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As a mom, I want my daughter to learn as much as she can so she can be prepared once she starts preschool. I came up with this list of the top 10 educational TV shows for toddlers that are very easy to find. Most of these you can watch on Netflix or Amazon Prime anytime you want. No, I do not sit my child in front of the TV all day, but she does watch a couple TV shows as well as playing outside, with her toys, and having storytime. I feel that it is OK for kids to watch TV especially if they are learning something from it.
I didn’t have some scientific study done in order to come up with this list. These are just shows that I have come across and I think they are both educational and entertaining for toddlers. My daughter loves all of these shows and she is learning her numbers, letters, and shapes. I don’t just sit her down in front of the TV; I actually sit with her and watch them myself so that I can help explain what is going on. The first 6 shows on the list are all PBS shows. If you don’t have a Netflix or Amazon Prime account, you can watch some of the episodes for free on PBS.
Sesame Street
This is an oldie but goodie. I remember watching this when I was little. It was all about Big Bird and Snuffy. Things have changed a little. It mostly features Elmo, Abby, and Murray. My daughter absolutely loves Elmo, or “Mo” as she calls him. One thing that hasn’t changed is the number and letter of the day. Sesame Street has been on the air for so long for a very good reason. It is so educational and fun for the kids. I actually don’t mind watching it because they have celebrity guests and put a funny spin on recent movies that the adults will enjoy.
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
People my age may remember watching Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. Since Mr. Roger is no longer with us, they turned the show into a cartoon called Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood that features the characters that Mr. Roger created. I love that this show teaches about feelings and social situations. There is even a whole episode dedicated to having a new baby in the house. My daughter loves the songs and sings along with them all of the time. I will warn you that the songs are catchy and you may find yourself humming them in the car for no reason. It has happened to me more times then I can count!
Dinosaur Train
This show is great for both boys and girls. I know that little boys really love dinosaurs and trains so whoever created this and put the two together is a genius! Dinosaur Train follows a family of Pteranodons and their adopted T-Rex son all through the different time periods to meet all kinds of dinosaurs and creatures. This is a really neat way for kids to learn all about the earth and dinosaurs. I have actually learned a lot from this show and I grew up with a brother obsessed with dinosaurs! It also has a bunch of fun songs and there is a real paleontologist at the end of each episode to review what they just learned.
Wild Kratts
If your kids love going to the zoo and seeing all the animals, they will love Wild Kratts. The beginning of each show has the Kratt Brothers with the real animals that they will be learning about. It then turns into a cartoon where the brothers use Creature Power Suits to learn about that animal’s features and characteristics. I would have loved this show when I was little. I remember watching the Kratt Brothers on their other show, Zoboomafu.
Super Why
This is a great show to help kids learn their letters and reading skills. Super Why follows four fairy tale characters as they try to change back famous fables and fairy tales from all over the world. They have to find “Super Letters” to help solve a problem. They learn letters, read stories, and say the abc’s.
Curious George
This is another show that has been around a long time and with good reason. Who doesn’t love Curious George and the man in the yellow hat? I like that kids learn about animals, shapes, nature, and problem solving skills.
Team Umizoomi
Team Umizoomi is a cute little show that comes on Nick Jr. It is great for teaching kids math skills. They learn their numbers, shapes, patterns, and other math skills as they go on adventures or help solve mysteries. It has a red head in it, too!
Peppa Pig
I don’t know why kids love Peppa Pig so much but they do. I like that it teaches social skills and diversity. I also like their cute little English accents. My daughter loves the theme song. Every time it would play, she would instantly stop crying. That was a big plus for me. I can’t tell you how many times I played the theme song over and over again.
Octonauts
The Octonauts is another great show if your kids love learning about animals. This show comes on The Disney Channel. They focus on learning about the ocean and marine life as they try to help creatures all over the world. I have actually learned a thing or two from this show!
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
Last, but not least, is Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Who doesn’t love Mickey?! This show is perfect for toddlers as it is fun and helps them learn numbers, letters, and shapes. I notice that even Donald Duck has calmed down since I was a kid :).
These are the favorite educational TV shows for toddlers that we watch in my house. I know there are a lot more out there but these are the ones that are approved by my daughter :). What do your kids love to watch?
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