BBC CBeebies
Welcome to Cbeebies@idlebanter. This site is all about Cbeebies and provides useful links and information about the BBC TV presentation - Cbeebies.
We have just launched a new Cbeebies chat forum so parents and kids can talk about all things Cbeebies! It's only just opened (December 2005) so there's not a lot in there so be the first to get in and chat with like-minded parents and kids.
We're always interested in feedback so go to the forum and post any comments you may have - we'll do our best to help where we can.
CBeebies presentation and programmes include a variety of activities for young children and is show on BBC channels.
Children relate well to puppets and enjoy being able to understand such interesting characters. Most of the characters in the Cbeebies Television programmes are puppets, models or animations. There is strong emphasis on creativity and this encourages children to participate. The stories also encourage children to use their imagination in problem solving.
In contrast, the CBeebies presenters are 'real' people, along with their 'real' pets, Beebie and Bracken, who give the presenters a chance to care for an animal and shows that having a pet is rewarding but also requires responsibility.The presenters enjoy creative, musical and imaginative activities. The content of these is frequently reflected in the programmes.
The presenters' 'makes' are always simple enough for children to do themselves at home. They encourage children to draw and paint their own pictures, which encourages them artistically as well as creatively. The presenters also play games, such as guess which item is missing, which engages children and stimulates their observational skills. The presentation often has special themes, for example, 'teddy-bear days' or 'dinosaur days'.
Singing and dancing and an appreciation of music are encouraged. It is important for children to express themselves through singing and movement without being concerned whether they are singing 'well' - having the confidence to 'have a go' and to simply enjoy themselves at this early stage remains a high priority.
'Learning through play' is one of the
main underlying aims of CBeebies and the television presentation team totally reflect this.
CBeebies programmes encourage active participation and this can be used as a tool to extend the experience after viewing. Sitting with children whilst viewing a programme, or playing on the website, can encourage them to respond and participate. Adults and children can have great fun together doing the activities suggested by the magazines.
Children may wish to use creative materials to represent what they have seen
and heard, or look at books or magazines that feature their favourite CBeebies
characters (an excellent way to help children along the path towards literacy).
You will need to judge for yourself how long your child is able to benefit from television viewing without reverting to simply passive viewing. Anything in large doses is not good for children, and television, the website, even magazines, are no exception!