Best TV Shows for Pre-Schoolers

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While it’s best to keep screen time to a minimum, especially with pre-school aged children, let’s face it sometimes you just can’t avoid it.  The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time for children under 2, and minimal screen time, under 2 hours per day, which includes all television, computer and other handheld devices, for children and teens.  They also recommend that those 2 hours are spent on high quality entertainment.  If you need help deciding what is appropriate or “high quality” please check out CommonSenseMedia.org.

Here are some great options for your little ones, pre-school age and above.  Some you know, but some you may not be aware of yet!

PreSchoolersTV

Kid Favorites:

  1. Angelina Ballerina – Based on the popular children’s book series, follow Angelina as she pirouette’s her way through life at Camembert Academy.  Watch on PBS Kids and Netflix streaming.
  2. Charlie & Lola – Also based on a popular children’s book series, Charlie and Lola are brother and sister sharing big adventures and using their big imaginations to help them along the way.  Available on DVD.
  3. Doc McStuffins – The Doc is in and she’ll treat you right!  Doc McStuffins is a vet to her stuffed animals.  Running her practice out of her backyard playhouse, Doc McStuffins is super cute and kids love her!  Watch on Disney Junior.
  4. Jake and the Neverland Pirates – Jake and his friends Izzy and Cubby problem solve to keep Captain Hook and his sidekick Smee at bay.  Available on Disney Junior and Netflix streaming.
  5. Little Einsteins – Using classical music and art, Leo, June, Quincy and Annie solve problems to with the help of Rocket.  Available on Disney Junior and Netflix streaming.
  6. Peppa Pig – Peppa and her brother George share adventures with Mommy Pig, Daddy Pig and the their friends Suzy Sheep and Rebecca Rabbit.  Available on Nick Jr.
  7. Sofia the First – Sofia and her mother are suddenly royals with a new family.  Sofia is trying to figure out her new life with the help of a royal butler.  Available on Disney Junior and Netflix streaming.
  8. Super Why – Wyatt and his friends problem solve using classic stories, teaching little ones their ABC’s. Available on PBS Kids and Netflix streaming.
  9. Wonder Pets – Linny, Tuck and Ming Ming are classroom animals at a pre-school.  Once school is out, the three problem solvers help other animals in need.  Available on Nick Jr.

The Classics:

  1. Arthur – Based on a popular book series, follow Arthur, sister D.W. and his friends on their adventures.  Available on PBS Kids and Netflix streaming.
  2. The Berenstain Bears – This bear family has lots of adventures which usually end up with a teachable moment for you kids.  Available on PBS Kids.
  3. The Cat in the Hat Knows a lot About That – This popular Dr. Seuss character teaches kids about animals, plants and a whole lot of other things with the help of Nick and Sally, Thing 1 and Thing 2. Available on PBS Kids and Netflix streaming.
  4. Clifford the Big Red Dog – This lovable pooch has plenty of adventures with owner Emily Elizabeth!  Available on PBS Kids and Netflix streaming.
  5. Handy Manny – Join Manny and his fun loving tools as they solve problems together.  Available on Disney Junior and Netflix streaming.
  6. Kipper – Join this cute pup and his friends on their many adventures.  Available on Netflix streaming.
  7. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse – Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy use problem solving skills with the help of Toodles.  Available on Disney Junior.
  8. Olivia – This adorable pig is joined by her two brothers, a cat and a dog, on her many adventures using her big imagination.  Available on Nick Jr.
  9. Reading Rainbow – This classic teaches pre-schoolers the fundamentals of reading.  Available on Netflix streaming.
  10. Sesame Street – This cast of many characters will keep your pre-schooler engaged in their fun and interactive manner.  Available on PBS Kids and Netflix streaming
  11. Thomas & Friends – Kids love this locomotive and his friends!  Available on PBS Kids and Netflix streaming.
  12. Veggie Tales – Join these veggies on their adventures, which always include a positive message.  Available on Netflix streaming.

Some you May Not Know:

  1. Ella the Elephant – My daughter still loves watching this cute elephant and her friends!  Available on Disney Junior and Netflix streaming.
  2. Guess How Much I Love You – This popular book is a favorite in our house.  You may not know there was a show that went along with it!  Available on Netflix streaming.
  3. Miles From Tomorrowland – Miles is an adventurous boy living in space.  Available on Disney Junior.
  4. Peg + Cat – Peg and her cat solve problems using mathematical fundamentals.  Available on PBS and Netflix streaming.
  5. Poppy Cat – This cute cat and her friends use imagination to solve problems.  Available on Netflix streaming.

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