"Dragon Tales": the Best Television Show, Website, and Books for Toddlers

As I sit here writing, my three year old daughter is watching a DVD of her favorite television show, Dragon Tales. She watches the same episodes over and over again, and doesn't get bored with them. The truth is, neither do I. The shows are truly some of the best on television for toddlers and young children. If you are looking for an educational television show for your toddler that they won't outgrow or that won't annoy you, Dragon Tales is the best choice you can make. Not only does the show entertain and educate, but their website and books also teach and entertain toddlers and young children. If you do watch some television with your toddler, Dragon Tales is best choice that you can make.

Dragon Tales is PBS Kids show often aired on their Sprout channel. The shows are short, at under 15 minutes an episode. For parents who strongly believe in the importance of limiting television usage in young children, these shows are the perfect choice. When aired on Sprout there are no commercials, as with DVDs. The show airs straight through and then parents can simply turn the TV off as soon as they are over.

Episodes of Dragon Tales are educational for young children and toddlers. The story lines have to do with themes such as gaining confidence, sharing, learning a new skill, and not hitting. The shows are very straight forward, too. The messages are clear and since the shows are short, they keep my toddler's attention. We are often able to talk about the show and what Ord, Casey, or Max learned once the show is over. The messages aren't lost on my toddler--she really gets them and takes something away from the programs.

Children will love the Dragon Tales website, where they can connect the dots, sort shapes, match, color, and more. By doing these activities with your child, you can work on specific targeted skills such as shapes and colors, as well as their fine motor control as they learn to manipulate the mouse. Children will love playing with these familiar and likable characters.

Parents will also love the Parent and Teacher Resource website on line. There are recommended books that tie in with Dragon Tales themes, preschool lesson plans that you can implement at home, and further activities and games that you can do with your child. The website is easy to navigate and use, and is also offered in Spanish.

Not only are the website and shows wonderful for toddlers, but there are also Dragon Tales books that your toddler will enjoy. These short stories are entertaining and enjoyable for children and adults alike.

While television viewing in toddlers should definitely be monitored closely, by watching Dragon Tales with your child and using their website, books, and activities to focus on developmentally appropriate skills and activities, you can help your child learn and grow. Dragon Tales is definitely one television show you can comfortably watch with your toddler, and know that they are getting something of value out of it.