This post is a list of TV shows we've watched over the last 4 years or so. I know it looks like we watch movies all day, every day, but we really don't :). We prefer to watch things at least slightly educational so here is our favorites! I'd love to hear what you enjoy watching with your children!
Most of these we watched on Amazon Prime or DVD's from the library.
Fireman Sam
Fireman Sam is a British animated comedy about a fireman named Sam, his fellow firefighters, and the villagers of a fictional village called Pontypandy. Our children have all loved this show from a very young age. Eldon and I don't exactly mind it either. While it is a lot of fluff, it's strong on teaching fire safety as well as respect for adults.
Wild Kratts
The basic plot of every single Wild Kratts episode is the 2 brothers saving an animal from someone or something that is destroying said animal or their habitat. Animal facts are weaved into every part of the story and it's unbelievable how much we've all learned. There may be a very small bit of evolution at the beginning or end of each episode when the brothers leave their animated form and talk to kids about how they can make a difference so be prepared for that. This provides us with a perfect teaching moment.
Zoboomafoo
This show is also produced by the Kratt brothers and features a talking lemur. Geared more towards preschoolers, Zoboomafoo interacts with other animals and food is always involved. A great way to sneak some education in!
Kratt's Creatures
We obviously love the Kratt brothers because we've also found this series in which the brothers travel around the world exploring different animals and their habitats. Very little animation is on this show but they keep it interesting enough to capture the attention of my easily distracted Michael so.......Again, be prepared for very small bits of evolution that may occasionally pop up. As soon as our kids hear "millions of years" they correct them by saying "thousands, you mean thousands."
Planet Earth
This is the most expensive nature documentary ever made and the first to be filmed in high definition. The result is stunning videos and pictures of wildlife and nature. Your preschoolers may get bored but I can assure you they will stop to watch the elephant herd lumbering by or the baby zebra galloping alongside his mother. This is a show that I like to put on while I'm cooking and the children are coloring or playing. Admittedly, it's hard to get anything done because I find it so interesting!
Liberty's Kids
This highly educational and entertaining show focuses on Benjamin Franklin and four fictional associates of his in their experiences during the American Revolution. The series spans 16 years from the Boston Tea Party in 1773 to the ratification of the U.S. Constitution in 1789. My favorite way to learn History!
Peppa Pig
I can't think of anything educational about Peppa Pig but I can nearly promise that your toddlers and preschoolers will love this charming show. I enjoy the British accents and terminology and my children love going with Peppa and George on their day to day activities.
Baby Einstien
Baby Einstein consists of pretty pictures and videos set to classic music. Different episodes feature shapes, colors, numbers, animals, vehicles, and more. It's a great option when you're trying to wind little people down and need some background music.
Kipper the Dog
Kipper is another British show that is similar to Peppa. Lots of great accents and I do laugh every time I hear one of my children say something like, "You have a go at it."
Torchlighters
This series is produced by the Voice of the Martyrs and Christian History Institution. It features stories of heroes and heroines of the christian faith. Corrie Ten Boom, William , Tyndale, and Jim Elliot are only a few characters you will learn about. Each episode is 30 minutes long. They are very literal and may be frightening for young children as real life situations are played out.
Winnie the Pooh
No list of children's movies complete without good ole' Winnie the Pooh and friends. Also, make sure you know how these stories were born and who Winnie was named after. Great history, right there!
Franklin the Turtle
Franklin the Turtle will take you with him as he deals with jealousy, selfishness, and other issues children face. This is a great show with positive role models and gives examples on kindness, love, and humility.
The Brady Bunch
Eldon and I enjoy this family show as much or more then the children. It's from the 1970's and the family deals with typical issues - lying, cheating, and unkindness. I've learned a lot myself from watching how Mike and Carol deal with their 6 children. Respect, love, kindness, and honesty are all held in high esteem in this show.
Little House on the Prairie
Another classic show that never gets old. Another show that teaches godly values and history. And, most libraries have this series so that's another plus!
Animal Atlas
Animal Atlas will take you around the globe and teach you about animals, what they eat, and their habitat. Each episode has several quiz questions throughout it and our children find that to be super fun.
The Waltons
Another old classic with great values. Toddlers and preschoolers may not stick it out but our grade schoolers love this show.
Berenstain Bears
Will there ever be enough animal show that teach about real life issues? Probably not! We enjoy the later versions of these movies (and books) since the authors met Jesus later in life and that change is reflected in their products.
Bugtime Adventures
We very accidentally stumbled upon this series one day. Amazon loves to bury the good stuff like this really deep so it doesn't just pop up but we found this! Bible stories from a bug's perspective!
Popular Mechanics for Kids
We've been watching PMK off and on for several years now. Eldon and I like this one too and don't let the children watch unless we're close. They do occasionally have evolution so watch for that. They explore all kinds of crazy things. Follow a tennis ball down the toilet and to the sewer plant, learn how fireworks work, what zookeepers do, why landfills generate gasses, how a roller coaster operates, and much, much more. Highly educational and some episodes are just plain gross but we always go back for more:).
Little Men
A TV series based on the book Little Men. Real life lessons and many hard situations come up. Makayla and I love it but the others get a little bored.
Animated History
We haven't gotten far in this series yet but so far it's accurate (from what I can tell) and very factual. It starts with early Egypt and covers both world and Bible history. They do talk about each nations god's and what they believed. So be prepared to hear about how the Aztecs considered it an honor to be sacrificed to their god and other similar things. Being a History lover, this is a favorite of mine.
Leap Frog
Ethan jerked a "froggy ddd" out at the library a few months ago and declared that we should take it home. I glanced over it and thought it looked ok, but didn't realize how amazing it actually was! Very educational, fun little movies with catchy tunes. Ethan quickly learned all the alphabet sounds and Michael and Emily love the more advanced ones with little jingles about the tons of phonics rules that I've been trying to teach them for months. Now I keep my eyes open wide for any Leap Frog DVD's at both libraries and thrift stores. Unlike a lot of phonics movies, these aren't even annoying!
