ Martha Speaks is based off the books by Susan Meddaugh. Thanks to an awesome webinar last Friday, I learned that Susan actually has two dogs named Martha and Skits, just like in her books and the tv show! Except I don’t think the real life Martha actually talks.Each episode of Martha Speaks introduces its viewers to new words. Each episode revolves around a theme and as the characters use the word, they also define it. Since Sophia is a beginning reader, the new words don’t seem as intimidating to her because Martha can’t read either since she’s a dog. The words are introduced before the episodes begin and are also recapped. You can also download each episode’s vocabulary words in the parents section of the website. Dig around the parents section because there’s a ton of activities, info about the show and viewing tips.
To see when Martha Speaks airs in your area, check the listings. There’s even a new Martha Speaks Dog Party iPhone and iPad app to keep your kids entertained. I think Martha’s Slumber Party of the Weird has inspired us to have a backyard camp out!
I received a preview DVD of the new episodes as well as Martha Speaks books and plushies for the kdis. No other compensation was received.