That being said, I am of the opinion that "BTL" is also functional. I live in a state where the public school system has abandoned phonics. Instead, the children are given lists of words to memorize. What I appreciate about this show is that it teaches children how to read. My 4-year old (who is now 8, in 2nd grade and reads on a 5th/6th grade level) learned that letters make sounds and that putting sounds together makes words. That turned out to be an invaluable lesson for him and, later, for my next child (who doesn't begin K-5 until the fall, but already reads 1st grade books). As inane as some of it is (the Cliff Hanger skit is incredibly stupid) if children can pick up the basic tools of phonics, I will support it.
Review of Between the Lions
