Good TV for pre-schoolers
Television can be a wonderful educational medium, but it's also has some poor content that's either not suited for younger kids or else it doesn't provide them with any educational value. I made this lens to help direct other parents to quality childrens television programs.
I've created this lens based on my own experiences as a parent (my children are currently 6 and 5 years old). I hope other parents, family members, or other concerned adults can take advantage of this television programming.
Short listing of recommended TV shows for pre-schoolers
These shows are a combination of live action and cartoons. They are good quality programming, safe for young ones, and help develop their minds and skills.
Sesame Street
George Shrinks
Mr. Roger's Neighborhood
Reading Rainbow
Between The Lions
Bob The Builder
Caillou
Little Bear
Fraggle Rock
Max and Ruby
The Backyardigans
Pocoyo
Lunar Jim
The Doodlebops
Pinky Dinky Do
This is Daniel Cook
This is Emily Yeung
Four Square (new!)
The Land Before Time (new!)
Back To The Barnyard (new!)
Viva Pinata! (new: May 14/08)
Fifi and the Flowertots (new: May 14/08)
Harry and His Bucket Full of Dinosaurs (new: May 14/08)
Maggie and the Ferocious Beast (new: Dec 2008)
Yo Gabba Gabba (new: Dec 2008)
Tips For Parents, Teachers and other Adults
Kids TV Websites - by network
- PBS Kids - a portal for great children's programming
- Great programming from PBS
- Kids CBC - The Canadian Broadcasting Network
- Great programming from the CBC
- Treehouse
- Canadian TV network aimed at kids under the age of six; includes content from NickJr and other sources. We never EVER worry about letting our kids watch TV on this network!
- Nick Jr.
- Find Online Kids Games or Activities for your PreSchooler & Children. Share your Child's Photos with other Parents. See our TV Schedule to find their Favorite Shows. Take our Nick Jr Online Poll.
Other lists of best shows for preschoolers
- Best Preschool Television Shows - LoveToKnow Best
- Listing of best TV shows for preschoolers!
Sesame Street - Learning Letters!
It's hard to beat Sesame Street's features on letters and numbers! It's a great way to start teaching your toddler! The Tipping Point and Children's TV
- Sesame Street
- Blues Clues
You might be surprised at the amount of work that goes into each episode!
Music and soundtracks
Daniel Cook and Emily Yeung
Short Canadian programs for young kids
- This is Daniel Cook
- Daniel Cook's web site
- This is Emily Yeung
- Emily Yeung's web site
Between The Lions
EDIT: December 2007: both of my kids started kindergarden with basic reading skills. They are at the top of their classes. In addition to the time we spent reading to them, I firmly believe that shows like Between The Lions played a key role in developing their reading skills.
- Between The Lions
- This is a great show for teaching vital reading skills to pre-schoolers.
The Backyardigans
- The Backyardigans @ NickJr
- Check the five friends in their own TV show!
- The Backyardigans - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- The Wikipedia scoop on the hit kids show
Kids Videos on Amazon
Arthur 3 DVD Gift Collection (Arthur's Teacher Trouble/Arthur's Computer Adventure/D.W. Rides Again)
Amazon Price: (as of 07/12/2009) 
PBS Kids Pack (Zoboomafoo / Sagwa, The Chinese Siamese Cat / George Shrinks)
Amazon Price: $17.99 (as of 07/12/2009)
Caillou Collection
Amazon Price: (as of 07/12/2009)
Between the Lions Season 1
Amazon Price: $79.95 (as of 07/12/2009)
Bob The Builder at Amazon.com
Bob the Builder: When Bob Became a Builder
Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 07/12/2009)
Bob the Builder - New to the Crew
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 07/12/2009)
Bob the Builder - Teamwork
Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 07/12/2009)
Bob the Builder: Bob's Big Plan
Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 07/12/2009)
Bob the Builder - Can We Fix It?
Amazon Price: $5.99 (as of 07/12/2009)
The Backyardigans @ Amazon
The Backyardigans - Surf's Up!
Amazon Price: $11.49 (as of 07/12/2009)
The Backyardigans: Escape from Fairytale Village
Amazon Price: $12.49 (as of 07/12/2009)
The Backyardigans - Super Secret Super Spy
Amazon Price: $11.99 (as of 07/12/2009)
The Backyardigans - Mission to Mars
Amazon Price: $11.99 (as of 07/12/2009)
The Backyardigans - Into the Deep
Amazon Price: $10.99 (as of 07/12/2009)
Christmas time means even more TV content for kids
- Classic Christmas specials are back and they have timeless appeal!
- New Christmas specials appear every year
- Encourage your kids to check out some of this content as a break or variety in their regular routine
Reader Feedback
Share your thoughts and experiences!
SuzieSmiles wrote...
Lot's of great resources, thanks! For more info about Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, please check out my lens: http://www.squidoo.com/MrRogersNeighborhood
Posted May 31, 2009
itsy
Can't find fraggle rock now tv-links has been shut down.
We love 'in the night garden' cbebies at the bbc.
Posted November 18, 2007
just_Dawn wrote...
You have a lot of my favorites listed! I also liked Zoom! Does anyone remember The Big Blue Marble?
Posted August 22, 2007
MarkDykeman wrote...
Yes, they are still producing Reading Rainbow. LeVar Burton has been hosting for 25 years!
Posted August 08, 2007
The Leapster Learning System
a video game system with games for some of your favorite kids TV/movie characters
You can find this product at Wal-Mart, Toys 'R Us, and other Internet or bricks and mortar retailers!
- Toy Reviews: Leapfrog Leapster learning system - Kids Games & Toys - Helium
- About two years ago my wife and I were shopping for Christmas presents for our kids, trying to find toys that would have long-l...
- My Leapster Learning System Lens
- Find out more about Leapster!
by MarkDykeman
I'm a parent, husband, IT professional, and aspiring writer.
I'm the author of The Uncanny Broadcasting Brain Blog.
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