The stars aligned perfectly when this series of shorts came to ABC TV, in 1973. First, Fred Silverman was revolutionizing Saturday morning television, with a unified lineup, much like primetime. However, to appease watchdog groups, he needed educational content. Meanwhile, an advertising man was concerned about his sons trouble with math in school. He noted that his son could recite the lyrics to any Beatles song and hit upon the idea of setting the multiplication tables to music. His crew put together a pitch of a short cartoon, set to music: "Three is a Magic Number." Silverman loved the idea and snapped it up, requiring all shows to have a couple of minutes shaved to accommodate these cartoons. The series launched with Multiplication Rock and became a huge hit. This was soon followed by Grammar Rock; then, in time for the Bicentennial, America Rock. Later, Science Rock was added, with Money Rock still later.
The cartoons are an excellent blend of creative visuals, catchy songs, and simple, repetitive delivery that really lets the info sink in. For those of us who experienced it firsthand, it became our hit music. All we had to do on the playground was say, "Conjunction Junction," and someone else would answer, "What's your function?" We knew the preamble to the Constitution by heart! We knew that a verb was "what's happening!" The cartoons led to some strange events. Teachers reported hearing humming when they administered the required Constitution tests. Congressional offices requested copies of "The Three Ring Circus," and "I'm Just a Bill," to train their staffs about the functions of the branches of government and the legislative process. A stage show was put together in the 90s, by a group of nostalgic fans.
These cartoons are a must for any parent. They will do more to teach your children than anything from Baby Einstein, Sesame Street, Disney, or anything else. The songs are wonderful and the cartoons make learning fun and even inspiring. The only word of caution is in America Rock, which tends to over simplify some subjects, especially "manifest destiny," (Elbow Room) or the American Revolution (The Shot Heard Round the World); but they are still better than some of the jingoistic revisionism of the political pundits. If nothing else, they feature wonderful songs and entertaining cartoons that you and your child can enjoy together. Watch "Three is a Magic Number" and not feel a little emotional when you view the scenes of the man and woman holding their baby, then running together along the countryside.
The cartoons are an excellent blend of creative visuals, catchy songs, and simple, repetitive delivery that really lets the info sink in. For those of us who experienced it firsthand, it became our hit music. All we had to do on the playground was say, "Conjunction Junction," and someone else would answer, "What's your function?" We knew the preamble to the Constitution by heart! We knew that a verb was "what's happening!" The cartoons led to some strange events. Teachers reported hearing humming when they administered the required Constitution tests. Congressional offices requested copies of "The Three Ring Circus," and "I'm Just a Bill," to train their staffs about the functions of the branches of government and the legislative process. A stage show was put together in the 90s, by a group of nostalgic fans.
These cartoons are a must for any parent. They will do more to teach your children than anything from Baby Einstein, Sesame Street, Disney, or anything else. The songs are wonderful and the cartoons make learning fun and even inspiring. The only word of caution is in America Rock, which tends to over simplify some subjects, especially "manifest destiny," (Elbow Room) or the American Revolution (The Shot Heard Round the World); but they are still better than some of the jingoistic revisionism of the political pundits. If nothing else, they feature wonderful songs and entertaining cartoons that you and your child can enjoy together. Watch "Three is a Magic Number" and not feel a little emotional when you view the scenes of the man and woman holding their baby, then running together along the countryside.