Nick Jr.

From LoveToKnow Kids

If you are looking for quality, educational television programming for preschoolers, consider Nick Jr., Nickelodeon's special programming slot devoted to kids under age six. The entire lineup airs Monday to Friday, from 9am-2pm Eastern Time. While it is probably not wise to allow young kids to catch the all of the shows, you might want to select one or two favorite programs for viewing.

Educational Programming

All of the shows on Nick Jr. offer some educational value. Each show addresses different topics, but the following are emphasized at some point in the lineup:

Basic math
Colors
Shapes
Geography
Science
History
Map skills
Spanish
Sign language
Cultural awareness

Nick Jr. Encourages Movement

Many of the shows on Nick Jr. encourage kids to get up and move. Throughout the day, popular kids' characters instruct their preschool friends to dance, march, clap, jump, and walk like animals. One show, Lazy Town, is entirely devoted to physical activity.

Interactive Television

Many of the shows in the morning lineup are highly interactive. Hosts or characters often stop and ask questions of the audience. They look directly at the camera and wait for the kids' answers.

Nick Jr. Emphasizes Social Skills

The shows on Nick Jr. focus on proper manners and social skills. Many of the programs address feelings and the effects our actions have on others. Consequences are also addressed as characters are sometimes held accountable for their actions.

Dora the Explorer

Dora the Explorer is currently the number-one rated television show for preschoolers. The show features Dora, a seven-year old bilingual Latina girl. Dora and her friends journey to various destinations with the help of a handy map. This educational program teaches the following skills:

Map skills
Spanish
Observation
Problem-solving
Science
Animals
Music
Counting
Matching
Visual discrimination
Movement

Dora the Explorer is a highly interactive show. Dora always looks directly at the audience and frequently speaks to them. She often exclaims, "I need your help!" She always waits respectfully for an answer and will usually respond, "Right!"

If you are looking for an educational, wholesome program with a bit of culture, Dora the Explorer just might be the show for you.

Go, Diego, Go

Go Diego Go features Dora's older cousin, Diego. Diego is a Latino explorer. He travels around, studying the animals of Latin America. With the help of tools such as a GPS system, binoculars, and magnifying glasses, Diego uncovers unique and interesting facts about various animals. Each episode focuses on one animal and goes far beyond the basics. In fact, young viewers learn animal facts that even older siblings and parents do not know! Like Dora the Explorer, Go Diego Go is an interactive show. Diego asks the audience for help in identifying animals, among other things. Diego is a wonderful program for young animal lovers and budding explorers.

The Backyardigans

The Backyardigans is a musical-themed show featuring five very imaginative friends, Uniqua, Pablo, Tasha, Austin, and Tyrone. Although all of the episodes actually take place right in the backyard, the friends' imaginations take them to worlds far away. Sometimes they are pirates on the open sea; at other times they are cowboys on the range. Wherever they roam, the music is always unique and beautifully arranged. This is not your typical kids' music. Some music featured on the show is:

Zydeco
Hip-Hop
Big Band
Reggae
Country
Rockabilly
Bossa Nova
Gilbert and Sullivan
Afro Pop

In addition to unique musical arrangements, the show also features professionally choreographed dance numbers. This show is great for kids who love music, dancing, and exploring. It can also give kids a kick-start in imagining their own backyard adventures.

Wonder Pets!

Three average pets, Linny the Guinea Pig, Ming-Ming Duckling, and Turtle Tuck, travel around the world helping animals in trouble. Rather than rely on magic or super powers, the trio uses humor and cooperation to overcome obstacles. Like The Backyardigans, Wonder Pets! is a musical. This one features operas with professionally composed scores. The program teaches:

Music Appreciation
Empathy
Problem-Solving
Teamwork

Miss Spider's Sunny Patch Friends

Based on the children's books by David Kirk, Miss Spider's Sunny Patch Friends takes preschoolers into a bug's life. More than anything else, this show focuses on relationships and social skills. Each episode is brightly colored and vibrant. The colorful bugs are adorable enough to entertain even the pickiest preschooler.

Lazy Town

Lazy Town is a show featuring Stephanie, a perky pink-haired eight-year old, and Sportacus, an athletic superhero. In each episode, Sportacus must help the citizens of Lazy Town overcome the desire for laziness and junk food. Thrown into the mix is Robbie Rotten, a villain who wants the entire town to be unhealthy and lazy. While Lazy Town is part of the preschool lineup, it seems more appropriate for older kids than preschoolers. If you are looking for a show that will motivate your children to eat fruit, shun candy, and be active, Lazy Town might be exactly what you're looking for.