The Covid-19 pandemic has given virtual learning a global platform because many teachers are conducting even their pre-school lessons online. This has made it compulsory for children to be tech-savvy.
Parents have also been letting their children access different social media platforms such as YouTube. These online entertainment platforms keep children occupied and distracted, allowing parents to have their own time and catch a breather.
Although YouTube is usually associated with entertainment and addiction, it can actually be used to educate if one chooses to use it in the right manner.
With a wide variety of genres (e.g. animation, cooking, and family) to choose from, finding the right one may seem challenging. The good news is that there are many available child-friendly YouTube channels to entertain and educate young minds.
I have categorized channels according to age groups, which cover Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) learning and nursery rhymes to make your child’s screen time count.
Toddlers and Infants
Sesame Street
Who doesn’t love Sesame Street? The staple children’s show has graced our screens for more than 50 years, and it is now on YouTube so that children are able to view it on their devices, since TV isn’t widely used anymore.
These feathery and furry animals have proven to have a universal appeal because of their relatable narrations.
The channel is full of videos that help your child learn basic life skills such as showing respect, empathy, understanding, making decisions, and friendships. It also tackles real-life issues such as bullying and racism.
Plus, how can you not fall in love with adorable, bright-red Elmo!
Little Baby Bum
Little Baby Bum is a fun and educational children’s channel that offers a wide range of nursery rhymes to sing along with.
Children can enjoy singing songs for different occasions, such as festive Christmas songs, ABC songs, phonics and so much more.
Brains work in patterns and rhythms and that’s why preschool children are taught nursery rhymes. For instance, the ABC and phonic song improves your child’s memory and brain development, because it enhances reading and literacy skills.
Preschoolers
Netflix Jr.
Netflix Jr. features children’s programs from Netflix shows, full of brightly coloured content to help children play, sing, and learn.
The DIY videos offer so much fun because young children can participate in arts and crafts once the lesson comes to an end.
WordWorld
If you have preschoolers who need to learn new words, this is the channel for them. WordWorld offers weekly episodes of around 30 minutes each.
It’s a gem for your children since it helps children to improve their vocabulary through colourful characters, rhymes, and catchy music. It’s also full of educational and imaginative elements.
WorldWorld is best suited for preschoolers because it broadens their knowledge of simple words, sounds, and letters.
Watching this show with your children is worthwhile because you can pause and copy the animals’ actions.
Super Simple Songs
The show provides original preschool songs and rhymes with puppetry and cartoons.
Characters in this show recite, sing, and demonstrate each of the lyrics while including educational concepts such as colours, numbers, and letters.
Super Simple Songs will improve your child’s learning experience because they will learn about the different letters, numbers, and colours.
Age 5-9
Crash Course Kids
If your children love Science with some fun, this is your go-to YouTube channel. Children will gain extensive knowledge about the world of Science.
This educational channel covers a ton of videos that offer a wide range of topics such as earth, space, habitats, engineering, and chemical reactions.
What makes watching Crash Course Kids interesting is how traditional textbooks have been transformed into an online format that makes each learning experience easy and enjoyable.
Cosmic Kids Yoga
Are you looking for ways to help your child learn about relaxation and mindfulness? Look no further. The channel offers videos that teach children how to achieve all that.
It also features interactive adventures, with a guide taking children through a fantasy trek into outer space.
Engaging in these exercises helps improve balance and strength while encouraging children to use their imagination.
Pre-teens (10+)
National Geographic Kids
This YouTube channel is a child-friendly version of the renowned network National Geographic. Nat Geo Kids offers a wide range of videos about culture, Science, animals, and more.
Nat Geo Kids is an amazing learning resource for students to follow their curiosity and explore their interests. It’s the best educational platform where children can learn about habitats, animals, and a wide range of topics in social studies.
Smithsonian Channel
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History has made it possible for children worldwide to enjoy educational and fun videos.
They touch on a vast range of topics such as astronomy and archeology. Besides, you’ll have fun watching it with your child because nothing is funnier than seeing a baby orangutan trying to crack open a coconut!
Teenagers
TED-Ed
The educational channel is an extension of the popular TED Talks – a collection of influential videos from expert speakers.
TED-Ed contains a library of topical educational videos that challenge teenagers to think outside the box by using their brainpower.
The channel promotes critical thinking in older children (such as the series “Questions No One Knows the Answer To”).
Older children will also enjoy watching these videos because there are a ton of riddles to be solved!
Minutephysics
Minutephysics refers to itself as “cool physics and other sweet science.” The channel uses the unique approach of narrating while storyboarding.
Apart from being appealing to the eyes, the channel provides short, well-explained, and informative content that helps your child understand what’s in their textbook better.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a non-profit organisation that has resolved to provide meaningful education globally. The channel has skillfully generated content from a wide array of school subjects.
Additionally, it has educational videos guiding learners on managing procrastination and exam anxiety, among many others.
In recent months, the channel introduced a live stream, Office Hours With Sal, where students, teachers, and parents can present questions through YouTube live chat. The live chat session offers an interactive segment where participants can answer questions.
Conclusion
Although children love YouTube, sometimes, parents are concerned since they can’t control all the channels that their children access or ads that pop up.
As a result, YouTube introduced YouTube Kids. The app enables children to watch child-friendly material. Moreover, you can report or block inappropriate content.
Although YouTube is so accessible, it’s not a foolproof method for your child’s education, but rather just a supplement. It’s essential for children to use school books and playtime for learning.
For an ad-free experience, you can opt for educational shows on Netflix.
Always look for good and educational content. We hope that this article has been useful for you!
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