There's A Psychological Story In Balamory

Last night on TV the children's programme Balamory figured in the news. The weather was rubbish today and that gave me a chance to check it out to see what all the fuss is about.

Folks, if you haven't seen it before and are interested in developmental psychology tune in immediately! It is brilliant in conception, and absolutely first class from a psychological pouint of view. Plus it is a must see by every under 5 in Scotland at the minute!

Featuring PC Plum, Archie, Edie McCredie, Miss Hoolie, Josie Jump, Suzie Sweet and Penny Pockert it hits the button at all sorts of levels. It encourages the wee ones to read stories, play games, make things and find things to do. It is entirely appropriate to their wee lives.

Miss Hoolie works in a nursery for example. Having such a diddy character as PC Plum encourages them to trust the police! Not a bad thing in this scary world. One of actors who works in the Sweetie Shop (get it?)is in a wheelchair. Their use of colour in the real world is great as well. They use the coloured houses on the Tobermory harbour front on Mull where most of the series is shot. In the episode I saw today the weans were playing with plasticine, making shapes etc. And all on camera. Eat your heart out Jean Piaget. They also helped decide what the best biscuit is to eat. That encourages social participation in later life. It just gets better and better.

Do yourself a favour and have a look at Balamory if you can. You will get a brilliant laugh! But also learn a thing or two as well highly relevant to psychology and early childhood development.