Mr Tumble at school?

[orangesky1]

My reception child came home today saying they had been watching Mr Tumble at school - a boring and silly man - in his words!

not heard of this one before - had a Quick Look on YouTube now, and it looks completely inane.

it is otherwise a good school, so I am surprised by this. Am I missing something? Is this actually educational?

we are not anti screen time although I have a general feeling the children don’t get enough exercise in school, but that’s a topic for another day. I do think if they are showing videos, they should have some merit - either educational, informative about the world or properly artistic, entertaining or thought provoking.

Not this lowest common denominator drivel, that seems better suited to a 2 year old.

I don’t want to make a complaint but would just be interested in hearing views from those who have watched more than two minutes as maybe I am being unfair.

Mr Tumble has a lot of episodes in interesting places - there is one at an ice cream farm and one at a water park not far from us and we watched those before visiting when the DC were smaller. They may have watched an episode with a theme they are covering in class.

I’m fairly certain that Something Special did start as a BBC schools programme before CBeebies existed. But I’ve never found anything online that has backed that up.

I’m sure I remember it being part of the BBC schools stuff on BBC2 in the mornings.

It might have been actually.
My daughter used to like watching Come Outside (Auntie Mabel and Pippin the dog) which was originally on in the 90s as a schools programme (we watched it circa 2010/11 ish).

@NewUserIDRequired I should have clarified I am in Ireland not UK so it may not be so much of a thing there. But Cbeebies was very much a staple here too along with some homegrown stuff but I don't see the evidence of that anymore. It's all US shows with the exception of Bluey and Peppa pig.

😂

Exactly.

I'm sorry I won't hear a word against Justin and Mr Tumble.

It's a kind, gentle and very inclusive programme with an emphasis on accepting difference. Justin Fletcher is very talented and genuine and a trusted children's entertainer. It's worth watching to learn Makaton phrases alone, my 2 year old has learnt several and I encourage him to watch it.

I think if you complained it really wouldn't come over well so save it for actual problems.

They used to run a BBC schools block overnight as well so the fact you think you remember it being in that makes me not totally mad.

My dc is at uni now but her reception teacher used to occasionally put Come outside with Auntie Mabel and Pippin the dog on tv before home time. The teacher was very experienced near retirement age and said sometimes she could see even the most enthusiastic pupils were flagging and they just needed a few mins.

Both my dc were still watching something special at 5, it’s perfect for that age, they both learned sign language at their old school in USA so switched to Makaton easily. Mr Tumble always gets mobbed by kids at camp bestival, he’s like the pied piper with kids trailing him (not that I’ve been for 10 years)

I’d not read your post before commenting about Come Outside. My dc would have been in reception 2010/11.

My DD is Deaf. Mr Tumble was the only person on TV she felt was communicating with her when she was little. Her preschool used to put it on so the children could learn the signs (in addition to what they were taught because of DD) and she felt so special that she knew them and could teach the children. Representation matters.

I said in my first post that I wasn’t going to complain!

I’m pleased to hear you don’t want to complain about Mr Tumble, but it would have given the staff something to laugh about in the staffroom!

I hadn’t appreciated this side of things - my younger child does sign language at preschool and was just showing me some signs tonight.

Awwh Mr Tumble miss those days

My mind is blown that you have a reception age child and haven’t heard of Mr Tumble.

I taught 5-7 year olds in a special school. They didn't have an afternoon break, so in the middle of every afternoon I'd put Something Special on so that a) the children had a break b) they'd have a chance to practice Makaton c) so that we could clear up after the first lesson and get the classroom really for the next activity.

My mind is blown that Mr Tumble is such a thing and has seemingly passed us by! 🤣

... And if course Mr Tumble is meant to be silly! Justin's alter ego is a clown! The programme is meant to teach and to entertain small children.

I also think the programme has done wonders for inclusivity, and that children in general are much more accepting and positive about children with special needs, due to this long running series.

Where are you that it's not May half term? Other holidays vary but I thought this one was the same everywhere.

I remember Justin Fletcher getting an award, he got an MBE for services to children’s broadcasting.

Wasn’t there a thread years ago where a mumsnetter claimed to have slept with him 🤣

Mr Tumble (aka Justin Fletcher) is incredible for inclusion and he uses Makaton! The programme is a great example of quality TV programming (sadly lacking on Netflix and Disney +)! Perfect for preschoolers and reception age children! Even if my child was older and watching it, I wouldn’t have a problem!

I haven't seen the programme for years do they use any other communication devices?
Everybody goes on about how great he is for using makaton,(in fact its signalong,in my LA )hich my son has never used he's used PECS in the past, and now uses a communication board.