Getting to Know George Washington is the first DVD in the new Getting To Know the U.S. Presidents series from Getting To Know, Inc. Already known for creatively introducing children to art through their Getting to Know the World's Greatest Artists videos, these imaginative folks have now added historical videos to their lineup.

My children, ages 6, 8, and 10, were interested, amused, and entertained by this informative introduction to our first president, George Washington. In fact, I let the children watch the video before I did, and my 6-year-old spent the next day informing me of interesting facts as they came to mind. "Do you know why George Washington didn't smile in his pictures? It was because he had bad teeth!" "Did you know people wanted George Washington to be king but he didn't want to?" Obviously, the information stuck.

These videos are humorous and entertaining, making facts and information fun to absorb and easy to remember. Historical images are interspersed throughout the story, bringing the era to life and exposing viewers to well-known pieces of art. As long as you're not put off by a little humor, you're sure to appreciate these DVDs.

In teaching about George Washington, the DVD touches on the history of the 13 colonies, the English government, the Revolutionary War, and much more. We learn about George Washington’s first job and discover how it helped him develop character qualities and skills that would benefit him later in life. We watch as he leads his troops through the war and get to know just what it was about George that made him so popular and the perfect choice for first president of the United States.

This DVD would make a great introductory lesson to a study of George Washington or colonial America. You may find that topics touched on briefly spark an interest in your child, enabling you to follow up with a more detailed study. The DVD is enjoyable and informative for all ages, which is a feat in itself. With a running time of approximately 16 minutes, the DVD manages to pack in a surprising amount of information. My only complaint is the steep retail price of $59.95. My children would love to own the entire set.

Product review by Dena Wood, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, December 2007