This is a vibrant and stimulating introduction to baseball, basketball and soccer. Thrilling images of balls bouncing, arms throwing and feet running are synchronized with lively compositions from composers such as Mozart, Strauss, Chopin, and Rossini. Toddlers are exposed to language progression through the repetition of basic action words and phrases such as "Hit the baseball," "Dribble the basketball" and "Kick the soccer ball."
After watching this introductory sports video, young ones will be excited to hit, throw, shoot or kick their ball of choice. With coverage of the major ball sports (baseball, basketball and soccer), kids will understand the basics and get a glimpse of what the big kids and professionals can do. Film of toddlers and preschoolers attempting simple athletic maneuvers will show little ones that they can participate too. Comforting classical music plays throughout the video and an encouraging voice praises children for their efforts.
This DVD promotes a healthy lifestyle from an early age that will hopefully continue throughout your child's life. Babies will be mesmerized by the soothing music and moving objects while toddlers and preschoolers will love seeing kids like themselves having fun with sports and will likely want to try it themselves. Voiceovers motivate kids to try to "catch the ball" and gently remind them "don't use your hands" while playing soccer.
Emily, little girl I babysit, is a girly-girl and doesn't have a lot of experience with balls. But she still thought the sports looked like fun. I think she mainly loves the idea of running around an open field. During the baseball segment, two adorable babies are shown in matching red sweaters and she excitedly pointed out that they were twins. It's always amazing how kids can find the most random things to fixate on during a video or while reading a book.
--Abby
Lara and Todd Needham, natives of Kentucky, are the co-founders of the BABYPRO video series, and the parents of two active little boys. After the birth of their first child in 2001, they realized that video entertainment for babies was largely focused on mental engagement, yet offered little physical stimulation. Being health-conscious sports enthusiasts, they wanted their children to watch programming which conveyed the value of physical activity.
Over the next couple of years Lara and Todd studied the viability of the children's video market, paying close attention to national health and sports trends for children, then began conceptualizing an innovative, new genre of healthy sports-inspired "Baby TV" that combined cognitive learning with physical concepts. BABYPRO was founded in October 2002, when Lara and Todd first trademarked their company name, and their first title Let's Play Ball! was released in December 2004. Their second title, Let's Make a Splash! was released in Spring 2005 and their third title, Let's Dance & Tumble! was released in December 2005.
Prior to founding BABYPRO Lara and Todd lived in Los Angeles and New York City, where Todd worked in television production and Lara completed her Ph.D. in health communication.