OK. Not sure if many people know the Numberjacks, but here’s a general show description so you know what I’m complaining about.
The Numberjacks are animated characters – the numbers zero to nine – who live in a sofa and solve problems outside. Each episode has the same structure. At the beginning of the episode, some of the numbers will be engaged in an activity that will have relevance to the problem that is later discovered. Then an “agent” (a live-action child) will call in and describe the problem that is occurring. One or two of the Numberjacks will go out into the real world to solve the problem, while the remaining Numberjacks stay in their base and watch progress on a screen.
Once outside, the Numberjacks are shown in a live-action setting (although still animated themselves). They diagnose the problem by examination and with help from additional ideas from the agents, who call into the base. The problems are usually solved by creating and sending “brain gain”, a magic force that can correct the problems once the solution is understood.
Once solved, the Numberjacks return to their base, replay what happened on a screen and then ask a question of the viewer.
The problems encountered are all based around simple mathematical concepts and the programme is intended to stimulate young children’s interest in mathematics. (Oh, it stimulates them alright!!!)
These are the culprits for me tearing my hair out!
My four year old and three year old adore this program. It is on Cbeebies after their dinner every evening. They don’t watch TV during the day, so enjoy a bit of TV after teatime. Sounds a great show, doesn’t it?? and if they just sat quietly and watched it, I would be a very happy mummy. Yet, every evening is the same. We pretty much have all-out war in our house; simply because everyone wants to guess the number that will be sent to ’save the day.’
I am assuming there hasn’t been many of these episodes shown on TV as my kids instinctively know which numbers to choose so they win, but as they both know this information – they argue about it, EVERY EVENING!!! Our neighbours must think we are nuts, because the amount of screaming and shouting that comes out of our house at 5:15pm all to do with a kids TV show is ridiculous. Yet, our general argument goes something like this:
“I’m number 4.” 3 year old.
“No, I’m number 4.” 4 year old.
“Well I’m number 5.” Me 
“No, I want number 5.” 3 year old.
“you’re number 4, I’m number 5.” Me again.
“No, I’m number 5, I’m 5, I’m 5.” 3 year old again.
You get the idea. This is just a snippet of our evenings. I personally think this program should be completely banned from TV completely – just to save my sanity!!
Aahhh, that felt good to rant a little. Thanks for reading
P xx
1 response so far ↓
pawpads // February 24, 2007 at 10:07 pm
Ah yes. Numberjacks. They’re crap aren’t they! My 5 year old ( who swears that he’s too old to watch Cbeebies) is more than happy to watch them when he flicks past and spots them.
But will he allow me to drool over Justin on Tikkabilla? Oh no!
Thanks for stopping by my blog earlier and welcome to the obsession that will become Blogging.