With national attention currently focused on television's negative impact on children, the positive effect of quality programming and videos has fallen by the wayside. Good children's multimedia is more than just an electronic babysitter.

Quality programming can help impart important skills, information, values, and behavior while it entertains. In the case of interactive media, CD-ROMs offer opportunities for learning that linear programming could never begin to approach. However, since most multimedia programs are "hunt and destroy" programs, parents are challenged to find quality titles that provide real learning opportunities. With so many children's videotapes and CD-ROMs out there, how can you choose titles that are fun and worth watching?

To aid you in your selection, here are some general guidelines and a list of titles that have been evaluated and endorsed by KIDS FIRST!™, an initiative of the nonprofit Coalition for Quality Children's Media, which evaluates and rates children's media designed for ages infant to 18. The organization has earned the respect of parents, educators, and children because it utilizes professionally designed criteria and evaluation tools, and engages more than 300 adults and 3,000 children nationwide from diverse geographic, socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds as KIDS FIRST!™ jurors.

First, look for a mark indicating approval or endorsement by a reputable organization. Beware that some manufacturers invent their own so-called endorsement seal. A reputable organization should have a system to evaluate and rate programming. It should publish its endorsement and the qualifications of its jurors. Beware of organizations--even well-respected ones--that lack clear selection criteria and juror qualification.

When selecting videotapes, start with companies known for their consistency in releasing quality programs, such as Children's Circle (now owned by Scholastic) and Rabbit Ears Productions. The children's librarian at your local library can usually recommend good titles, many of which may be available at the library. Remember that word of mouth--speaking with your friends, neighbors, teachers, pediatrician--is one of the most valuable ways to find good programs.

Since CD-ROMs are more costly than videotapes, parents can expect programs that not only offer age-appropriate challenges and entertainment but are adaptive to the child's developing skills. The best programs will stimulate a child for several years. As with television, content has everything to do with the impact of a CD-ROM. Because so many excellent programs get lost in the marketing jungle, it takes a focused effort to be aware of "what's inside the box." CD-ROMs can be found in most computer stores and major bookstores, as well as at mass merchants like Toys R Us. Some libraries also lend CD-ROMs.

KIDS FIRST!™

Endorsed Videos

Bananas in Pajamas: Banana Magic

Wonderful and witty, even for adults, this video explains a simple trick of illusion in an easily repeatable way, with a childlike perspective on hiding-game humor. It stimulates creative thought and is relevant to preschoolers' interests and experiences. The smooth pacing held our young viewers' attention.

Polygram Home Entertainment, 25 minutes, ages 2-5, $12.95

Dare to Dance

Explore the joys and challenges of classical dance through this...