education – Whole Heartily

The Best Educational YouTube Channels for Children (That They’ll Actually Love Watching)!

Screen time can get a bad rap—but when used thoughtfully, it can also be an incredible tool for learning. YouTube is filled with kid-friendly content, but sifting through it can be overwhelming. The key? Finding trusted, engaging channels that teach kids something valuable and keep them coming back for more.

We’ve rounded up some of the best educational YouTube channels for children, covering everything from science and reading to art, music, and social skills. Whether your child is a preschooler or a curious tween, these channels make learning feel like play.

1. Sesame Street

YouTube.com/SesameStreet
Ages: 2–6
Focus: Early literacy, numbers, emotions, kindness

An all-time favorite for a reason. Sesame Street blends silly songs, lovable characters, and real-life lessons about friendship, diversity, and empathy—all while teaching the ABCs and 123s.

Why kids love it: Familiar faces like Elmo, Big Bird, and Cookie Monster bring warmth and fun to learning.

2. Cosmic Kids Yoga

YouTube.com/CosmicKidsYoga
Ages: 3–9
Focus: Mindfulness, movement, storytelling

Yoga, movement, and mindfulness meet adventure stories and popular themes (hello, Frozen and Pokémon). Jaime, the cheerful instructor, guides kids through active, imaginative routines.

Why parents love it: It gets kids moving, promotes calm, and requires zero equipment.

3. National Geographic Kids

YouTube.com/NatGeoKids
Ages: 6–12
Focus: Animals, geography, science, culture

This channel brings the wonders of the world right to your living room. Kids can explore wildlife, learn about ancient civilizations, and dive into fascinating facts with short, energetic videos.

Why kids love it: Cool animals + fun facts = instant engagement.

4. SciShow Kids

YouTube.com/SciShowKids
Ages: 5–10
Focus: Science, curiosity, critical thinking

Hosted by the enthusiastic Jessi, SciShow Kids explains science in a way that’s fun, accessible, and experiment-friendly. From why the sky is blue to how volcanoes work, every episode sparks curiosity.

Why parents love it: It’s science class without the pressure—hands-on and easy to follow.

5. Storyline Online

YouTube.com/StorylineOnline
Ages: 4–10
Focus: Reading, storytelling, vocabulary

Beloved children’s books are read aloud by celebrities like Viola Davis and Chris Pine. Each video is beautifully produced and perfect for encouraging a love of reading.

Why it’s a hit: It brings storytime to life, especially helpful for reluctant readers.

6. Art for Kids Hub

YouTube.com/ArtforKidsHub
Ages: 4–12
Focus: Drawing, creativity, art techniques

This family-run channel offers step-by-step drawing tutorials for everything from animals to video game characters. It’s a hit with creative kids and families who want to draw together.

Bonus: No fancy art supplies needed—just paper, a pencil, and imagination.

7. Crash Course Kids

YouTube.com/CrashCourseKids
Ages: 8–12
Focus: Science, engineering, ecosystems

A younger version of the popular Crash Course series, this channel dives deeper into science topics with smart explanations, animations, and a focus on real-world connections.

Why it works: It respects kids’ intelligence while making big ideas digestible.

8. Numberblocks / Alphablocks

YouTube.com/Numberblocks
Ages: 3–6
Focus: Early math and literacy

These bite-sized shows use colorful characters to teach foundational concepts in math (Numberblocks) and phonics (Alphablocks). They’re perfect for preschool and kindergarten learners.

Why kids love it: The characters are like living, breathing numbers and letters.

9. KidTime StoryTime

YouTube.com/KidTimeStoryTime
Ages: 4–9
Focus: Books, imagination, vocabulary

This channel brings picture books to life with enthusiastic storytelling, fun voices, and puppet co-hosts. It’s lively, funny, and wonderful for winding down.

Why parents love it: It’s perfect for quiet time or a bedtime story replacement.

10. TED-Ed

YouTube.com/TEDEd
Ages: 10+
Focus: Big ideas, science, history, philosophy

For older kids, TED-Ed delivers smart, thought-provoking animated lessons on everything from the immune system to ancient myths. Great for kids who ask why? a lot.

Why it stands out: It’s like a mini-lesson from a passionate teacher—ideal for curious tweens and teens.

Final Thoughts

Educational YouTube content can be so much more than background noise—it can spark questions, fuel passions, and even inspire a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. Whether you want to boost reading, explore science, or take a virtual field trip, these channels are safe, smart, and seriously fun.

So the next time you’re looking for quality screen time, skip the scroll and try one of these instead. Your kids might just learn something new—and you might, too!

Top 10 Back-to-School Picture Books to Read With Your Children!

Whether it’s the first day of kindergarten, the first day at a new school or the return to a familiar classroom or school, back-to-school season is filled with big feelings: excitement, nervousness, curiosity—and sometimes a few butterflies. The right picture book can ease those nerves and spark great conversations.

Here are 10 delightful and heartwarming back-to-school picture books to read with your kids as they get ready for the new school year.

**1. The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn**

A perennial favorite, this gentle story about a raccoon named Chester heading off to school for the first time speaks to the heart of separation anxiety. Mama Raccoon’s “kissing hand” offers a beautiful symbol of connection that stays with children all day.

Perfect for: Preschool and kindergarteners nervous about leaving home.

**2. First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg**

Sarah Jane is dreading the first day at a new school—and there’s a fun surprise twist at the end that will leave kids giggling. This clever story reassures kids that even adults get nervous sometimes.

Perfect for: Kids transitioning to a new school or grade.

**3. We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins**

Penelope Rex is a T. rex starting school with human classmates. The only problem? She wants to eat them! A hilarious (and surprisingly touching) story about learning empathy and making friends.

Perfect for: Ages 4–7, especially kids with a quirky sense of humor.

**4. All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold, illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman**

This joyful, inclusive book celebrates a classroom where everyone belongs, no matter their background or ability. The rhythmic text and bright illustrations send a powerful message of kindness and community.

Perfect for: Every child—it’s a beautiful reminder of acceptance.

**5. School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex, illustrated by Christian Robinson**

This charming twist on the first-day narrative is told from the perspective of a newly built school experiencing its own set of jitters. A great way to help kids empathize and giggle at the same time.

Perfect for: Ages 5–8 who are curious or anxious about what school will be like.

**6. Lena’s Shoes Are Nervous: A First-Day-of-School Dilemma by Keith Calabrese**

Lena is ready for school—but her shoes are nervous. This gentle, imaginative story gives kids a great language for talking about their own feelings.

Perfect for: Younger elementary students who need help naming emotions.

**7. The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael López**

A poetic, uplifting story about feeling different and finding your voice, this book is perfect for any child walking into a space where they’re not sure they’ll fit in.

Perfect for: Building empathy, confidence, and courage.

**8. If You Take a Mouse to School by Laura Numeroff, illustrated by Felicia Bond**

Part of the beloved “If You Give…” series, this playful tale follows a mouse on a chaotic journey through a school day. Silly, energetic, and great for getting kids curious about school routines.

Perfect for: Pre-K to grade 1, especially fans of circular storytelling.

**9. Butterflies on the First Day of School by Annie Silvestro, illustrated by Dream Chen**

Rosie is nervous about her first day—so nervous she feels butterflies in her stomach. But as she starts to make friends, those butterflies begin to flutter away.

Perfect for: A gentle, metaphor-rich way to talk about nerves and bravery.

**10. The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! by Mo Willems**

The famously dramatic pigeon is not ready for school—and he’s got lots of excuses. Mo Willems’ humor and expressive illustrations make this a laugh-out-loud favorite.

Perfect for: Kids who love humor (and a little drama).

Final Thoughts

Reading back-to-school picture books together can help kids process their emotions, build excitement, and feel more prepared for the year ahead. Whether you’re preparing a first-time kindergartener or simply easing into a new routine, these stories offer comfort, encouragement, and fun.

So, snuggle up, grab a few of these gems from your local library or bookstore, and start the school year off with the best kind of learning: reading together.

How to Play – Boggle Jr.

Part of the fun in raising Zoey is finding things that delight and educate her; I want to find fun, creative board games to play with her during our family game nights! This week we played Boggle Jr. by Hasbro for 1 to 2 players!

This game will help children with their spelling in a fun, rewarding way! If this means setting up a reward system for if they could finish all the 3 letter words, then the 4 letter words and then the combined deck, do it! Education should be fun and rewarding! I could see improvement in Zoey’s word recognition and spelling almost immediately.

Let’s play!

IN THE BOX

Boggle Jr. game tray
8 letter cubes
30 picture/word cards (double-sided)

INSTRUCTIONS

Game # 1: Match it-Spell it

Shuffle and stack the picture/word cards so the 3-letter words are all face up and turned in the same direction.
Place the stack in the tray above the cube slots, facing the child (the word cover is flipped down & out of use).
Point to the picture on the card and ask the child what it is — i.e. a pig, a jar, a pie, the sun, etc.
Point to the word below the picture and say the word, then spell the word out loud letter by letter.
Go back to the first letter and have the child find that letter on one of the cubes and place the cube in the first slot of the tray, directly under the letter as it appears on the card.
Proceed through the other two letters until the 3-letter word is spelled out in cubes under the card.
Reinforce what the child has just accomplished by saying the word and spelling together. Give the child the top card and proceed through the rest of the remaining 3-letter words in the same manner.
Next play with 4-letter word cards. Then shuffle the cards and play with 3 and 4 letter words mixed.

Game # 2: Cover it-Spell it

Shuffle and stack the picture/word cards so the 3-letter words are all face up and turned in the same direction.
Place the stack in the tray above the cube slots, facing the child (the word cover is flipped up & in use).
The child glances at the word under the cover, then hides it again. Now he/she is no longer matching letters with letter, but is actually spelling the word from memory.
Next play with 4-letter word cards. Then shuffle the cards and play with 3 and 4 letter words mixed.
For two players the children take turns. Each time a child successfully spells a word from memory, he or she wins that card and continues to the next.
If a child spells a word incorrectly, that card is placed on the bottom of the pile of cards and that child’s turn ends. When the card comes up again, the player whose turn it is attempts to spell the word.
The children alternate turns until all the cards have been used, whoever has won more cards during the game wins!

ENJOY!