by N Zinser

Created on: July 28, 2009

If you're a new mom in a dilemma as to what programming to let your toddler watch, look no further than PBS Kids. The programming featured can't be beat, and there are no commercials to deal with. Some shows are shows we can all remember, like Curious George, Sesame Street, Miser Rodgers Neighborhood, Electric Company, Reading Rainbow, and Barney. The newer programming is top notch as well - Word World, Super Why!, Sid the Science Kid, and Martha Speaks. Most local PBS stations feature PBS Kids programs from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., so at any given time you can switch it on and find something good and educational to watch. Most cable and satellite companies now feature a new channel, PBS Kids Sprout, that features PBS Kids shows around the clock.

The newer programs they have are really fantastic, and most of them have a focus on reading. Super Why! in particular features a team of kid superheroes that have to solve a problem featured in a classic children's story, such as Goldilocks. When trying to solve the problem in the story, the superheroes find letters throughout the show that spell the word to solve the problem. Along the way, the team reads the story, and the text is shown on screen, with the words highlighted as it is read. Word World is another program that focuses on learning the alphabet and reading - the characters and objects on the show are made up of the letters that spell what the object is.

The older programming holds up to this day: what toddler doesn't love Sesame Street, or even Mister Rodgers Neighborhood? These also having the educational aspect that is welcome in kids programming. Other channels that focus on kids programming just don't measure up to what PBS Kids offers. While they try to be educational, most of the other channels seem to have shows that resemble video games, and don't have lessons within them. One time in particular my son watched a show on one of these channels, and the main character wanted to eat candy instead of an apple, vegetables, or granola. The character plans to hide the healthy snacks, and lie about it to get the candy. It ends with the mother finding out the character lied, and they all eat the candy anyway. What kind of lesson does that teach to a toddler or young child?

The comparisons of regular kids' programming and PBS Kids can go on and on, but the bottom line is: PBS Kids is a great go-to channel for kids' programming that is educational, fun, and as a parent, you can feel good about letting your child watch.

Learn more about this author, N Zinser.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.