Solving the TV Debate: 5 Shows that Educate and Entertain Your Kids

TV is always a good topic of discussion among parents.  The questions never end as to whether kids should watch TV, how much they should watch, and what to watch.  Personally, my belief as an educator is that the less TV your kids watch the better it is for them.  The plain and simple truth is that TV watching is not a good way for kids to spend their time.  It limits their imagination, creativity, and ability to play.  It reduces the time that they are engaged actively or intellectually.  It is unproductive and not stimulating at all for the mind.  Unfortunately, TV lessens kids’ chances of developing the skills that help them in and out of the classroom.

However, I do understand and realize that kids will always spend some of their time watching TV.  So, I have researched 5 programs that I believe are not only entertaining, but also are beneficial educationally for children.  This way, you know that when your children do watch TV, they are spending their time watching shows that both entertain AND develop their knowledge and skills.  

As you will see, all of my shows are ones that are broadcast on your local Public Television stations in the United States (If you are in another country and desire to watch these shows, then you can find them online as well), and most are in cartoon format.  The reason I chose these particular programs is because they are geared toward youth audiences, they are aimed at being educational, and they are publicly funded so that they are shown without any commercial interruptions.  Research has shown that much of the problems that occur while watching TV happen during commercials.  They interrupt the program, hindering children’s ability to keep track and develop their sense of storyline and literary elements.  In addition, the extensive marketing and selling of products brainwash our highly impressionable youth to desire useless toys, junk food and other such non-essential items.  Need I say more?

The first shows I chose are for very young children: 

1.   Sesame Street (www.sesamestreet.org).  I believe that Sesame Street is one of the best shows on TV still.  It has a long history and tradition of broadcasting meaningful shows that teach young, nursery, preschool, and kindergarten age children letters, numbers, number sense, phonemic awareness, and other literacy skills.  And, it provides role models for problem solving and good behavior. 

2.   Word World (pbskids.org/wordworld/).  This program teaches preschool and kindergarten age children emerging literacy skills.  It instructs on all aspects of literacy development and it is very engaging and entertaining. 

For older children:

3.  Wild Kratts (pbskids.org/wildkratts/). This program teaches children all about animals and their habitats.  It is highly entertaining and educational

4.   Word Girl (pbskids.org/wordgirl/).  This show teaches children all about words.  It helps develop their vocabulary skills by acting out and teaching a new vocabulary word each episode. 

5.   Electric Company (pbskids.org/electriccompany/).  This program also has a long history and is geared toward pre-teens and early teenagers.  It teaches both literacy skills, problem solving skills, interpersonal relations, and critical thinking. 

When you watch these shows, know that, as a parent and your kids’ primary educator, you are providing them with the best of everything.  And that includes what they watch on TV.  Check them out; let me know what you think! And, enjoy knowing that your kids are learning while they watch.