Frequently asked questions

Below is a list of our most frequently asked questions. It's divided into questions about program content and information about placing an order. If you have a question, you might want to check these out first.

If you don't find the answer you need, please contact us by e-mail or call us toll-free at 1-866-565-5351.(Phone hours are: 8 AM to 6 PM PST).

Program content:

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Live outside of North America?

Which programs should I buy first?

We've taken special care to be sure that each of the 8 programs in the Preschool Power! series can be enjoyed by children as young as about two years old. And we have many letters from parents who tell us that their 8, 10 or even 12 (!) continues to watch and learn from them.

So each episode features a broad assortment of demonstrations and segments suited to a variety of skill levels. There are always several 'core demos' shown that many Two's will want to try. But there are also plenty of activities developmentally appropriate for older children.

Keep in mind that it doesn't really matter if your child isn't ready yet to try all the activities she sees her on-screen buddies doing. Right now, she can just watch, enjoy and absorb. And when she's ready to roll, she'll let you know!

The first two programs in the series do feature a few more basic skill demonstrations that your child will see reinforced again and again in later shows. So if you are on a tight budget, you might consider ordering the Sampler DVD that holds these two programs only. However, we should tell you that more than 90% of customers who order just a few programs to start come back for more within 6 months. So you may want to save yourself some time and money and order more to start.  This is especially true in light of our no questions asked refund policy which we feel comfortable advertising because we almost never have an unsatisfied customer.

I can see how watching would encourage my child to try things on his own. But is it going to be hard for me to set this up for my child to practice at home?

The close-up, step-by-step presentation style of Preschool Power's demonstration segments make it a piece of cake for you to set up activities for your child to practice at home. In fact, several national children's media publications, including Young Children, the magazine of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, specifically mention that the series is a "superb resource for parents" for this and other reasons..

No fancy materials are required. You'll have it all around your house already or as close as the nearest grocery or hardware store. Inexpensive, easy to set up - and fun. You'll get all kinds of great ideas of things to do with your child that can lead to superb quality time experiences together. And all the while your little guy is honing skills and building self-confidence.

For more information on this, you might want to visit our Parenting Resources page if you haven't stopped in there already.

What is Montessori and are there other educational philosophies in your programs?

The Montessori Method forms the basis of the majority of the demonstrations shown in Preschool Power! The writers also borrowed from other innovative educational philosophies including the Waldorf Method, first articulated by Rudolph Steiner and emphasizing the deep integration of nature and the arts in learning activities. More about Maria Montessori & the Montessori Method

When you talk about demonstrating basic 'life skills', what do you mean exactly?

The skills your child will develop using Preschool Power! can be divided up roughly into two categories:

  1. Practical life: These include skills that help children build independence, self-confidence and self-reliance such as dressing skills, snack-making and personal hygiene.
  2. Purely manipulative: The series contains many, many activities specifically designed to improve eye-hand coordination, fine and gross motor skills and concentration. Activities like tonging and spooning (just to name a few) make developing eye-hand skills fun for young children. And they are so easy and inexpensive to set up for your little one to practice at home.

Hundreds of programs teach pre-reading, writing and arithmetic readiness. Only Preschool Power! focuses so much on the physical side of learning. That makes it perfect for children with kinetic learning styles. It's also great for little guys who may not be intellectually ready yet to tackle pre-academics but are eager to try things they see the big kids doing.

What's so hard about teaching stuff like this? I can help my child with this at home already. So why should I buy Preschool Power?

Sure you can teach these things to your child yourself -- well, most of them, anyway. But Preschool Power! makes it a whole lot easier for you - and for your child.

Here's two big reasons why:

  • Children lead the way: Early childhood development experts say that children learn physical skills best from watching and imitating other kids rather than adults. Typically your youngster will watch you showing how to spread peanut butter or pull on a boot and think

    "Sure, she can do it. She's big. But I'm little. I could never do that!"

    But when your child sees young children her own age or just a bit older doing this same kind of thing, it inspires and motivates him more than an adult can. That's why Preschool Power! uses young children ages 2 to 7 as the only teacher/demonstrators. They make fabulous role models and encourage your child to try things for herself.
  • Thinking it through, showing it clearly: We worked closely with a team of Montessori instructors to be sure each and every demonstration shown is carefully thought out and broken down into its smallest component parts. That makes it easier by far for young children to understand and absorb. Your child will see how to master each skill step-by-step so there is no chance to fail.

    In addition, the segments are all shot in the same close up, perfectly-focused detail that you would expect in a professionally produced how-to video for adults. So you and your child will see each step in the process in exact, easy to imitate detail.

Did we answer your question? 

If not, please feel free to email us any time. Or call and talk to one of our telephone experts toll-free at:1-866-565-5351. (We're open from 8 AM to 5 PM PST Monday-Saturday).

 

Success Stories

"It's a wonderful series! My 3-year-old likes to watch all of them in a row now and has, in my opinion gained so much self-confidence he's convinved he can do anything."
-- Hatdee Wagner, NY

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"We love Preschool Power. We have a 5 1/2 year-old, a 4-year old and one only 20 months, and they all love it! The little one has already learned to put on her coat! "
- Alice Pautz, Harrisburg, PA

"I’ll bet they’ve seen it 500 times! My kids are 2 and 6 and they both love it!"
- Dorothy Payne, Falls Church, VA

"My 2 1/2 year old grandson doesn't like cartoons, but he just loves the three Preschool Power! tapes I sent him. "
-- Dorothy L. Otten, Los Angeles, CA

"I can't say enough about Preschool Power! My 3-year-old is just wild about them. These are super learning-thru-fun tapes which not only captivate my daughter, but help enhance her I can do it' attitude!"
-- Gina Mazzola, Aiken, SC