The Zinghoppers show was created by the husband and wife teaching team of Jack and Kitty Norton. As educators, they have three primary educational goals for the series:
1. To EDUCATE young children about their world - by covering a wide range of topics encountered by children of this age.
2. To ENGAGE young children though fun songs and exciting age-appropriate dances which encourage participation, - thereby promoting physical fitness.
3. To EMPOWER young children through positive pro-social messages that build the child's self esteem and gently encourage positive behavior.
Each of these core goals has been carefully and thoroughly detailed into several subgoals by our Education Advisory Team. The Zinghoppers series adheres to the early childhood education principles as outlined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children's Guidelines for Learning.
EDUCATIONAL APPROACH
There are several ground-breaking features to the Zinghoppers series that characterize the way these goals are implemented:
1. The Zinghoppers "meet the child" at their level. Meaning, the characters in the series respond and recognize the young child at their stage of development. This is done in a respectful, gentle and friendly manner through lyrics, scripts and characters that are developed specifically for their young viewing audience.
2. The Zinghoppers show creators recognize that this generation of young children are living at a time with more "entertainment" options than ever before. In order to capture the interest of the young child, the Zinghoppers are keen observers of "pop-culture" and use influences from hip-hop, dance and pop music to engage their audience. Our years in the classroom have made us very aware that the modern children's television program is no longer competing with traditional kids shows anymore, but truly is viewed alongside the likes of tween and pop acts/shows aimed at adults. The series ground-breaking use of handheld digital cameras, fast-paced (but developmentally-appropriate) editing and natural sets (i.e., a basic soundstage or outdoor scenes encountered in every day life) give the Zinghoppers a very edgy, "modern" or "pop-culture" feel which engages children in a very unique way.
3. The Zinghoppers songs and dances have been tested in the field. Literally. All of the characters and all of the songs found in the series were written in Kitty and Jack's classroom. As preschool teachers, they were able to "test" songs out - and carefully craft lyrics and movements that young children react to. There is no boardroom, executives or focus groups in the Zinghoppers world. We write songs and try them out in the classroom. If children love them, we move forward. Our choreographer has years of experience teaching dance to young children around the world and her understanding of child development has led to movements that engage young children - because they can do the moves! This encourages them to participate with the show, thereby promoting physical fitness, while building up the child's self-esteem.
4. The Zinghoppers include and represent all races and cultures, thereby promoting a "one world" message of respect, tolerance and peace - again while building up the child's self-esteem. The use of music and dance is how the Zinghoppers promote multiculturalism and pro-socal behaviors to young children.
The Zinghoppers series is special because it seamlessly blends academic early childhood concepts with real-life experiences working with young children. The Zinghoppers dedication to educating, engaging and empowering young children contributes to a series that benefits its viewers, and delights their parents and caregivers.
EDUCATIONAL ADVISORY TEAM
We are very thankful to our team of six early childhood education specialists that help advise and shape all of our content and curriculum. Janet, Jean, Sally, Marianne, Lori and Deborah have combined teaching experience of over 140 years! All of our songs, scripts, choreography and final edits are shared with our Education Advisory Team. Their job is to make sure all content adheres to the most current understanding of child development as well as the early childhood education principles as outlined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children's Guidelines for Learning. As teachers, Kitty and Jack know the importance of producing high-quality children's programming and want educators to use the Zinghoppers series as a teaching tool in the classroom. Activity guides based on each episode are here.
THE CHILDHOOD DIGNITY MOVEMENT by Kitty and Jack Norton
1. WE BELIEVE in the wholeness and holiness of singing a children's song. A simple children's song has more power to influence the world than most people realize. Therefore...
2. WE BELIEVE that entertaining children is a great responsibility. This is because...
3. WE BELIEVE that the preschool years are the most important time in a human being's development. Neuroscience supports this, concluding that lifetime behaviors are largely shaped by age 4. That is why we focus on creating content for the young child. If we change a child's life, we change the world...
4. WE BELIEVE that every person has the power to positively impact the world, and make a difference in the life of a child: one day at a time, one good deed at a time. Every child deserves an honest adult in their life. You have the power to change the world, one person at a time...
5. WE BELIEVE this starts with honoring the child. Children who are respected as individuals and nurtured by their community are far more capable to change the world as they reach adulthood...
6. WE BELIEVE in the importance of parenthood...
7. WE BELIEVE that women should be valued by society as equals of man, and be respected and included equally in all governing roles found in society...
8. WE DEFINE "family" as a group of people that demonstrate love, patience, respect and tolerance towards each other. We define "home" as a place where this group lives in a safe, nurturing and caring environment...
9. WE BELIEVE in the wisdom of Mr. Rogers words: "I feel so strongly that deep and simple is far more essential than shallow and complex"...
10. WE BELIEVE in being a good person, honoring others and the environment around us. We believe in emphasizing the values of: kindness, honesty, thoughtfulness, compassion and a curious spirit. It is our mission to convey that message through our music...
Our simple revolution of kindness and honor needs you - we need you - to support our values and the values of our music. Please make a commitment to honor the principles set forth in our Childhood Dignity Movement. Please tell a friend, family member, co-worker, educator, neighbor, colleague, community or religious leader about this page and our simple ideas. We believe that we have the power to change the world through simple songs. We believe you have that power too. Thank you.
We are very thankful to our team of six early childhood education specialists that help advise and shape all of our content and curriculum. Janet, Jean, Sally, Marianne, Lori and Deborah have combined teaching experience of over 140 years! All of our songs, scripts, choreography and final edits are shared with our Education Advisory Team. Their job is to make sure all content adheres to the most current understanding of child development as well as the early childhood education principles as outlined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children's Guidelines for Learning. As teachers, Kitty and Jack know the importance of producing high-quality children's programming and want educators to use the Zinghoppers series as a teaching tool in the classroom. Activity guides based on each episode are 