Best TV shows for preschoolers
I liked this list of great children’s TV shows created by BabyCenter, but I think they neglected some gems. So, here’s my top 10 list of worthy kids’ TV shows – educational but also enjoyable for parents to watch. (Of course, Sesame Street is a perennial classic) Feel free to share your favorites.
1. Super Why (PBS): This superhero uses his super reading powers to solve storybook problems. It will make your kids want to be Super Readers, too.
2. Word World (PBS): Words literally come to life in this show, where objects and animals in the show are comprised of block letters.
3. Between the Lions (PBS): A family of lovable lions run a magical library where stories come alive as they are read aloud. Each episode focuses on a new letter sound or combination.
4. Dora the Explorer; Go Diego, Go! (Nickelodeon): The success of Dora, the active and wide-eyed 7-year-old star, had led to a spin-off about her cousin, Diego. Both shows expose kids to the fun of being bilingual and engages them in adventures.
5. Charlie and Lola (Disney Channel): Based on an award-winning children’s book, these British siblings model the best brother-sister relationship and will win your heart.
6. Pinky Dinky Doo (Noggin): Pinkie is a girl who lives in Great Big City with her parents, her little brother, Tyler, and their pet, Mr. Guinea Pig. Great for vocabulary building and infectious songs.
7. The Mighty B (Nickelodeon): Bessie, an awkward HoneyBee Scout imagines she is a Superhero when she encounters a problem. The show is more appropriate for elementary-school aged children. The dialogue is sharp and witty.
8. Ni Hao, Kai-Lan (Noggin): The Chinese version of Dora. Introduces elements of Chinese culture and values, multiculturalism (through the diverse backgrounds of Kai-lan’s friends), and intergenerational families.
9. Blue’s Clues (Noggin): The show’s host and Blue, the animated dog, guide children through a problem-solving activity in each episode.
10. Word Girl (PBS): WordGirl uses her great vocabulary to fend off villains such as Granny May, The Butcher, Chuck the Evil Sandwich Making Guy and Dr. Two-Brains.
Aisha covered education and breaking news for nearly ten years before joining the Lifestyle staff where she writes a "Dirty Laundry" parenting column. She is the home and family editor and wastes too much time on Facebook. Join the conversation on Twitter @AishaS. 
Call me old-fashioned, but preschoolers do not need to be sitting in front of a tv. Parents should stop using the tv as a babysitter, and start playing games with their kids, reading to their kids, or (god forbid) go outside and play sports
My kids love “Super Why.” It taught my son all of his letters (upper and lower case) and the sounds they make. And he’s 2. We also like “Sid the Science Kid.” I think if you watch one 30-minute show a day WITH your kids and talk about it with them, it can be both educational and fun.
I work full time, and my kids go to a great preschool (The Goddard School) everyday. The Goddard School does not allow TVs in the classrooms, and have many great activities planned through the day for the kids. My boys do come home and watch some TV so that I can get dinner started, laundry done, etc. They really like “Sid the Science Kid”, “Dora the Explorer”, and “Little Einsteins.”
If I was at home all day with them, I agree that they should not be sitting in front of a TV.