I live in a small town in West Virginia. There really isn’t a whole lot to do around here. I have 2 children that I need to keep occupied when I am not playing with them. Everybody has heard of the “electronic babysitter” also know as television. Though I don’t let my children watch it all day and night, television is a very big part of their daily lives as it is with me. But how do you know you’re not just rotting their brains for the time they do watch television. With my kids, I make sure they are watching educationally fun shows. I let them watch things that get them involved and help them learn. So, I’ve decided to create a list of 10 shows that will let your children have fun and give you a break too!
These are in no particular order, and I don’t put any of them ahead of the others as far as content. They are all good to me and good for my children. These shows are intended for preschoolers.
1. Dora the Explorer- This show allows children to play along by responding to the characters and “helping” them figure out what to do and where to go. It also helps by teaching counting, colors, and ordering (what comes first). The show helps with language also as many things are said in english and spanish.
2. Go Diego Go- Like Dora, this show teaches english and spanish. It also teaches kids animal sounds and about their environment and habits, and it gets the kids involved.
3. Wow Wow Wubbzy- This show teaches problem solving and sharing. It is a fun show to watch with the main character encountering many problems that they have to overcome.
4. Jack’s Big Music Show- I like this show personally because it gives children an understanding of music and instruments. It teaches them how to solve problems and play with others. Kids will have a great time dancing and singing along with the special guests as well.
5. Wonder Pets- This is a wonderful show that teaches the importance of working together in a fun way by saving animals. Whether they are building the flyboat or figuring out how to help the animal in trouble, the Wonder Pets are always helping each other the whole way through.
6. The Upside-Down show- The reason this show is so great is that it allows kids to enhance their imagination with is very important for fantasy play and creativity. Shane and David are always discovering new things no matter what they are trying to do. Children get involved by pressing the buttons on their “remotes” which of course are imaginary to. The remote can do anything they want it to!
7. Lazy Town- This show teaches the importance of exercise and activity in daily life. Children will explore new ways to move and have fun through the plot in this show. They will learn fun new activities to use in everyday life.
8. Backyardigans- This is a favorite for my children because the characters are fun and they go on adventures. This show teaches children to use their imaganation and turn their backyard into anything they want it to be. It encourages playing together, singing, dancing, and imaginitive play.
9. Pinky Dinky Doo- This show presents answers to common problems in a fun story. Pinky, the main character, teaches her brother to overcome obstacles and even do chores by telling him a story that relates to the problem. I think this show encourages story telling, thinking through problems, and critical thinking. At the end of each story session there is game time in which the kids are asked to remember who said what in the story or what order things happened in the story. This definitely fits the fun learning category.
10. Franklin- In this show the main character, Franklin, has to deal with family, friends, and himself to learn to do the right thing. He goes through different feelings and problems during the show and he has to learn what to do to make things right and to solve his problems. This teaches kids that it is okay when you feel a new way about something. It also teaches them a way to handle new situations. The show promotes learning from your own mistakes and finding new ways to overcome problems you face.
These shows can all be found on Noggin or Nick Jr. Check you local listings and let the learning tv time begin!
