I once read that educational television impacts a child’s intelligence only minimally. Perhaps statistically that may be the case, but I prefer if my children are to watch television that it be educational. While my almost 4 year old boy might prefer to watch something more along the lines of Spiderman or Power Rangers. Or perhaps even the mind numbing, animated, penguin Pingu who doesn’t actually ever speak, but just makes obnoxious, loud pitched, mumble-esque noises that my son likes to even more obnoxiously imitate – we try to keep shows like that to a minimum. However there are a number of entertaining, educational television shows out there that my children do like to watch and also importantly I prefer as well. Listed below are a few of them and why I personally, as a mother of two, in home child caregiver, and former after school program teacher would recommend to anyone with young children.
1. WordWorld. This program can be viewed on PBS Kids or also streamed on Netflix. The show creatively promotes letter recognition, word recognition and spelling, by building every aspect of the show into a word. For example a rock in the background would be the letters in grey r-o-c-k shaped into a rock. My kids love the animal characters, vibrant colors and silly plots of the program. I love seeing how my kids learn letters and spell words along with the show and have a good time doing it!
2. The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That. This program can also be seen on PBS Kids and streamed on Netflix. This show features the loveable Cat in the Hat from the Dr. Suess books. The show focuses on things in nature. Each show has a catchy song that teaches about the theme of the program. Whether it be how an ant builds its home or the colors of the rainbow, my son is often singing the educational songs he hears on this program!
3. Curious George. Can be seen on PBS Kids. What can I say, kids love this classic silly monkey! George is always getting into some sort of trouble but he is also inspiring kids to learn about math, science and using their brains to problem solve. My son saw George grow a garden on the roof of his apartment building in the city and he came to me asking if we could “grow something”. Because of the idea “planted” my 3 year old son’s head from this show, we now have fresh beans daily and huge pumpkin vines taking over our yard!
4. Sesame Street. Can be seen on PBS Kids or streamed on Netflix. This all-time classic show has been running for over 40 years and I doubt it will end anytime soon! From ABC’s to 123’s this show is the best at captivating the littlest of television watchers. While they are oogling over Elmo they are also learning! What other program can you see famous rappers rapping the ABC’s or the First Lady showing how to plant a garden!
5. Yo Gabba Gabba! This show can now be streamed on Netflix! My kids love this show! While the characters are a bit odd, they do teach the kids everything from seasons of the year to why not to bite your friends! The educational songs are catchy and enjoyable. This will be a long running show for sure!
While there are a multitude of other educational programs out there like Dora the Explorer, Go Diego Go, Sid the Science Kid or anything on PBS Kids, the ones listed above are our top five. I also prefer PBS Kids or streaming on Netflix to any cable programming network. PBS does not include commercials for toys or things that the children will immediately think they “neeeeed”. That is why we also love streaming shows on Netflix. Besides the fact that it has no commercials, it has a vast amount of educational shows as well as other shows and movies that you can watch for less than $10.00 a month. So go ahead, turn on the T.V.!