Mary Poppins: A Learning Experience for Toddlers
My 2- year old daughter loves music so I suspected she’d enjoy Mary Poppins. Yes, Mary Poppins, from the Disney Gold Classic Collection of 1964. We bought the recent 40th anniversary DVD edition that includes a second disk of deleted scenes and songs with commentary and other features.
A first introduction to Mary Poppins to a 2-year old, however, must have seemed like too much talking over her head, and she wandered away without a smile. But yet, there was still something in that first brief 15 minute or so viewing that grabbed her attention enough to be more involved on the second look. And then wham, she was forever beloved of the magical nanny and all the Poppins’ delights. A viewing of Mary Poppins as one of the songs says is “a jolly holiday with Mary”. Don’t be surprised if your toddler starts sporting words like umbrella (and wants one too!). We bought our daughter a very safe Hello Kitty umbrella that she can open and close herself. To be sure, supercalifragalisticexpealidocious is a word difficult for any adult to enunciate. But your toddler will probably request “adocious” over and overâÂ?¦and what’s wrong with a little family sing along of “adocious” in the morning or on the way home! Most toddlers resist medicine taking, but Mary Poppins makes a new adventure for some things necessary. And can you believe the magical way a room gets cleaned! Mary Poppins is indeed a combination of wonderful imagination, fantasy world, and adventures. What toddler wouldn’t squeal with delight at the tea party on the ceiling!
Even a short viewing of a section at a time-20 minutes or so-has gems and satisfying music —and learning. If your toddler does not know about putting money into a piggy bank, here is an opportunity to introduce that when the daddy takes his children to the bank to bring in their coins. Our daughter has even taken interest in the names of the coins. Or, if you’ve never had the time to fly a kite, maybe this is an impetus to do so.
The music anywhere you are in the movie is grand and danceable. Step in Time is a favorite rouser for exercise that the whole family can join in with the onstage family! And what is terrific about this new DVD is that it has a Songs Menu which allows you to either play all the 10 musical numbers, or you can select any one you wish from that menu (to play over and over again if your child desires!) The DVD also offers a Scene Select Menu with large, easy to see pictures of major scenes. Our toddler can point to one of the pictures and say, “I want this one”. This can help in a child’s developing skills in recognizing matching pictures and point and click skill technology as well as being a convenient feature.
Based on P.L. Travers book (a woman) Mary Poppins has legendary status. It was nominated for a Best Picture Academy Award, won Best Visual Effect, Best Music Score, and Best Song (Chim Chim Chir Ee. Mary Poppins is a great choice for some special family moments together.
