Whether you are a stay at home mom or you have a nanny or babysitter watching your children, chances are they might be getting some TV time, especially if they are toddlers or preschool-aged kids. Recently I came across an article from Common Sense Media, that lists eight amazing preschool shows that were developed by learning experts.
It is somewhat comforting to know that at least TV screen time can actually teach kids some quality lessons.
Below is that original article:
8 Amazing Preschool Shows Developed by Early Learning Experts
When
kids' TV shows bill themselves as educational, lots of parents take
their word for it. But how many of these shows are backed by
childhood-development principles, quality research, and an understanding
of how kids learn best from media? Actually, quite a few. From
social-emotional learning to STEM subjects, this is a golden age of
choice for preschool TV. Behind the scenes, many kids' shows are
providing richer screen-time experiences by the pros who know how best
to reach kids.
Sesame Street is an obvious pioneer in this realm; its team
of experts, researchers, and advisors helped create a show that's been a
positive influence on kids for over 45 years. Friendship, counting,
ABCs -- you name it, they've helped kids learn it. Great shows know how
to thoughtfully embed learning into the fun, blurring the line between
entertainment and education. Here are 10 shows that are following in Sesame Street's footsteps:
Creative Galaxy, Amazon Prime, 3+
Friendly alien Arty loves to think outside the box when solving
problems, and his solutions always involve art. Along with his magical
pal Epiphany, Arty travels all around his universe to discover more
about the arts and how people use their own creativity.
Behind the scenes: Visually appealing
and packed with great messages about relationships and caring for
others -- with simple art-history lessons thrown in for good measure --
this fun series is sure to inspire your preschooler's own creativity.
Creator Angela Santomero (who developed Blue's Clues)
also believes that encouraging kids to participate in Arty's artistic
solutions is key: "We break the fourth wall so kids can be part of the
action and propel the story line forward. This also ensures that kids
are not just absorbing our material but practicing by participating and
making along with us.”
Curious George, PBS Kids, 3+
Sweet animation plus live-action segments add up to lots of fun monkey
adventures. George, kindly guided by the Man with the Yellow Hat, sets
off each day to learn about something new -- but things don't always go
quite right.
Behind the scenes: We'll state the obvious: This show promotes curiosity in preschoolers, but that's not its only stellar quality. A 2012 study
demonstrated that kids who watched and read about Curious George
"demonstrated significantly better knowledge of measurement,
hibernation, colors, weather, buoyancy, sound, sorting, and plant life
than children who did not."
Daniel Tiger, PBS Kids, 3+
The sweet little tiger from Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood is now animated, but his curiosity and kind nature have remained the same. Daniel
and his family, including his grandparents, treat each other with
kindness and respect as they go about their daily lives, from learning
to send a letter to potty training.
Behind the scenes: This gentle series is a
well-rounded choice for kids who are learning how to get by in the
world; it focuses on the social-emotional skills preschoolers need to
thrive, such as how to interact with others as well as how to develop a
positive sense of self. Daniel Tiger teaches kids simple but necessary
concepts such as how to take turns, manage feelings, and care about
others. Daniel Tiger's research team vets every script with the real experts -- preschool kids -- to assess how kids are understanding the story.
Peg + Cat, PBS Kids, 3+
Cute kid Peg and her slightly dopey feline companion Cat travel all
over the place, solving problems and meeting new friends together.
Behind the scenes: Amid quirky ukulele songs, early
math concepts are tucked into each episode; Peg and Cat solve "big
problems" using their number skills. But even though math is its primary
focus, Peg + Cat also offers lessons in collaboration and teamwork, rhyming, and alliteration. Check out this 2015 study for details on the show's effect on kid viewers.
Super Why, PBS Kids, 3+
Whyatt Beanstalk (Jack’s younger brother) and his friends transform
into superheroes before they jump into books that each hold different
clues that help solve the day's problem.
Behind the scenes: The series emphasizes the
importance of problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and compassion
-- as well as early literacy skills such as letter identification,
letter sounds, simple spelling, and word recognition. According to PBS,
the show was specifically designed for kids to interact with, so that
"as they watch Super Why they are completely absorbed in the adventure of the story while engaging in challenging games and activities." One study showed how the format enables children to practice the critical skills they need to learn to read.
Tumble Leaf, Amazon Prime, 3+
Vibrant animation and colorful characters, such as little blue bear Fig
and his animal friends, will draw preschoolers into this gently paced
series, where sweet animal characters make exciting discoveries about
nature and the world around them.
Behind the scenes: Along with
simple, age-appropriate science concepts, the show weaves
problem-solving, prereading skills such as rhyming, and basic shape
recognition into the stories. Educational psychologist and Amazon Kids
advisor Dr. Alice Wilder underscores the importance of play on the show:
"Play is how young children learn … And in the case of Tumble Leaf,
which takes place out in nature and the natural world, kids learn
science through their play. When a kid jumps in a puddle, there is
science there!"
Wallykazam, Nick Jr., 3+
Kids love Wally Trollman, a 6-year-old troll with a dragon BFF named
Norville and a magic stick. His adventures in the forest are fun to
follow, and he has lots of friends to help him if he ever gets into a
sticky spot.
Behind the scenes: Nick's first series to address literacy education embeds lots of lessons for preschoolers (and its companion app
can add even more to the experience). As Wally creates words and solves
problems with the help of his trusty magic stick, he and his crew teach
kids early reading basics including phonics, letter knowledge, and
letter-sound association.
Doc McStuffins, Disney Junior, 4+
Doc, a little girl with a doctor’s coat and stethoscope, encourages
independence and a can-do attitude in preschoolers as she cares for her
stuffed patients. The fact that the show centers on an African-American
family whose parents take on reversed gender roles (mom at work, dad at
home) reflects society's diversity, and Doc is a great role model for
any kid.
Behind the scenes: Doc's care and nurturing of her
patients can help kids alleviate their fears of going to the doctor; she
also shares facts about disease and germs (wash your hands!) and
promotes a healthy lifestyle both subtly and outright. Hollywood Health and Society,
an organization that promotes accurate medical information to the
entertainment industry, consults on the show to ensure the story lines
are medically sound. Doc McStuffins also has an ongoing relationship
with the Artemis Medical Society, which uses the Doc McStuffins character to promote diversity in medical and STEM careers.
So, if someone is watching your kids at home, make sure that if your kids are going to watch television, at least they should be watching one of these early learning shows.