During my childhood, access to the vast array of digital media available today was non-existent. Digital platforms such as apps, YouTube, and streaming services were unheard of.
All of these mediums have made learning English for children even easier than ever. Television series for children are excellent for young learners because they educate and entertain children in a fun way while keeping the language age appropriate, and they are so easily accessible.
Encouraging your children to watch a half-hour episode of an English series each day can help them develop an ear for the language. By doing so, they are likely to mimic the words and phrases that capture their interest, ultimately improving their pronunciation skills
Here in Germany, I communicate with my daughter in English, while she speaks in German in most other situations. Despite being the only person she regularly speaks English to, she is fluent in the language. When we visit Australia to see her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, they often forget that English is not her native language. This is partly due to her exposure to English through television.
From a young age, I made it a rule for her to watch TV shows and movies in English. I’m impressed by her extensive vocabulary and use of idiomatic phrases as a result. She is so proficient in both German and English that she doesn't even realize which language she is stronger in.
Here are 12 great TV series for kids to capture their interest and learn English:
1. CoComelon – age 2 to 5
Cocomelon is a YouTube channel for kids which features nursery rhymes and children’s songs. There is some controversy with their Netflix spinoff series, CoComelon Lane, which introduces LGBTQ characters. Whether this is a good or bad thing, you can decide.
They also have an educational app for Apple and android devices, as well as a classroom channel.
Watch: YouTube
More: CoComelon Website
2. Sesame Street – age 2 and up
Sesame Street is a great show to learn letter and number recognition through a kind, and loveable cast of muppets and diverse humans. They teach life lessons and show strong role models. What’s not to like?
Watch: PBS Kids (US)
More: Sesame Street Website
3. Peppa Pig – age 3 to 6
There aren’t many family orientated cartoons like Peppa Pig. Her mischievous behaviour makes her extremely relatable to young children as she jumps in muddy puddles and involves her family and friends in her antics.
It’s not all fun and games though. Peppa pig also teaches social skills and critical thinking abilities.
Watch: YouTube
4. Caillou – age 1 – 6
Four-year-old Caillou represents a regular boy with real emotions, prompting the viewer to try and understand a child’s psychological and emotional development. Caillou is liked by children because he goes through the same problems as them and learns to solve them with the help of adults.
Watch: Apple TV
5. Paw Patrol – age 1 to 6
Paw Patrol is a cartoon about a boy and his energetic team of rescue dogs. The show teaches children about teamwork, problem-solving, personal strengths and protecting community. Be warned though, it has been criticised for not being gender balanced. Of the six pups, there is only one female dog.
Watch: Netflix
6. The Octonauts – age 3 and up
The Octonauts are a crew of seven adorable animals and one vegimal (half animal, half vegetable). Together they explore the ocean, rescue sea creatures and protect the ocean. Even adults can learn fun facts about the amazing world under the sea.
Watch: RTL+
Octonauts films: Netflix
7. The Magic School Bus – age 5 and up
As the name suggests, this cartoon centres around a magic school bus driven by an eccentric science teacher. She takes eight students on exciting field trips to help them better understand their science topics. The show helps curious children see how the world works.
Watch: YouTube
8. Wild Kratts – age 6 to 8
Wild Kratts is based on zoologist brothers, Chris and Martin Kratt. In the animated series they and their teammates travel all over the globe rescuing animals and protecting their habitats. It’s an engaging way for children to learn about the natural world.
Watch: RTL+
9. Odd Squad – age 5 to 8 / pre-school & early elementary
Odd Squad is a team of kids working for a high-tech organisation. They use teamwork, gadgets, and maths concepts to investigate strange happenings around them. It’s good for children to learn perseverance and problem-solving.
Watch: Netflix
10. Gravity Falls – age 8 and up / kids, teenagers & adults
Twins, Dipper and Mabel, visit their uncle over summer vacation and encounter strange and supernatural phenomena. The humour in Gravity Falls appeals to all age groups but is best appreciated by older kids and teens. It even taps into some 80’s nostalgia which is appealing for older audiences. Despite some of the mean humour, the characters have emotional depth.
Watch: Disney+
11. Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir – age 8 and up
The series centres around two Parisian teenagers, Marinette and Adrien, with secret superhero alter egos. The main themes are friendship, teenage crushes, heroism, adventure and the strained relationship between Adrien and his father.
Watch: Netflix
12. Over the Garden Wall – age 8 and up
Over the Garden Wall is a beautiful series about two half-brothers who become lost in a mysterious forest called The Unknown. They encounter strange and fantastical things as they attempt to make their way home. The show can get creepy at times, so it’s best to gauge children’s sensitivities to this darker style of animation.
Watch: Apple TV
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