Hi, my name is Rebecca and I don’t have cable TV. We cancelled the cable a couple years ago as money saving measure when we were getting our finances ready to buy a house. Funny thing about actually buying a house, it does not make you richer. We talk about installing a proper antenna on the roof or maybe getting basic cable, but all we’ve actually done is hook up some bunny ears and propped them on the window sill.
So, surprise, surprise, my kids watch a lot of TVO. I like TVO Kids too because I know the shows are going to be age appropriate and hit the right balance of fun and educational. Okay, fine, I like just about anything that will get the kids out of my hair for an hour (or two … what am I allowed to admit to?). But programming that is sweet and fun and teaches them stuff also keeps the mom guilt at bay.
When I told the kids that we were invited to the TVO studios to check out a new app and to take a tour of the studios they were beside themselves with excitement. A tour of the studios! Where they shoot the Space? Hurray!
And then when I explained that the “app” would basically be a computer game you can download, they were even more excited. What can I say? Poor kids hardly ever get to play computer or video games. Insert evil laugh.
There were actually two new apps, Hop, Frog, Hop! and Ribbit, Frog, Ribbit! that TVO designed in partnership with the University of Toronto’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE). They even conducted formal studies that demonstrated these games help develop working memory which is key for learning across the board. I believe it, too, because those games tired this old mom brain right out. Anyway, they’re free to download, so check ’em out.
Then came the tour.
Giselle!
They may look like they want to hide, but they’re just really so awestruck they can’t even smile.
We also got to see where they shoot The Space and have a photo opp with Dalmar and check out the set of a brand new show and visit the sound room. It was really pretty awesome. Of course, I left my camera (phone) behind because apparently I’m holding onto my amateur status in the hopes of making the blogging Olympics, so you’ll just have to take my word for it.
They even made a wee video about our trip if you want to learn more. Or just, you know, fast forward to the last thirty seconds to see baby Mary crashing the group picture.