In today’s digital era, screen time can either be a concern or an opportunity. At The Kids Point, we firmly believe that when curated thoughtfully, educational videos can be powerful tools that inspire curiosity, promote learning, and encourage active play. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or caregiver looking to blend fun with formative growth, here are the best educational videos and video series that make learning playful and engaging for kids of all ages.
Why Educational Videos Work — When They’re Designed for Kids
Not all screen time is created equal. Research and experience tell us that children learn best when media presents:
- Clear learning goals — e.g. counting, letters, or emotions
- Interactive elements — like sing-alongs or movement prompts
- Age-appropriate pacing and visuals
- Trusted voices — including educators, relatable characters, and creators who center children’s experiences
By embracing these principles, thoughtfully designed videos can fuel curiosity, spark empathy, and even support early literacy and STEM learning.
Top Types of Educational Videos: What Makes Each Unique
Here’s how we break them down — with examples backed by expert-backed channels:
Nursery Rhymes, Counting Songs & Early Literacy
These are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers:
- Super Simple Songs: Over 41 million subscribers, known for its gentle, repetitive songs teaching basics like colors and letters. A YouTube powerhouse based in Canada.
- ChuChu TV: With over 90 million subscribers, this animated channel delivers nursery rhymes and stories in multiple languages — ideal for early language exposure.
- CoComelon: A worldwide favorite that pairs catchy tunes with early math and life lessons. Recent selections like “Five Little Ducks” effectively reinforce counting and patience through song.
Science, Curiosity & “Why” Exploration
Great for inquisitive young minds from preschool up:
- SciShow Kids: The kid-friendly branch of SciShow explores questions like “Why do planes leave white streaks?” using enthusiastic hosts and clear visuals.
- TED‑Ed: Beautifully illustrated, bite-sized videos that answer quirky questions like “Does time exist?” — perfect for sparking deeper thinking.
- Mystery Science and Crash Course Kids: Short, focused science lessons on topics ranging from food chains to engineering, with curriculum-aligned content ideal for elementary learners.
Movement & Mindfulness
Because active bodies learn better too:
- Cosmic Kids Yoga: Blends story-based movement and mindfulness — over 99% of parents report positive benefits on their kids’ well-being and attention.
- MC Grammar and Kids Invent Stuff: Highlighted by media as screen time that promotes learning through creativity, movement, and engineering challenges.
Real-World Learning & Environment Exploration
Visualize the world from home:
- Houston Zoo: Offers up-close animal videos and conservation stories that children adore.
- Explore.org: (Not YouTube, but worth noting) features live cams — from bird sanctuaries to puppy rescue rooms — and allows kids to experience nature in real time (The Sun).
Sample Playlist Ideas by Age Group
To help you curate content better, here’s how you might structure a day of learning for different age groups:
For Toddlers (Ages 1–3)
- Super Simple Songs — “Colors Song” (1–2 min)
- ChuChu TV — “Baa Baa Black Sheep” (2–3 min)
- Cosmic Kids Yoga — “Moana Adventure” episode (10 min)
For Preschoolers (Ages 3–5)
- SciShow Kids — “How Do Tattoos Work?” (4 min)
- CoComelon — “Five Little Ducks” (3 min)
- Mystery Science — “Why Do Stars Burn?” (8 min)
For Early Elementary (Ages 6–8)
- TED‑Ed — “Why do cities need trees?” (4 min)
- Crash Course Kids — “Food Chains” (6 min)
- MC Grammar — Rap-along alphabets or math (3 min)
How to Use Video Time Wisely — Tips from The Kids Point
Here are our expert tips for making the most of video-based learning:
- Pair Screen Time with Play: Reinforce words, shapes, or letters from videos with drawing, dancing, or pretend play.
- Co‑Watch When Possible: Narrate what you see, ask follow-up questions, or act along together.
- Use Playlists: Create “story time,” “science lab,” and “movement break” playlists that keep transitions smooth.
- Set Time Boundaries: Stick to short video bursts (2–5 minutes) interspersed with offline activity.
- Reflect & Extend: After watching, ask “Can you teach me that song?” or “What part did you like best?”
The Kids Point Picks: Our Favorite Video Examples
Here are some standout videos we love:
- “Five Little Ducks” by CoComelon — Combines counting with humorous visuals for engaging early numeracy.
- Cosmic Kids Yoga: Frozen Adventure — Lets kids stretch and smile while following a story-based yoga session.
- SciShow Kids: “Why Do Planes Leave White Streaks?” — A perfect blend of curiosity and clear explanation.
- MC Grammar: Times Tables Rap — Turn math drills into musical fun.
- TED‑Ed: “Does time exist?” — Open imagination and critical thinking, even for younger learners.
The Future of Educational Videos — Trends to Watch
- Interactive Elements: Choose channels offering quizzes, choices, or viewer polls.
- Bilingual/Bicultural Content: Videos in dual languages support both language skills and cultural awareness.
- Augmented Reality and Games: Expect more apps that connect viewing with learn-through-play mechanics.
- Expert-Created Playlists: Kid experts and educators are increasingly curating lists by age or topic—great for parents on the go.
Educational videos are more than just screen time—they’re opportunities for discovery, inspiration, and growth. With so much high-quality content available, your child can dive into new worlds, pick up valuable skills, and develop a lifelong love for learning.
Explore these amazing channels and curate a personal playlist that suits your child’s interests. And don’t forget: learning is most powerful when it’s fun.
At The Kids Point, we’re always here to guide your journey toward playful, purposeful education.