If you know the function of Conjunction Junction, then you probably grew up with “Schoolhouse Rock,” ABC’s legendary educational cartoons. Now this might make you feel old, so brace yourself. This year, “Schoolhouse Rock,” which still airs on Saturday mornings, marks its 25th anniversary.
To celebrate, Walt Disney Home Video is reissuing the classic “Schoolhouse Rock” collection and adding an all-new title, “Money Rock,” to the series. Teaching youngsters financial lessons through songs, “Money Rock” joins proven commodities “Grammar Rock,” “Multiplication Rock,” “America Rock” and “Science Rock” ($14.99 per video).
After just two viewings, it’s hard to tell if “Money Rock” holds another “Conjunction Junction (What’s Your Function)” or “I’m Just a Bill.” (After all, those infectious tunes became breakout hits after kids heard them over and over.) But it’s clear this entertaining and informative video is worth its weight in gold.
The “Schoolhouse Rock” concept came from one David B. McCall. During a family vacation, McCall found his son struggling with the multiplication tables although the boy had memorized every Beatles’ and Rolling Stones’ song. It occurred to McCall that kids might have an easier time grasping difficult school subjects if they were packaged as fun and catchy songs.
Boldly and cheerfully drawn, “Money Rock” carries on McCall’s mission to make learning enjoyable. The video features seven energetic and engaging musical numbers that help youngsters — and surely some adults — understand the basics of some potentially dry and complex material.
There’s Becky Sue, the country-western singer, who teaches viewers about savings accounts, interest and bank loans in “Dollars and Sense.” Children get a lesson on managing their allowances in “$7.50 Once a Week.”
“Where The Money Goes” explains how adults spend their earnings on bills and taxes, and it presents ways in which kids can help lower family expenditures. “Money Rock” also includes witty presentations on taxes, investments, checking accounts, bartering and the national debt.
Some of the songs easily get their messages across. Children should have no problem grasping “Walkin’ on Wall Street’s” simple lesson on investing: “Buy low, sell high, take a piece of the pie. That’s the Wall Street way.”
“This For That” also offers an easy to follow presentation on the barter system. “Take this for that, that for this. Bills and coins are smarter. But when you pay for that, remember this — it all started out with barter.”
Others songs might prove a little harder to follow. “Tyrannosaurus Debt” smartly uses a T. rex with a voracious appetite to symbolize the nation’s massive debt. But it goes over this complex topic, which even adults find confusing, far too quickly.
