A steady number of shows have been popping up on Netflix recently and not just for adults. Kids are also getting some pretty cool shows that, okay, even I have snuck a peak at while I hanging out with the wee ones in our family. We're not just being entertained but there are a number of shows that we can identify with as "to grow and learn by"-- shows that not only have teachable moments but inspire a younger generation of viewers to explore ideas further and to think beyond their everyday activities. What they are watching can spark some new interests! Here are some shows that are currently streaming that are worth exploring...
The newest entry into the pre-school content on Netflix is Julie's Greenroom, starring Julie Andrews created by Jim Henson Studios. In this series, seven young friends "greenies" learn about all different forms of the arts from singing, dancing, painting and more. In each episode, a guest star will focus on their art as well as take the greenies and the viewing audience behind the scenes to see how a show, musical, performance etc is put together. Stars like Idina Menzel, Alec Baldwin, Ellie Kemper, and Stomp drop in to visit Ms. Julie and kids get a chance to explore some of the magic that happens behind the sets. It takes a lot of work to entertain others and our littlest viewers have taken notice.
When my guys were really young, they were very curious about nature and particularly crawly creatures in grandma's backyard forest. They could spend hours exploring the woods that would always result in them returning to the house with a make-shift bucket terrarium for the lucky toad visitors they also brought back. But grandma never flinched. Beat Bugs reminds me of the gentle love my kids offered to nature's creatures. In this animated series, the critters bring kids and families into their world to explore life while injecting a few familiar voices and songs -- hey, remember the Beatles?
Girls are getting more exposure to STEM learning and it's becoming more "cool" amongst the younger set with the series Project MC2. In this series, there's not just one smart girl character but four strong females who bring science, technology, engineering, and math into the forefront of everyday in their own ways. Adrienne Attoms has a passion for chemistry and is the "culinary chemist" who was inspired by her grandmother. Yes, they have adventures and missions that go beyond school and home and yes, the dialogue is relatable ...as STEM should be positioned for kids. This show inspires young girls, in particular, to look at the world of coding, science and math from a fresh perspective.
Canadian animated series Animal Mechanicals brings together mythical creatures that transform and go on quests in a fanstastical world. In each fun adventure-packed episode, the characters are presented with a mission with a variety of challenges. Each character has their own unique special powers which helps children learn how together we can contribute to decision making efforts and to realize our full potential. With little ones, it's great to discuss how to work out solutions to problems and cooperating while learning about something new. In the Mechana Dancing Bear Island episode, the bears aren't dancing as gracefully anymore due to the strange noise they now hear. What happened? Unicorn can use her special flying skills to see what's happened but needs Mouse's directional skills to help guide her. Komodo finds a tuning fork in his stash of helpful tools to fix the problem. Together with all their skills, the problem is solved!
I'm also seeing it now with my tween year old as he's been fascinated with the show Brain Games on Netflix that admittedly has our entire family watching and discussing. The show opens up the mind-boggling world of everyday science that challenges our brain power. There are optical illusions, experiments and challenges that you're guarantee to feel fully in control of until you're proven wrong. So, is magic really science? This show really makes us think outside the box and we can see the spark in the kid's eye. Not only is he curious but it's science that is relatable and definitely movitates conversation. Scientist in the making or perhaps and illusionist? We'll see!
Brain Games on Netflix: These two blocks are the same colour, right?