4. Super Why
The opening line explains it all, “You’ve got the power, the power to read!” This show is all about inspiring kids to find the answers they seek to life’s problems in a book. Any book. The more books the better. These 4 storybook characters team up to solve problems. They do that by spelling out words, changing a sentence, and looking in a book to learn. The characters also get kids involved by speaking directly to the camera and asking them to help. Researchers say this type of engagement in television is the most beneficial for kids to help with learn to communicate rather than a narrative show. That’s why Super Why gets a spot on our Super list!
5. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
I wasn’t a fan of this show when I first watched it. I longed for the classic animated Mickey Mouse of my youth. Once I accepted that those days are long gone, I settled in to watch what would become my daughters favorite show on Disney Jr. The characters in MMC-Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Pluto and Goofy-all talk directly to the viewer to help solve a problem. That’s a big plus. They also use “Toodles” as a toolkit of items to help the crew navigate through the story. Minnie Mouse is a big deal in our house so whenever she’s on she gets Channing’s full attention. And thankfully, the things she has to say are helpful in learning about shapes, counting, colors and problem solving. All perfect lessons for the 2-4 set.
6. Dinosaur Train
As the ad says, “What kid doesn’t love dinosaurs and trains?” My guess is not many. The concept for this show on PBS initially struck me as odd, like when Dancing With The Stars first premiered. These two things don’t go together? Oh yes they do! Now it’s grown on me and is a big hit in our family. The creators say their goal was to embrace preschoolers fascination with dinosaurs and trains, and teach them about life science, natural history and paleontology. I love this concept! It’s not just letters and numbers, they’re getting hints about specialty science areas. Plus trains are just awesome.