Dear EFers

It's inevitable that our kids are going to get exposed to TV and the internet at some stage. The question is how they're going to deal with the overload of information that's available out there.

We don't have a TV at home, but we do have internet and DVDs, where we can select what our little girl (2yrs today ) sees.

So how do you know what's good, and where do you find this stuff out? Why not here?

Here are a few that I've found: The animal sound and phonics songs have helped my little girl so much. She loves the music and she sings (but mostly mumbles ) along. The progress is amazing.

At the moment she's more in to Simon's Cat. (She's another LOL Cats freak in the making )







Do you guys know any great vids suitable for toddlers or kids?

Cheers

Puddy

Around the time your daughter was born, this thread came into existence about Edutainment ( there are heaps more out there ):

Educational Games

Thanks for the link, jrspet . I'll check them out.

I was thinking more along the lines of videos and songs to watch for 5mins or so before bed. My little one is very active with tangible games and activities like running, jumping, buggy riding, shape sorters, colouring, buzzy bee on a string etc, and her treat to relax in the evening is watching a video and singing with us.

It would be nice to have some ideas as back-up, when she's ready for something new.

Cheers
Puddy

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star






Lot more here: http://www.youtube.com/user/hooplakidz?feature=watch

Games on Youtube videos



Lot more here: http://www.youtube.com/user/chatointernet#g/u

Would be good if there are YT video links for toddler entertainment in DE, FR and IT as well.

Its not youtube, but my son loves the sesame street website, lots of videos there. http://www.sesamestreet.org/videos

My son enjoys playing Caillou's web site's computer games and watching trains from Thomas the Tank Engine series crashing in youtube.

Patty Shukla!! She is GREAT!!

Lots of her songs are on youtube and are singalong action songs I am sure all kids will enjoy. They are 'educational' and your kids will get some exercise at the same time.

I also like Eric Herman but my one year old does not enjoy him as much as me. Also Craig Smiths "Wonkey Donkey"

Wiggles & High 5 (no I am not and Aussie) but these are both quite good too.

'In The Night Garden' have an Activity Time which allows interactive storyboards and other, gentle excursions into blissful peace. Works for the tiny humans in my life.

My son is bored listining to the same old nursery rhymes but now loves to watch Dreamenglish.com, mothergooesclub and supersimplesongs it solves the purpose of entertaining the child as well as educating them with attractive music and songs.

They Might be Giants did a couple of learning children's CDs, I've watched a few on YouTube. Seven is my current favourite.

Some friends' toddlers are big fans of Justin Fletcher aka Mr Tumble:

Our's loves (REALLY LOVES !) "small potatoes" and "yoho ahoy" which can be searched for on YouTube...

My mother used to read Goodnight Moon to my youngest brother when he was tiny, it is also available these days as a short video too.

Thanks for all your wonderful suggestions, everyone. These are perfect and will last a good while!

I also found some old Tom and Jerry, and The Muppets clips - Those classics are fantastic and still make me laugh

Shaun the Sheep: Nothing to bleat it.

Will keep you sane too. MediaMarkt have box sets on offer at the mo FYI.

I could spend all day in this thread, so limiting myself to this last offering which works everytime: Jungle Book clips. Pure Dixie Jazz Swing, which not only rocks but teaches kids great tunes.

Two bananas!

I believe a toddler does not need television. My first child first got to very occasionally watch a short movie after she turned 3 1/2, and only 'thanks to' peer pressure -different story now that I have 3 children of course. But studies have shown that the TV sets the brain in a state close to hypnosis and the amount of info a child receives while watching TV is so high she cannot possibly process them all - even with specialized kids' programmes. I truely believe a child learns a lot more through play - even by himself, or reading/playing with an adult. My opinion, for what it is worth, but I do understand the concern, especially when the child has to learn German as well !
I now allow my kids to watch the KIKA channel some, it is in High German, and has no advertizing!

Our two year old loves the Jungle Book DVD and spends half his spare time jumping around dancing and singing the songs.

He'll be getting some Rudyard Kipling any day now as a bedtime story to improve his English.

My children also love David Attenborough and Big Cat diary.

My Two year old nephew is a big fan of Thomas and Friends & Dora the Explorer.
I have seen him light up at the sight of these programs, maybe your little angel would also like them.

Wow, these are great ideas, guys. Thanks

I can understand the concern about not wanting your little ones to get exposed to too much "ready made" information/entertainment. We want our little one to be able to learn through interaction and play with people.

She will however need to learn how to deal with TV and to me it's important to teach her how to be wise and critical about what and how much she watches.

She really enjoys watching animal documentaries too "OOoooh, TIGER!!!!!"

Puddy