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Bottom line:Barney: Sharing Is Caring uses games, music and stories to teach kids about sharing, taking turns, and even giving to those in need. The show is perfectly suited for preschoolers, who are in the midst of learning about social interaction and beginning to think about the wants and feelings of others.

MPAA Rating: NR
Guide age recommendation: 2-5 yrs.
Genre: Children's educational
Runtime: Approx.

51 minutes

Barney: Sharing Is Caring - Overview

Barney and his friends are full of kindness and consideration in Barney: Sharing is Caring. The big purple dino and the kids on this playdate sing, dance, and hear stories about concepts preschoolers are just beginning to grasp -- like sharing, taking turns, and thinking of others' feelings. The DVD contains two related episodes of Barney:

• "Sharing is Caring": In this story, the kids are getting ready to donate some toys for a toy drive, and they decide to play with them one last time first. When Barney appears on the scene, he and the kids teach Baby Bop and viewing children about the good feelings that come from sharing, taking turns, and giving.
• "A Picture of Friendship": When BJ gets his feelings hurt, his friends care enough to find out what's wrong and help him through it. Through the story and songs, Barney and the gang teach kids about empathy and kindness.

Barney: Sharing Is Caring - Guide Review

Barney: Sharing Is Caring is one of the better Barney DVDs for preschoolers.

The stories are fun to watch, and the lessons in both episodes are clear, relevant and related. Kids will learn by example and through songs and stories about how to get along well with others and be considerate of their friends.

I especially love they way the first episode ties the concept of sharing in with donating toys to charity. Have you ever noticed how hard it is for a child to give something up -- even if it is a piece of trash, like an old paper towel roll they once played with and then left in the back of the closet? Kids do not like to give things away, so the examples of giving on the Barney episode are really great for viewing children to see. Barney and his friends talk about the concept of giving to help others, and they help Baby Bop with her concerns regarding the idea of giving something away. Preschoolers are sure to benefit from this DVD, especially if parents or caregivers discuss the ideas and help kids practice the kind behaviors consistently.

Barney: Sharing Is Caring - Further Learning

• After watching the Barney: Sharing Is Caring episode, play a game that requires kids to take turns so they can practice being patient and fair while playing. Some great turn-taking games for preschoolers are: charades, I Spy, group storytelling (one child begins a story and the other children have to add to the story. Give each child 30 seconds to a minute to add their part, and then tell the last child to make up the ending.)
• After watching "A Picture of Friendship," help kids think of a person who may need a lift and decide on something fun they could do to cheer the person up. Maybe they cut out and color hearts to "heart-attack" daddy after a long day, or make a card for a friend.
• As a family, find clothing or other items that you would like to donate to charity. Let kids get involved and talk to them about how their kind actions will benefit someone in need.