Caillou – More Than Just a Boy in a Yellow Shirt

Caillou, the small boy in the yellow shirt, has been entertaining and educating children for more than a decade.  Parents and children alike are fans of the small bald boy because the stories, as told in the books, on the television show and in the children’s DVDs promote communication between parent and child.   The series of books begins when Caillou is a baby, not quite a year old and go through his 6^th year.  This allows children to grow up with him and offers them a friend they can relate to through each age and stage.

The stories are written from Caillou’s perspective – a key element to their educational value.  Because he mirrors other children in age and life experience, the problems Caillou encounters and the feelings he has are the same as his young fans.  This gives them someone to relate to and provides parents with a view into the world as experienced by their children.  He is seen as a real hero to them and many children love to carry their Caillou plush toy with them as they go about their day.

The stories were all written based on the work of Dr. Francoise Dorto, an expert in child development.  Her work centered on the premise that children do not have the carefree life they are thought to have, but come up against the same obstacles and challenges as adults.  The difference for children is that they lack the communication skills and problem solving experiences of adults.  She felt that in order to aid in the development of each child, they need to be respected as a person.  This focus on childhood development is why the stories are so popular with parents.

Although the series can be seen on TV, your child can still watch Caillou, his parents, sister and cat in their adventures with the Caillou DVD collection.  Each story takes on a problem or challenge that Caillou is facing and explains how the people in his life him to find a good solution.  Using an everyday scenario that children can understand and relate to as the basis for the story helps children understand what they are going through.  Watch the DVDs together and use Caillou’s adventures as a topic of discussion or to work through a challenging issue your child is facing.

The story of Caillou and the Missing Sock is a good example of how the books use Caillou’s experiences to teach children to problem solve.  In the story, when he cannot find his sock, he ventures to the basement laundry room and through a series of misfortunes winds up locked in the basement with his Dad.  His mother comes along and rescues them, providing a happy ending.  This story offers several key learning opportunities to children.   Caillou is self sufficient; he goes in search of his sock alone.  When the basement door handle comes off the door, he knows he cannot handle this problem alone so he calls for his Dad to help.  This also demonstrates trust and communication between parent and child.  Caillou also learns that Dad can’t always save him, and that sometimes you need assistance from someone else if you are stuck.  The way stories like this mimic real life situations and provide a possible solution from the child’s perspective, teach children how to handle similar situations in their own lives.

Aimed at helping parents and children learn to communicate and encouraging children to develop into their own unique person, Caillou provides both entertainment and education to children.  The books, DVD collection and companion toys make great gifts for children from babies through the start of school.

Best Caillou Toys for Preschoolers

Caillou Toys, Games, Pbs, Dolls, Plush Doll & Caillou Episodes

Many parents wonder what it is about 4-year old Caillou that fascinates preschool age children. Preschool children first fell in love with Caillou through reading Christine L’Heureux’s books about the little boy’s adventures.

Caillou’s stories captured the attention of television networks in 1998. The story was picked up by the “Teletoon Channel” that year. Most recently, Caillou attracted the attention of PBS, who picked up the series in 2000. Caillou has received numerous awards, including the New York Festivals Bronze World Metal.

In response to children’s overwhelming interest in Caillou PBS kids, educational toys and games were developed as a fun way to encourage preschoolers to learn.

What are the Best Caillou Toys?

Development experts agree that imaginary play is great for preschoolers. Choose Caillou toys that foster a child’s sense of imagination. Does your child love ice skating or sports? Check out Caillou plush dolls. The hockey doll allows children to remove Calliou’s soft jersey, gloves, socks, hockey stick and helmet for a fun game of “make believe.”

Caillou games are also a great way to enjoy some of Caillou’s wild adventures in your own living room. Caillou’s discovery game includes Caillou, Rosie, Clementine and Gilbert, as they embark on new adventures. As a plus for parents, kids get hands on skills learning how to match colors and count.

When you arrive at the playground, is your child the first to race to the equipment? Check out Caillou’s Tubes and Tunnels game. With a roll of the dice, your child can move through tubes and tunnels on an imagery playground board. And, of courses there’s some educational value as well. Counting skills and patience will be learned as your child plays with his playmates.

Does your child love a good puzzle? Let your child assemble puzzle pieces into a picture of his favorite Caillou friends. Puzzles are great for problem solving and fine motor skills.

Catch Episodes Online

If your preschooler freaks out because he missed the latest Caillou episode, don’t worry. Even if you don’t have on demand cable programming, there’s Caillou youtube.

Teach your child about apple picking with the youtube episode Caillou Goes Apple Picking.

If your child loves to help you cook, check out Caillou the Chef. In this episode, Caillou’s mother teaches him that everybody likes a different type of Pizza. After your child is done watching the episode, invite him to make his own Pizza (just like Caillou and his friends).

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