Kids love to watch TV, and toddlers are no exception to this rule. While many parents are concerned about the effects of too much TV, most of us allow our little ones to sit in front of Elmo or Barney just so we can get the house clean or take care of our other kids. I will even admit to letting my two year old watch TV with breakfast every morning just so I can sit down and have a cup of coffee or even go the bathroom alone (which is a rarity with a 2 year old in the house).
If you have decided to allow your toddler some TV time, you likely are interested in finding the shows with some value. Of course kids love the silliness of shows like Yo Gabba Gabba but is it teaching them anything? Your toddler may like to watch Phinneas and Ferb with his older brother, but if the storyline is too mature for him, he will likely zone out and start to “autopilot” which has been a major criticism of TV in some recent academic research.
If your 1 to 4 year old watches television, it is best to follow the following three standards when choosing a show.
– age appropriate
– educational content
– tolerable for adults
The following are my picks of the top 10 shows for 1 to 4 year olds.
#10 Special Agent Oso : This show, despite its Spanish name, does not include any Spanish language. Agent Oso is a bear who helps children solve problems using three special steps. The music is enticing to young toddlers and older toddlers will benefit from the problem solving skills taught in this show. Multicultural characters and a variety of problems add to the value of this show. The voices are not annoying and the singing is decent, but the tunes are a little corny. Episodes are divided into two segments, allowing younger toddlers to stay involved. The reason this show is only at #10 is because the education value is limited to problem solving. There is not much in terms of letters, colors, shapes, counting, etc.
#9 Blue’s Clues: Despite criticism of the new host, Blue’s Clues has managed to stay on the air and still has quite a following. Nick Jr. does play reruns with Steve (the old, beloved host) for those who prefer him. Blue’s Clues is about a dog and his owner who work together to solve a mystery. Each episode is just one mystery, which can get long for younger toddlers. This is definitely better for older toddlers in terms of educational value. It is a problem solving show, but it addresses many topics such as musical instruments, volume, weight, shapes and holidays. The breadth of the educational content is wonderful but not appropriate for younger viewers.
#8 Dora The Explorer: If you are looking for a Spanish language show, this is much better than its competitors (Handy Manny has very little educational value and Go Diego Go is better suited for older children). The music is okay. While the show is in English, it does a good job of incorporating Spanish, and teaching the definition of the Spanish words as well. A down side of this show is that the entire episode is one plot line, making it long for younger toddlers.
#7 Barney: This would be higher on the list if it weren’t so annoying for parents. I actually know some moms who love every other show on this list but do not allow their kids to watch Barney. Yes, he is annoying and yes, the “I love you” song can get a little creepy. However, Barney does an excellent job of teaching every day things through music. Music is very important to a toddler’s development and is often the most pleasing aspect of television, especially for young toddlers. While Barney doesn’t spend too much time on things like colors or counting, this show teaches about every day things – from types of bread to how to brush your teeth – Barney covers it all. One down side is that while the content is better suited for 3 and 4 year olds, the show’s format and characters seem to attract younger viewers.
#6 Word World: Any show that teaches letter recognition and phonics is good, and this one incorporates a cute storyline as well. While the concept is great, there are some downfalls, such as not making the letters easily recognizable. The character’s voices are also kind of annoying and the writing isn’t the best. This show is definitely geared toward older toddlers.
#5 Caillou: Like Barney, Caillou is annoying and a little weird. However, this show has so many redeeming qualities that it has managed to slide in halfway up the list. Caillou is a perfect show for young toddlers who need to hear slow, higher pitched, simple speech. In fact, this may be the only show on television that truly caters to toddlers’ developing language recognition. The plot lines are simple and short. The plot lines also incorporate everyday lessons that are very relevant to toddlerhood. Recent seasons of Caillou also include a music segment in the middle. Music was the one thing this show was missing and now it has that, too. If you can handle the squeaky, whiny voice, Caillou is a great choice for both younger and older toddlers.
#4 Sesame Street: You may be surprised that Sesame Street is not #1 on the list, but there is good reason. Sesame Street is a wonderful show for all ages. Short segments keep the attention of young toddlers and a recurring storyline caters to older viewers. The familiar characters are also nice for parents and even grandparents who probably don’t recognize many of the other shows on this list. For decades, Sesame Street has been teaching toddlers and kids about counting, letters and other important basics. The letter and number of the day is a brilliant concept as it teaches one letter and one number at a time, ensuring true understanding. All in all this show would be perfect, except for one major fault. Sesame Street has always been enjoyable for adults and children alike, but in recent years, a good part of the show is now dedicated to Elmo’s World. The show runs for about 45 minutes and Elmo takes up at leas 15 minutes at the end. Elmo’s high pitched voice and incessant repetition leave adults complaining and even outlawing Sesame Street! The complaints are widespread and although children clearly prefer Elmo over any other muppet, perhaps producers should consider the parents’ needs as well.
#3 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: A modern twist on your favorite classic, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is a winning show for all ages. Mickey and friends will teach your toddler about everything from counting to the solar system. Each episode contains learning opportunities for all ages and the fun music helps draw in younger toddlers. Although each episode is one long story, as opposed to short segments, this show manages to keep the attention of event he youngest viewers. Be forewarned, your child is going to fall in love with the “Hot Dog Song” but luckily it is a fairly good song that won’t drive you crazy.
#2Sid The Science Kid: While this show may not be as popular as some of the others on the list, Sid the Science Kid is a must have on your DVR. The education value is definitely geared toward older toddlers or even school aged children, but the fun songs draw in younger kids and familiarize them with important scientific terms and concepts. Very few shows teach about gravity, friction, water cycles or animal homes but Sid, along with his friends, teacher, parents and grandmother, explains these complex issues in a perfectly elementary manner. This is a great show to have on when adults are around since the songs are actually really good and even a grown up might learn something new.
#1 BEST SHOW FOR TODDLERS: Super Why: The all important number one spot must go to a show that has everything. Super Why teaches letter recognition, reading, problem solving and social conventions while incorporating catchy tunes and consistency (without annoying repetition). Each episode is based on a classic nursery rhyme or fable that parents will recognize instantly. The Super Readers solve an every day problem by reading a well known tale and then using their reading skills to change the ending. There are various levels of problem solving, making this show a hit for all ages. Many parents have noticed, after only a few weeks of watching Super Why, their little ones are naming letters and singing their alphabet. If you want a fun and easy way to prepare your child for school, let them watch Super Why once in a while. You will be surprised how much even a one year old can pick up from this show.
