17 YouTube Kids’ Channels to Build Literacy Skills

I’ve always tried to be very mindful of the amount of screen time that my kids view.  We utilize YouTube kids’ channels more and more for videos on lots of different topics.  I like that we can get short clips and there is such a great variety.  The world of technology for kids can be daunting. Today, I’m sharing some of our favorite YouTube education channels for kids that are related to literacy.

Best YouTube Kids’ Channels

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Book Videos

1. My all-time favorite channel is Storyline Online.  Children can listen to professional actors read stories.  We have so many favorites but I thinkI Need My Monster read by Rita Moreno is our absolute top pick.  You can watch via YouTube or go directly to their Storyline Online site.
   
2. And, if you would like to hear authors read their own books, check out KidLit TV Read Out Loud videos.  There are lots of other videos to discover at KidLit TV also so make sure to do a little exploring. Watch this video where Kelly Light reads Louise Loves Art!
   
3. Speakaboos has a variety of stories and songs for kids to watch and read along with as the text appears on the screen.  You can access unlimited books and resources on the Speakaboos site for a fee too.
   
4. Reading Rainbow recently began producing new episodes through their subscription based Skybrary. However, you can access some clips for free on their YouTube channel which includes stories and field trips.  Did you also know that the host, LaVar Burton has his own children’s book?  It’s called The Rhino Who Swallowed a Storm.
   

Book Trailer Videos

Many publishers put together short videos to drum up excitement for new books.  Using them is a fun way to get kids excited about reading books.  Here are some of the publishers who share book trailers.

1. Scholastic
2. Chronicle Books
3. HarperKids– also check out their “Meet the Author” and “How a Book is Made” videos
4. Penguin Kids
5. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Alphabet Learning Videos

1. Shawn the Train from the coilbook channel was a staple in our house for a long stint.  There are short videos for each letter of the alphabet.  Kids can see a letter, an object that begins with each letter and hear the letter sound.  They are each just a couple minutes long which make them a good pick for toddlers.
2. Kids TV 123 has a whole playlist of phonics songs for each letter of the alphabet and focuses on letters sounds.

Videos to Learn Nursery Rhymes and Songs

Singing is a wonderful way to build language skills.  Here are some of our favorite singing videos for kids.

1. Simple Songs shows cute animations while singing simple songs and nursery rhymes.
2. Little Baby Bums also has loads of nursery rhymes and song videos.  Check out Five Little Speckled Frogs.
3. Oh, we love music by Laurie Berkner.  Her channel has lots of videos of many of her songs including Moon, Moon, Moon and We Are the Dinosaurs.

More Literacy YouTube Channels

1.  PBS Kids has an assortment of channels that help kids build literacy skills.  Do you remember the Electric Company?  Yes, your kids can enjoy the iconic show too and learn about words.  And, you’ll find lots of literacy nuggets at the Sesame Street channel for younger children.  Other goodies include Word Girl and  Super Why!

2.  Peach Blossom Media has a whole series called Olive and the Rhyme Rescue Crew which my kids love.  Each story is about one letter sound.  The crew pops into a rhyme to fix it.  Great for learning about letter recognition, words that begin with each sound and rhyming.

3.  And finally, have you ever thought about exercising with a book?  Check out this Book It You Tube video from the MovetoLearn MS channel.

Enjoy watching and learning with your child with these YouTube channels!

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Best Audio Books for Young Children

Best Literacy Podcasts

Literacy Songs Playlist

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