The Dora the Explorer DVD Dora Celebrates Three Kings Day! introduces preschoolers to a holiday celebrated by many Hispanics on January 6, Epiphany, El Día de los Tres Reyes. On this day, families participate in special Three Kings Day customs like leaving out food for the animals that the three Wise Men ride or passing out pieces of a special cake to see which piece contains a treat. Children will learn all about this cultural tradition by watching how Dora, Diego, and Boots work together to make sure that the special Three Kings Day party can be held this year.
Dora Celebrates Three Kings Day! DVD Plot
This Dora episode opens with Dora, her cousin Diego, and her friend Boots assembled at the Animal Rescue Center, dressed as the Three Kings, or the Three Wise Men who arrive on January 6 to visit the newborn baby Jesus. Because they are getting ready to hold a party to celebrate Three Kings Day, the three friends explain some Three Kings Day traditions, such as giving out toys and candy and eating pieces of Three Kings' Cake, one piece of which will contain a surprise.
Unfortunately, Swiper scares off the animals they will be riding, animals who are also carrying all the treats and supplies for the Three Kings Day Party. With the help of the preschool viewer, Dora, Diego, and Boots must locate their missing rides in time to hold their special Epiphany celebration.
Dora the Explorer Episode Teaches Learning Skills
As well as teaching about Three Kings Day customs, this Dora the Explorer episode also teaches preschoolers many learning skills. As is usual with Dora episodes, young kids will absorb problem-solving skills while helping Dora and her friends complete various tasks. Over the course of the episode, children must identify the three animals that Dora, Diego, and Boots will ride, identify different toys that Diego distributes, identify and complete the pattern displayed in a string of colored Christmas lights, and participate in the action by singing and calling out commands.
Dora Celebrates Three Kings Day! DVD Review
Families unfamiliar with how Hispanic cultures celebrate the Feast of Epiphany on January 6 will enjoy learning a little about this important traditional Mexican holiday by watching Dora and her friends prepare for and hold their Three Kings Day celebration. Parents can discuss with preschoolers how this cultural tradition compares with how other cultures celebrate both Christmas and Epiphany (for example, children in some countries leave out shoes for Santa to fill with presents or leave out food for Santa and his reindeer, while families celebrating Three Kings' Day may leave out straw in shoes to feed the animals carrying the Three Wise Men).
Because El Día de los Tres Reyes is not celebrated by very many other children's DVDs or specials, families may want to add this Dora DVD to their home video collection even though the other three Dora the Explorer episodes contained on it – Isa’s Unicorn Flowers, Benny’s Big Race, and The Backpack Parade – have nothing to do with winter holidays or Epiphany. The episode Dora Celebrates Three Kings Day! itself is a little more interesting than a usual Dora episode, and Diego fans will enjoy his crossover appearance. Preschoolers will definitely be thrilled at the close of the episode when it turns out that they have received the piece of cake that contains the special prize – a star.
Young children may enjoy other educational DVDs about Christmas and winter holidays like El Día de los Tres Reyes, such as Dora's Christmas Carol Adventure and Go! Diego! Go! Diego Saves Christmas!
Renee Carver - Renée Carver has an Elementary Education degree and over ten years of experience writing and editing children's educational products.
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