Top educational TV channels for all the family

Picture this. You’re curled up on the sofa, popcorn at the ready and everyone in the family is glued to the TV, not to just a random cartoon, but to something that sparks curiosity, inspires questions and teaches all of you something new. Finding TV content that makes everyone happy can feel like a real-life treasure hunt, especially when you want something that’s fun and educational. But guess what? It doesn’t have to be a challenge. Educational TV can be that secret ingredient to turn regular family screen time into something special and here’s the best part – it can serve as powerful tool that can boost cognitive skills, ignite creativity and even help kids navigate their emotions and social interactions.

So, if you’re on the lookout for something to watch that keeps young minds curious and the whole family entertained, dive into our list of the top educational TV channels.

Benefits of Educational Television

The effects of TV on kids have forever been under debate and rightly so, yet, when exposed to good, educational, quality shows, it can serve as a great tool for educating children in a fun and engaging way. Here are some more benefits of watching educational television:

Enhanced learning experience

• Visual and auditory reinforcement: educational TV combines sound, images and storytelling, which can enhance understanding and retention compared to other learning methods. Not to mention that complex ideas can become more accessible with engaging visuals and relatable narratives.
• Early literacy and numeracy: certain programmes like Charlie and the Numbers for instance introduce foundational literacy and numeracy skills, making learning fun for young children.
• Exposure to diverse subjects: from wildlife to space exploration, educational TV introduces viewers to a wide variety of topics, sparking interests and broadening general knowledge.

Social and emotional development

• Modelling positive behaviours: depending on what they are watching, children may be exposed to experts and characters who model pro-social behaviours such as sharing, empathy and handling emotions, which help young viewers learn how to navigate social interactions.
• Emotional regulation: educational shows often portray characters dealing with emotions in positive ways, teaching children healthy coping mechanisms.
• Understanding different perspectives: exposure to different cultures, lifestyles and challenges helps children develop empathy and a better understanding of others.

Cognitive development

• Critical thinking and problem solving: certain programmes are known for encouraging viewers to solve problems, ask questions and think critically about the situations presented in each episode.
• Curiosity and inquiry: science and nature shows in particular, foster a sense of curiosity and encourage viewers to ask questions about the natural world, laying a foundation for scientific thinking.

Language development

• Vocabulary building: shows often introduce new words, phrases and concepts, expanding children’s vocabulary through repetition and context.
• Language acquisition: bilingual programmes, like Dora the Explorer, introduce new languages, helping kids learn basic phrases in a second language during their early years, when language acquisition skills are most adaptable.

Encourages creativity and imagination

• Imaginative play: programmes like Bluey encourage creativity and imaginative play by portraying relatable scenarios where characters engage in pretend play, inspiring children to invent their own games and stories.
• Storytelling and narrative skills: watching well-crafted stories can help kids understand narrative structures, inspiring them to create their own stories, boosting both creativity and communication skills.

Introduction to real-world concepts

• STEM learning: a range of shows introduce complex science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) concepts in an entertaining way that is easy for young viewers to understand and appreciate.
• Environmental awareness: kids also benefit from being exposed to environmental issues, animals, ecosystems and the importance of conservation.
• Life skills: they can also provide insight into real-world skills like cooking, basic mechanics or household tasks

Accessibility and inclusivity

• Inclusive representation: by providing diverse representations of people, viewers from all backgrounds see themselves represented positively, which is crucial for building self-esteem.

Learning at individual pace

• Self-paced learning: kids can watch their favourite educational episodes multiple times, reinforcing learning at their own pace without the pressure of keeping up with peers.
• Supplemental learning tool: educational television can complement what children learn in school, giving additional exposure to a variety of topics.

Benefits of educational television for the whole family

• Learning together is more fun: watching these types of shows as a family sparks curiosity and opens up all kinds of interesting conversations. Imagine learning about space or talking about animals you’ve just seen on Animal Planet. These shared experiences help make learning exciting and allow everyone to explore new topics together.
• It’s interactive beyond the screen: many educational channels come with their own apps or websites that let you dive deeper into what you’ve just watched. Parents can also grab interesting ideas for follow-up activities like DIY science experiments or simple art projects based on a show’s themes.
• Build new family traditions: why not turn educational TV into a regular family event? You can create a weekly documentary night or start the weekend with a new episode of your favourite science series. These rituals are not only fun but also a great way to bond, making screen time a moment to share stories and discoveries.

Cartoon TV Channels for kids

Cartoon Network (channel 332)

Among the most popular TV channels, which resonate with both kids and teenagers, Cartoon Network’s shows are known for being brightly coloured and visually appealing, while they include distinct characters, making it easy for children to relate to and understand. With jokes and storylines especially designed for our little ones’ interests and sense of humour, the channel has it all – from classic favourites to original programmes. But best of all, this timeless channel is the perfect way to relive your nostalgia, while bonding with your kids.

Why it’s a good choice for kids

Many of Cartoon Network’s shows highlight imaginative concepts that often feature fantasy, magical themes and coming-of-age storylines, which enable children to fantasize, exercise their creativity and learn important life lessons, such as humility, friendship and problem-solving.

Popular shows to watch

• Adventure Time – known for its surreal humour, unique art style and underlying themes of friendship, love and morality.
• We Baby Bears – focuses on life lessons as the baby bears go on various adventures, while it’s been touted for its adorable characters, great storytelling and character development.

Disney Channel (channel 330)

It has become a classic among kids for generations thanks to its programming, which is designed to connect with kids of all ages and features relatable characters and storylines that children can easily identify with. And the channel that once showed quintessential characters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald, Pluto and others, has transformed to showcase a wide variety of animation, family sitcoms, drama and reality shows to cater to all age groups. In addition, the Disney Channel is also known for its high-quality productions and creative storytelling, which can hold the attention of even the fussiest young viewers.

Why it’s a good choice for kids

Many of Disney Channel’s shows feature positive messages, which in our book, is always a plus. Programmes, such as Doc McStuffins, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Sofia the First offer a variety of life lessons about helping others, being kind and spreading positivity through storytelling that drives children to understand complex issues.

Popular shows to watch

• Phineas and Ferb – catchy musical numbers, smart humour and irreverent take on classic cartoon tropes as we follow Phineas and Ferb who embark on wacky and inventive projects during their summer vacation.
• Bluey – together with her sister Bingo and their playful parents, the Blue Heeler puppy explores the world, teaching kids about creativity, resilience and the joy of family time, all wrapped up in hilarious and heartwarming stories that are as entertaining as they are meaningful. 

Nickelodeon (channel 331)

One more popular kid-approved TV channel, Nickelodeon has a mix of animated and live-action shows and a diverse range of programming, which typically resonates more with a slightly older audience – think of tweens and young teens. In fact, what sets this channel apart is the fact that it provides an immersive experience for kids as they explore exciting fictional worlds, tackling various challenges along the way, while instilling positive values, such as teamwork, persistence and problem-solving skills. And just like its counterparts above, Nickelodeon also features characters from different backgrounds and cultures, creating an inclusive environment for kids to learn about and appreciate.

Why it’s a good choice for kids

Many of the shows on Nickelodeon promote positive messages like friendship, teamwork and perseverance – values that can help kids develop important social skills and build strong relationships with their peers.

Popular shows to watch

• Blaze and the Monster Machines – Blaze, a monster truck and his driver AJ solve problems using STEM principles, teaching viewers about physics, engineering and math. 
• Henry Danger – known for its comedic tone, action-packed sequences and heartwarming moments showcasing the bond between Henry and Captain Man.

Educational TV Channels for kids

Discovery Channel (channel 210)

From offering a mesmerizing look into life in the jungle or an intricate explanation of food, the Discovery Channel is the go-to channel for educational programming. With shows about the natural world, science, history and culture, there’s no better channel than this to help your child learn about the world around them and explore new ideas and concepts. What’s more, the programmes aired often showcase real-life scientists, engineers and innovators who are making a difference in the world through their work. By seeing these role models on TV, kids may become inspired to pursue careers in these fields themselves.

Why it’s a good choice for kids

Apart from the fact that the channel offers educational content that is engaging and accessible, several of the programmes encourage kids’ innate curiosity. Not to mention that many of the shows will require your child to think critically and analyse the information presented to them.

Popular shows to watch

• How It’s Made: explores how everyday objects and products are made, from toothbrushes and toys to motorcycles, computers and electronics, while it provides an in-depth look at various manufacturing and production processes.
• Expedition Unknown: features breathtaking visuals and scenic locations, along with expert commentary from archaeologists, historians and other professionals, offering the perfect blend of adventure, discovery and education.

History Channel (channel 220)

History is one of those subjects that have gotten a bad rep for being boring, so asking your children to sit and watch a historical show will, in most likelihood, be met with rolling eyes. Yet, the History Channel is great at educating your little ones as it offers everything from in-depth re-enactments of historical events to child-friendly programming about life before we came into existence. What’s more, most of the shows present different perspectives on historical events and figures, which can help children understand that history is not always a straightforward narrative. Instead, it can be shaped by multiple factors, such as culture, politics and economics. By understanding history’s complexities, they can have a broader understanding of how the past has shaped the world we live in today.

Why it’s a good choice for kids

Many programmes on the History Channel are created with a family audience in mind, which means that they are engaging enough for both kids and adults alike. At the same time, by introducing children to historical events and figures, they can gain a better perspective on current issues and develop critical thinking skills. Plus, it can encourage creative and analytical thinking by showing children how people in the past came up with solutions to complex problems.

Popular shows to watch

• The Universe – this captivating series takes you on a whirlwind tour of space, exploring everything from the explosive birth of stars to the enigmatic allure of black holes. With jaw-dropping visuals and mind-bending facts, topics are presented in an understandable way for older kids.
• Ancient Discoveries – from ancient robots and death rays to sophisticated surgeries and engineering feats, you’ll be astounded by what our ancestors cooked up in this exciting series which unveils the incredible inventions and technological marvels of the ancient world.

Animal Planet (channel 217)

With the aim to celebrate the diversity of animals, their behaviours and their ecological importance, Animal Planet provides a unique blend of education and entertainment, helping children of all ages develop an appreciation for the natural world and its many creatures. Expect to immerse yourself into visually stunning and captivating sceneries, with shows that are set to keep your children engaged and interested in natural science, as you explore different animal species from across the globe, their habitats and how they interact with people and other animals.

Why it’s a good choice for kids

Animal Planet’s rich educational content can inspire conservation, animal welfare and appreciation of the animal kingdom’s beautiful diversity. At the same time, it teaches kiddos the importance of respecting animals, which in turn can encourage a love for pets and animal welfare.

Popular shows to watch

• Extinct or Alive – it explores the fascinating world of conservation science, highlighting the delicate balance between humans and nature and the importance of protecting and preserving endangered species, making it a great show for kids interested in biology, wildlife conservation and environmental studies.
• The Aquarium – a dedicated team of biologists, vets, trainers and engineers work together to maintain and care for the aquarium’s thousands of marine animals, from beluga whales and sea turtles to manta rays, while highlighting the relationships that form between the staff and the animals in their care.

Monitoring kids’ TV viewing

While serving as a form of education and entertainment, you certainly wouldn’t want your child parked in front of the TV set watching various’ shows for hours on end. Make sure you limit their screen time and have set time frames allocated for when they can do so. Even better, watch TV with them and discuss what you’re watching. In this way, they’ll be fully engaged with what they’re viewing, while you’ll be able to tell whether they are truly learning and enjoying themselves. And if you’re concerned about them tuning in sneakily without you knowing, remember that most modern televisions and streaming devices come with parental controls so that you can monitor your kids’ TV viewing.

How to watch these top kids’ TV channels

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Watching TV can be a fun and educational experience for kids and there are plenty of kid-friendly TV channels to choose from. By finding the right programming and monitoring your kids’ TV viewing, you can ensure that your children are watching age-appropriate content. So sit back, relax and enjoy some quality TV time with your kids.