A Global Playdate

Marisa, who is Mexican, and her Jewish pal, Danny, are playing at their friends’ Raj and Asha’s house, who are of Indian descent. As the animated characters sit down for a snack, Raj mentions his “dadi” baked the sweet nann bread.

 

Danny then asks where Raj’s “daddy” is and learns “dadi” is Hindi for grandmother.  

 

Marisa pipes up that she uses the word “abuela” and exclaims, “People in other countries probably think grandmother sounds funny too.”

 

The Global Wonders India DVD and the rest of the series, which so far includes Global Wonders Mexico, African-American and Around the World, is designed to build cross-cultural awareness among kids, ages 2 to 6.

 

In each show, friends of different backgrounds gather for playdates and learn about the food, music, holidays, and customs they each enjoy. The Emmy-award winning writers include plenty of humorous moments such as Marisa mistaking the Indian word “namaste,” which means “hello” for “no mustard.” “It’s okay to find something funny,” says creator Rashmi Turner. “That’s how we learn.”

 

Turner previously served as a production executive for Disney’s Baby Einstein brand. She enjoys seeing her half-Indian, half-Canadian daughters, ages 4 and 7, get excited about their friends’ traditions along with their own. Turner’s older daughter, Asha, voices the character that shares her name. Each character is voiced by someone of the culture represented.

 

Before and during production, Turner consulted with childhood development expert and Harvard Medical School professor, Dr. J. Kevin Nugent, about cross-cultural childhood friendships. “He has seen from research that children who form friendships with children of different cultures are more likely to be viewed by teachers as socially inclusive and having leadership skills,” she says. Turner reports other studies show a boost in self-confidence.

 

Global Wonders’ animated scenes are spliced with authentic multicultural images and video footage, something Turner says provides a foundation for literacy, “A picture is worth 1000 words,” she explains. “There is a lasting image for children for when they hear, see or read about the subject again.”

 

That foundation will soon be expanded. Global Wonders: China and Italy and a CD line are in the works.

 

For more information: globalwonders.com

msrp: $15.00 - $19.00