Not all television is awful, but I have come across some shows that are targeted for preschool or young children that I feel aren't so great. Whether it's characters that talk back, too much violence or toilet humor, many shows leave me disappointed and have made me extremely picky with what we do watch in our limited television time. So what is there to watch? Here are some of my favorites, all basically commercial free because I can't stand commercials, especially for the kids. Who wants them begging for every new toy or sugar cereal? Here are our favorites!
Kid's Imagine Nation
How to watch
Why we like it?
This show is oozing with so much personality, that all ages can easily be entertained. The upbeat music and wide variety of options made it the most watched program in our family. Baby Pie enjoys the music videos (especially Good Morning which is his absolute favorite) and anything that features Beatz. We also frequently watch, Music with Aaron, and Rachel's Tea Party. They also have episodes that follow the trio on adventures as they help people in their neighborhood, all while using their imaginations.
Ok, this can be annoying because...
Watching on YouTube can be a bit of a pain because you will have to hear the "like and subscribe" info at the end of each segment. A little birdy told me that we might be able to purchase these episodes, along with some new content on DVD. We hope so, and cannot wait!
Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood
(2012- present)
How to watch
Why we like it?
If you grew up loving Mister Rogers, than you are on your way to enjoying this show. Daniel lives with his dad, mom, and baby sister in the neighborhood of make believe. You follow him, as his neighbor, throughout his day. Daniel and his friends teach us how to share, handle our emotions, and even to remember to use the potty. Each episode has two mini episodes, usually with the same theme.
Another reason I like this show is there's a segment in each episode that shows kids in their neighborhoods. The episode we watched yesterday, Daniel was nervous to get a shot at his check up, and then they showed a child in their neighborhood also getting a shot at a checkup.
The website presence for Daniel Tiger is also super cute. They have games, stories and videos.
Hearing some classic songs from, Mister Roger's Neighborhood, is also a huge plus for me.
Ok, this can be annoying because...
You will wonder why Prince Tuesday has to work so many jobs, why they can't seem to attract any new neighbors and why Daniel wears pants to bed, but not in the day. Why we ponder these things, the world will never know, but as soon as you start watching it almost daily you will discuss these deep topics with your friends.
Yo Gabba Gabba
(2007-2012)
How to watch
Why we like it?
The bright colors, fun dancing and educational add ins make this show an A+ in my book. Kids have lots of energy and getting up and dancing is super fun along with the silly characters from Gabba Land. The Super Music Friend Show segment is always fun, and the music groups they choose are more rock and grunge, a refreshing change from what you might hear in a children's program.
Ok, this can be annoying because...
You can find bits and pieces on YouTube, otherwise you have to buy the seasons on YouTube or Amazon. Which isn't too bad, because kids can watch the same thing over and over. We have been watching season one, for this past month. We watch an episode of this several times a week, and just rotate through season one so far. I haven't gotten tired of it yet, but when I need a change we can purchase season two through the app very easily. Season one has an episode about Trains, which is a current favorite at our house.
Your Baby Can Learn
How to watch
-
DVD
-
YouTube
Why we like it?
This is an amazing program that teaches sight-reading and language to babies through preschool aged kids. When you buy the program you get 4 disks, but you can watch one episode on their YouTube channel. When you buy the program you get 4 books, and 4 sets of sliding flash cards. My son has learned so much from this series, it's fun and he enjoys watching it while he eats breakfast each day. He likes using the books and flash cards, which I keep separate from the rest of his toys, so they feel exciting when we use them about once or twice a week.
Ok, this can be annoying because...
You can only hear, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, so much before you start getting a little batty. There is A LOT of repetitive learning techniques used in this program.
Signing Time
How to watch
Why we like it?
Learning American Sign Language (ASL) has been a goal of mine for years, thanks to "baby sign language" I have picked some up. Thinking it would be a good time for me and Baby to learn more together, we stumbled upon, Two Little Hands. Rachel, the host of Signing Time, along with her kids Leah and Alex teach sign language through fun songs and demos. There are shows targeting ages 0-preschool and I've learned quite a bit watching alongside my son as well. When we started potty training I used her, Potty Time, show and Baby Pie immediately learned the sign for Potty (or toilet) and time. Super helpful trying to start potty training a kid under 2 years old. For more Potty Training tips and ideas, see my previous post.
Ok, this can be annoying because...
You can watch some episode or clips on YouTube, but to get access to everything you have to sign up for her monthly service. I don't mind the cost, because it's educational, but I have to use a separate app on my tablet just to get it to air on my television, which is sort of a pain, but worth it. You can just purchase the DVDs separately, but there is so much content the monthly subscription seems nice for the variety. I could see getting some of the DVDs in the future.
You can get a free trial by clicking here. I really think you will enjoy all her membership has to offer. There are songs, e-books, parent guides, and of course lots of videos.
ABC Mouse
How to watch
Why we like it?
ABC mouse is a great program for kids. It has a channel on YouTube full of videos teaching, numbers, letter, shapes, science and more. If you get the subscription you can also play educational games on a phone, tablet, or PC. With the subscription you also get an app that has all the videos in one place, which makes them very easy to find and choose which ones to watch. There is so much content on this app, there is no way your kid will get through it all. There is always something new to learn. I have not only used this with Baby Pie, but all my previous preschool aged foster kids have loved, and learned from ABC Mouse.
Ok, this can be annoying because
Trying to find things on the app is a little bit of a pain sometimes. I use this not only for watching educational shows, but there are tons of printables for preschool learning. Just today it took me ten minutes to find where the "trace number one" printable was located.