I know what "THEY" say about TV. However, it's my opinion that you can use TV as a great learning resource IF you watch the right programming. It's even more beneficial to watch WITH your child and discuss what is going on in the show!
Blue's Clues - Nick Jr.
My favorite thing about Blue's Clues is the sign language. Interaction is a plus as you will see that most of the shows I have highlighted are in some way "interactive". At one time Blue's Clues was the highest rated television show for preschoolers!
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Clifford the Big Red Dog- PBS
My favorite thing about Clifford, and the reason it is listed here- is that it shows inclusion of those who are disabled. You see characters with various disabilities (from Animals to People) and there isn't any attention brought to it- but it's nice to see a cartoon depict characters in such a fashion!
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Dora/Diego - Nick Jr.
Dora and Diego are BOTH great for problem solving, matching, interaction and language. I remember when my oldest was young, there was no such thing as Diego and all the toys for Dora were pink. So happy that they have the "Animal Rescuer" now! Both shows serve the same purpose- only one is more masculine and one is more feminine.
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Fetch With Ruff Ruffman- PBS
I can't even EXPRESS how much I love this show! One day my oldest son who was 5 at the time came up to me and said, "You better not break the law and cry about it Mom." Intrigued I asked him why, he responded. "Your tears contain DNA and if you cry? I'll know you were there because everyone has a different strand of DNA and if you commit a crime you will probably leave some behind in some form. I was more than shocked and asked him- WHERE IN THE WORLD DID YOU LEARN THAT! Yep! Ruff Ruffman!
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Sid the Science Kid- PBS
As a kid I loved Bill Nye (and still do) but the only way you watch him is on videos! This is a nice replacement that teaches Science!
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Word World - PBS
This is another one of my absolute favorites! Helps with word structure, and everything is built out of words. Cutest show ever. PLUS when you have a kiddo who is slow in speech it really helps that they slow down the speaking process to sound out the words. GREAT WATCH! Everyone should see it!
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Team Umizoomi
Great Math Resource. My 2 year old watches this. When he was 20 months he came up to me with a shape and said "Pentagon", I was pretty much shocked. I owe it all to Team Umizoomi! And their Mighty Math Powers!
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