Top 5 Educational Cartoons for Preschoolers

As a parent, sometimes it is hard to monitor what your older children are watching. But it when it comes to the little ones, it's easier. Maybe because we're around them more or they can't go close the door to their room and turn on whatever it is they want to watch. But even with small children, you have to "watch" what they take in. I am a teacher, so I spend summers with my children. I could tell you every cartoon that comes on for preschool children ages 1 - 6. I have compiled a list of what I think are the top 5 educational cartoons for preschool children to watch. Not only are they educational, but they are fun as well. So for those of you who may not have time to sit and watch shows ahead of time, here they are:

1) Little Einstein's - This cartoon is based on the products by Disney, using classical music to enhance the mind. The characters in this story travel by spaceship. The ship lights up and classical music plays in tune with colorful lights. They travel around the world solving dilemmas, saving animals, and exploring different places. The neat thing about this cartoon is that they show animals and places through out the world with real video clips, not cartoons. So your children see these places and things as they actually are.

2) Higglytown Heroes - This exciting cartoon teaches children about people in the community. There are 4 children that are the main characters, along with a squirrel. In each episode the children face a problem. When deciding that they can't fix it own their own, they sing a little song that states, "It looks like a job, for a Higglytown hero." Then a community member comes on the scene and talks about what his job is and how he can solve the problem. They work together for the solution. Children not only learn about the community, but how each person in the community is a vital part of it.

3) Dora the Explorer/ Go Diego Go - These two are favorites with my 2 year old. Dora teaches children Spanish words and phrases as her and her monkey friend, "Boots," use a map to find things. Dora teaches problem solving skills as well. Diego is now in the picture too. This is Dora's cousin. He is an animal rescuer. Diego also uses Spanish words and phrases while teaching children about many different kinds of animals.

4) Wonder Pets - This is an excellent cartoon in which the theme is "teamwork." A hamster, turtle, and a baby duck work together to save other animals. They sing a song about working together to save the day. It is very colorful and fun for children, all the while teaching them to work with others to solve a problem.

5) Blues Clues - This is an old favorite of mine. Blue, an adorable little "female" puppy and Joe teach many emerging skills like colors, numbers, and letters. Joe uses clues to figure out Blue's puzzle for the day. Joe sits in his "thinking chair" and draws the clues on a notebook. Side Drawer Table, Salt, Pepper, and baby Paprika are just some of Blue's characters that help solve the puzzles.