Are you searching YouTube channels for your students or children? Millions of parents and teachers are discovering kid-friendly educational videos that consolidate learning on YouTube.
Which educational channel has the best, easy-to-understand videos for kids? This post explores some of our favorite kids’ channels for a world-class crash course education.
#1: Learn Bright
Of course, our favorite channel, designed to educate and entertain, is Learn Bright. Learn Bright, established in 2014 as a branch of the Clarendon Foundation, is a one-stop shop for all your educational needs. Its mission is to provide high-quality educational materials for all teachers and parents.
The sheer range of content Learn Bright offers is extensive. Children can learn about magnets, volcanoes, dinosaurs, the Industrial Revolution, and more. Videos present subjects in an engaging yet educational format, with simple language for elementary students. The visuals in the videos are stunning and meant to capture and maintain attention.
Learn Bright’s YouTube channel is a funnel for its homeschool and follow-up lessons. Videos pair with written educational materials, engaging activities, and lesson plans. The aim is to provide teachers and parents with all the necessary materials for lesson plans.
Learn Bright focuses on providing hands-on activities that make learning practical. The YouTube videos feed into active practice sessions with problem-solving, homework, and answers for educators. Parents and teachers enjoy a guided learning roadmap that takes the guesswork out of building a curriculum. All plans follow your home state’s educational standards and requirements.
YouTube videos cover multiple subjects, including language arts, science, math, social studies, and reading. The content creates a passion for learning in children, encouraging them to explore topics more deeply and profoundly.
#2 National Geographic Kids
Coming in at number two on our list is National Geographic Kids. This channel features a variety of videos designed to educate kids about the world around them. This includes topics such as wildlife, science, geography, and culture.
Expect videos showcasing the wonders of nature, featuring wildlife footage, and exploring different ecosystems. These videos often include fascinating facts about animals and their habitats.
National Geographic Kids also offers videos with science experiments that kids can try at home. Creators design these experiments to be both entertaining and educational.
The channel provides content that introduces children to different cultures and traditions from around the world. This can help broaden their understanding of global diversity.
People know National Geographic for its emphasis on exploration. The kids’ channel features content that encourages a sense of adventure. This could include virtual tours, behind-the-scenes looks, and interactive experiences.
National Geographic Kids content is generally for a younger audience. Parents can expect content that is both entertaining and aligned with educational goals.
#3: Khan Academy
Former executive Sal Khan set up Khan Academy in 2008, making it one of the first educational YouTube channels. The platform’s mission is to provide free, world-class education to everyone, regardless of location.
The platform primarily focuses on math and science. However, its scope has grown since its launch substantially, with courses on diverse subjects, including history, finance, and art.
The platform’s format is straightforward: provide students with bite-sized content and test them regularly. Khan Academy’s format requires children to watch short videos and answer problems afterward to consolidate learning.
Only students should use Khan Academy, not parents. Sal and other developers wanted it to be a self-contained learning experience that students could use anywhere.
#4: PBS Kids
PBS Kids is a casual learning channel on YouTube run by the U.S. Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). The service is the go-to choice for parents wanting to prepare their children for kindergarten and appeals to those aged two to eight.
PBS Kids structures its educational content in various formats designed to help children develop in a rounded manner. For example, the Alma’s Way compilation encourages kids to dance and sing to music with Alma. Subtitled videos provide lyrics while cartoon characters on-screen lead the dance moves. Meanwhile, the workout series inspires young children to move their bodies in fun ways.
Much of the content on the channel is highly visual and designed to entertain students with fascinating insights. The Wild Kratts series is an excellent example of this philosophy in action. Read-alongs help children get excited about the prospect of reading a book.
Kratts often travels to exciting nature locations full of animals and beautiful sounds that complement his reading. Kratts also includes plenty of pauses to give children time to read and understand sentences on their own.
Finally, PBS Kids on YouTube provides youngsters with more practical information about the world. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood helps kids understand the world they live in.
PBS Kids doesn’t help homeschooling parents or teachers with extra materials or support. Video quality is great, but teachers should use quizzes and other methods to reinforce learning. However, you can find various games on PBS Kids’ official website that might be helpful in some contexts.
#5: BrainPOP
BrainPOP is another popular educational channel on YouTube, hosting over 1,200 short videos for students in grades K-12. The platform is similar to Khan Academy, providing children with educational content and quizzes.
BrainPOP restricts YouTube videos, but offers more educational resources on its official website for a fee. The platform focuses on providing parents with proven learning outcomes they can see, hear, and track. Problem sets and quizzes consolidate complex concepts, while advanced tracking shows how children are progressing through measurable milestones. Kids also learn essential learning skills, enabling them to accelerate their education as they develop.
We acknowledge that every family has different beliefs and educational goals. Before allowing your child to watch content on any platform, it’s a good idea for parents to review the channel. Doing so will ensure that your educational experience on YouTube is a feel good one.
For more learning ideas and resources, check out Learn Bright’s free lesson plans! Don’t forget to subscribe to Learn Bright’s YouTube channel to help us reach our goal of one million subscribers.
