The episodes in ‘The Magic School Bus’ by Bruce Degen and Joanna Cole display a series of pediatric issues through an equal display of various adventures that children experience in a magic bus. ‘Gets Lost in Space’ is among the episodes in the series (The Magic School Bus) that vastly display an array of pediatric issues in the event of children’s development (Cole & Degen, 2009). The episode unfolds in both DVD and VHS media channels, which equally facilitate for the expression of development issues in children. The VHS media version runs for a maximum time of thirty minutes, while the DVD version takes 55 minutes on display. However, both media channels cumulatively build up on a similar storyline, which involves a class visit to the space.
In the episode, Ms. Frizzle’s class plans a visit to the planetarium, but end up being unsuccessful. Janet, Arnold’s Cousin, is angry by the fact that she can no longer boast to her classmates about the trip. Consequently, she insults Arnold’s teacher, which compels her to immediately plan for an alternative visit to the space (Cole & Degen, 2009). In the event of the visit, Janet focuses on collecting evidence in order to prove to her classmates that she set foot on the space. Her obsession to obtain proof causes a series of accidents, which additionally leads to the loss of Ms. Frizzle and Liz. Additionally, despite the loss, Janet retains her obsession, and does not fully participate in the search. Consequently, following Ms. Frizzle and Liz’s rescue, Janet’s gatherings fall off the bus, which compels her to opt for remaining in the space. However, the class convinces her otherwise (Cole & Degen, 2009).
Developmental Issue
The VHS and DVD display psychological pediatric issues that attract low self-esteem among children. Therefore, the media version of ‘Gets Lost in Space’ display an expression of psychological issues that a child experiences in the event of developing, which consequently results to low self-esteem. In the episode, Janet suffers from low self-esteem, since she displays a fear of failure and embarrassment. Furthermore, she experiences a frequent change of moods, and extremely cares about her reputation despite the gravity of the situation at hand (Cole & Degen, 2009). Her low self-esteem explains her continuing obsession of obtaining proof to her visit to the space, despite the loss of Ms. Frizzle and Liz. In addition, Janet is sensitive about others’ opinion, and always strives to please them.
The media portrait of low self-esteem in children is important, since parents, guardians, and teachers would be in a better position to curb the problem, by observing the resulting signs of a victim (Acton, 2012, p. 321). In addition, according to Plummer, (2007), various stakeholders would learn and consequently equip themselves with the necessary solutions and remedies for a child suffering from low self-esteem (p. 230). Therefore, according to Chiocca & Chiocca, (2014), guardians would be able to read signs such as regression, frustration, mood swings, and over-sensitivity among their children (p. 520).
A Comparison of Research with Media Explanation
Both the research on low self –esteem among children and the media emphasize on infuriation, mood swings, regression, and depression, as possible sign of low self-esteem. In addition, both media and the research conclude on various stakeholders’ hands on developing their children’s esteem. However, the media primarily focuses on the teacher as a facilitator in the building of a child’s esteem, while the research primarily focuses on the parent (Plummer, 2007, p. 234). In addition, the media solely outlines and focuses on infuriation, mood swings, and regression as major signs of low self-esteem, while the research outlines additional signs such as self- criticisms, quietness, inflexibility, and social withdrawal as major signs (Chiocca & Chiocca, 2014, p. 521). Therefore, signs of low self-esteem are different now, since a child’s lack of basic needs may foster a propagation of signs of low self-esteem.
Lessons for a Pediatric Nurse
Following the media portrait of signs of low self-esteem, a pediatric nurse would be in a better position to read, detect, and make inferences of a child suffering from low self-esteem (Plummer, 2007, p. 237). In addition, pediatric nurses would be able to modify and adopt new strategies in dealing with children suffering from low self-esteem. Conclusively, nurses would be able to find various remedies for low self-esteem in children.
References
Acton, A. (2012). Issues in Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine Research and Practice: 2011 Edition. Lincoln: ScholarlyEditions,.
Chiocca, E., & Chiocca, E. M. (2014). Advanced Pediatric Assessment, Second Edition. New York: Springer Publishing Company,.
Cole, J., & Degen, B. (Directors). (2009). The Magic School Bus: Gets Lost in Space [Motion Picture].
Plummer, D. (2007). Helping Children to Build Self-esteem: A Photocopiable Activities Book. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
