Six Great TV Shows for Toddlers

I know it is typically a bad idea for kids to grow up watching TV, but there are times when they just need something to do to keep them occupied while you are busy.  Here is a list of shows that will entertain a toddler, and at the same time have them actually learn something. We keep a few episodes of each on the Tivo so that we can pull them up quickly when needed and know exactly what he is watching. 

Super Why! on PBS: Wyat, whose alter ego is Super Why! and his friends solve their problems by comparing it to similar ones found in books. They go into a story in every episode to find their answers. Along the way they solve problems by using letters, making words, and practicing their spelling. Educational, and still entertaining enough to hold a thee year olds attention for the whole show.  

Go, Diego, Go! on Nick Jr.: This show really has a geat following among toddlers. This show highlights different animals each episode and has the kids participate in rescuing the animal with Diego. Along the way they learn facts about animals, and also some Spanish words and phrases. 


Dora the Explorer on Nick Jr. Have your toddler follow Dora along on her adventures. Dora teaches a few spanish words on each show. She also reinforces shapes, counting, numbers and sequence of events. It is a fun show to watch and learn along with, and kids love it. 

Reading Rainbow on PBS: My son loves many of these shows. Each show revolves around a specific childrens book. Lavar Burton is the host and each episode has a guest reader who reads the story and shows the illustrations. The show then explores the theme in the book in various ways. For example, my son loves trains, so the episode named Kate Shelly and the Midnight Express is one of his favorites. Lavar takes the audience with him as he talks to an engineer of an Amtrack train and he even takes a ride on the train as well. Entertaining and educational at the same time. 

Blue's Clues on Nick Jr.: Blue has been around for a while, and you have probably heard of the show. A great concept of having a live person inteacting with a whole ensamble of cartoon characters that kids can relate to. Blue is the dog who leaves clues for either Steve or Joe to follow to answer a question posed in the beginning of the show. Blue's friends are Mr. Salt, and Mrs. Pepper, Magenta, Shovel, and Pail, and Side Table Drawer among others.  It is fun to follow along as they solve the clues, and sing the repetitive songs that my son soon learned to sing along with. 

Peep on TLC: Peep is a newly hatched chicken who has some exciting adventures with his friends Quack, the baby duck, and Chirp, a baby robin. Peep and his friends do their best to bring an understanding of different science related themes such as animals, plants, and habitats. The simple color schemes of the characters and backgrounds make iteasy for young kids to watch and enjoy. Throw in Joan Cusack and a snappy fun to listen to theme song and you have a hit.