Looking for a way to make screen time more meaningful? These kid-friendly YouTube channels make learning fun.
Who said learning has to end in the classroom? If you’re looking for educational videos for kids, YouTube is the place to turn to. From spelling to science, we’ve put together a list of kid-friendly channels that will teach them something new and keep them entertained.
Ms. Rachel creates YouTube videos that help toddlers and preschoolers learn about colours, numbers, emotions and feelings. Ms. Rachel’s catchy music makes learning about big emotions less intimidating for your little ones. She even has a sing-along duet with music star John Legend, where they serenade viewers with a song about love.
If your preschooler is learning how to read, Khan Academy Kids is a great resource. You’ll find a range of videos with fun examples and cute illustrations that teach alphabet sounds and new sight words. Khan Academy promotes learning through examples to help your little one improve their spelling and literacy skills.
Nothing ends the day better than a bedtime story. The SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s Emmy-nominated children’s literacy website, Storyline Online, also has a YouTube Channel featuring read-alouds by some big-name celebrities. Let actors like Seth Meyers, Jennifer Garner and Meryl Streep read to your kiddo tonight and give yourself a break.
Paisley’s Corner uses a learn-through-play approach to teach your toddler the basics of counting before they enter preschool. With her bubbly personality, Ms. Paisley uses simple everyday activities to teach counting, numbers and common words. The channel has an entire numbers and counting playlist so there’s lots to explore.
We know math can be daunting for many kids. Whether your child is learning the basics of counting or trying to nail their multiplication tables, Numberblocks has learning videos that can help. The Numberblock characters also have unique personalities that will teach kids the fundamentals while keeping them engaged.
Help your elementary schooler practice counting at home with Scratch Garden’s fun math songs. The channel creates “mini math movies” with original music to help your kid build on their skills. From fractions to probability, your kid will be a math pro in no time.
Cosmic Kids Yoga teaches kids the art of yoga, mindfulness and relaxation in a fun way. Host Jaime Amor puts a creative spin on basic yoga routines by incorporating a unique theme into each video. From Minion-themed mindfulness to My Little Pony yoga, this channel is full of videos that are great for the whole family.
Inspire your kid to unleash their inner artist by turning on a video from Mister Maker’s YouTube channel. It’s the ultimate arts and crafts show where kids can learn easy DIY projects, often using materials they have at home. This means less drawing on walls and more upcycling fun.
For kids and parents who like to craft together, Hello Origami can teach you both a new style of art. Recommended for ages eight and up, the YouTube channel features step-by-step tutorials to make adorable origami creations. Jumping paper cats, pineapple pencil holders and 3D birthday cards are just some of the crafts you can make together.
Is your kid an animal lover? You’ll want to subscribe to National Geographic Kids. The channel has a variety of videos so your child can learn fun facts about some of the world’s most fascinating creatures. Their YouTube Shorts series called “Baby Animals” is also a great watch for the whole family.
Does your kid ever wonder about things like where snowflakes come from or why we dream? For the most curious kiddos out there, you’ll want to subscribe to SciShow on YouTube. Every other week, host Jessi and her robot rat friend entertainingly explain science concepts and experiments. The channel has a bunch of videos on plants, animals, the weather and even the human body that can answer your elementary school kid’s burning questions.
When older kids in elementary school come home wanting to learn more about our solar system, be sure to show them a video from Crash Course Kids. Although the channel has all types of science videos, there are multiple series that focus on planets and stars. The host Sabrina clearly explains concepts so your child will think learning is truly out of this world.
Best suited for children ages two to 10, CBC Kids can be great for teaching your little ones about the world around them. Although the channel covers a range of topics, many of its videos focus on community. With fun characters and songs, kids can learn about different cultural celebrations like Lunar New Year or traditions like Metis jigging dance.
A rainy or snowy day with your preschooler doesn’t have to mean no fun. Take your kid on a virtual adventure by watching videos on Meekah's YouTube channel. Host Meekah and her best friend Blippi explore the world together and show kids their cool experiences. Through their unique adventures at places like museums, zoos and even candy factories, they teach kids about colours, shapes and music—but most importantly about staying curious in everyday life.
Travel the world from the comfort of your own home with videos from Hogie the Globehopper. Each video follows the animated character Hogie and his friends as they travel to new places and share stories, fun facts and songs from their adventures. Turn on a video and it’s like you’re in Germany—without the hassle of travelling with kids.
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Aneesa Bhanji is a Bachelor of Journalism student at Toronto Metropolitan University. She is passionate about storytelling, graphic design and media production. During her free time, she loves exploring new food spots in Toronto.