Are you searching for some fun Netflix shows to help your kids learn English? We've got you covered! We've handpicked three of the best educative TV programs on Netflix that cater to children aged 4-12. These shows are not only entertaining but also support language development, listening skills, and vocabulary expansion. So, let's dive into the world of English learning with these fantastic shows and activities!
Octonauts (Ages 4-8)
The Octonauts are a team of undersea adventurers who explore, rescue, and protect the world's oceans. Led by Captain Barnacles, the crew includes Kwazii, a brave and daring pirate cat; Peso, a kind-hearted penguin medic; and many others. This show combines education and adventure, teaching kids about marine life and ocean conservation while also introducing them to new English words and phrases. The episodes are packed with exciting stories, interesting facts, and valuable life lessons.
If your child loves the ocean, the Octonauts is a fantastic choice for learning English in a fun, engaging way. The show uses simple, clear language and captivating visuals to hold children's attention and keep them entertained as they learn.
2. Super Monsters (Ages 4-8)Super Monsters follows the adventures of a group of preschool kids who are also the children of the world's most famous monsters. As they learn to control their superpowers at Super Monster School, they also learn important social and emotional lessons. The show features a diverse cast of characters, including Cleo, the daughter of a mummy; Frankie, the son of Frankenstein; and Drac, the son of Dracula.
The show uses simple and clear language, making it suitable for children who are new to learning English. With a focus on friendship, problem-solving, and empathy, Super Monsters is an excellent choice for parents looking to introduce their kids to conversational English. The show's colorful animation and relatable storylines make learning English an enjoyable experience for young viewers.
3. Ask the StoryBots (Ages 4-8)Join the StoryBots—Beep, Boop, Bing, Bang, and Bo—as they answer kids' biggest questions in a fun and engaging way. This Emmy-winning show combines animation, live-action, and puppetry to teach kids about various subjects, such as science, technology, and history, while introducing them to new English words and phrases. The simple language, catchy songs, and age-appropriate humor make Ask the StoryBots an excellent choice for children learning English.
Each episode features a question from a real child, and the StoryBots embark on an exciting adventure to find the answer. Along the way, they meet famous guest stars who help them explore different topics and concepts. This format not only entertains children but also sparks their curiosity and encourages them to ask questions about the world around them.
For more about using TV to build English skills, go here:
Benefits of Watching Educational TV Shows to Learn English:
Enhanced vocabulary: By watching educational TV programs, children are exposed to new words and phrases in context, helping them understand and remember them more effectively. This exposure helps expand their vocabulary, which is essential for English proficiency.
Improved listening skills: Watching TV shows in English can help children develop their listening skills, as they learn to understand different accents, speech patterns, and pronunciations.
Better pronunciation and intonation: Listening to native speakers in TV shows allows children to pick up on the correct pronunciation and intonation, which can be challenging to learn from textbooks alone.
Cultural understanding: Watching TV shows can also help children develop an understanding of the cultural nuances and social contexts in which the English language is used, making their learning experience more comprehensive and meaningful.
Activities to Enhance Learning While Watching TV
Sing Songs
Many of these TV programs feature catchy songs and jingles.
Encourage your child to sing along as this helps with pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation.
For example, in the Octonauts, have your child learn the "Creature Report" song and sing along every time it comes on.
In Ask the StoryBots, you can encourage your child to learn and sing the show's theme song or the songs that teach about different topics in each episode.
Watch with subtitles
Turn on English subtitles to help your child associate spoken words with their written forms.
For instance, while watching Ask the StoryBots, pause the show when a new word or phrase appears in the subtitles, and discuss its meaning and pronunciation with your child. Similarly, when watching Super Monsters, you can use the subtitles to help your child learn new words and phrases related to emotions, social skills, and problem-solving.
Create a storybook
For example, after watching an episode of Super Monsters, ask your child to create a storybook featuring their favorite character and the new words they've learned from the show.
For Octonauts, your child can create a storybook about a new underwater creature they discovered and how the crew helped protect its habitat.
Recommended Screen Time:
For children aged 4-12, it is recommended to limit screen time to 1-2 hours per day.
Keep in mind that watching TV is a passive listening activity, so it's essential to include active listening activities in your child's daily routine to enhance their English skills.
One effective way to include active listening is by engaging your child in conversation about the shows they've watched.
Ask questions about the storylines, characters, and any new words they've learned. This helps reinforce their understanding and allows them to practice speaking in English.
Conclusion
These top 3 educative TV programs on Netflix offer an excellent starting point for non-native kids to learn English while having fun. Remember to incorporate the suggested activities and manage screen time to ensure a well-rounded learning experience.
For active listening practice, we recommend checking out Now Speak English, a program that focuses on speaking and listening skills through engaging and interactive lessons.
Happy watching, and here's to your child's language-learning success!