Right now, parents all over the country know the struggle of trying to play the roles of both parent and teacher, while also working from home.
But we’ve got some good news for you, ABC ME are now basically homeschooling your child. So all you need to do is plonk them in front of the TV and put your feet up. (Well, sort of).
From Tuesday April 14, ABC will be rolling out an extended Term 2 schedule full of educational content to help students, teachers and parents with at-home learning.
Listen to the latest episode of Mamamia’s parenting podcast, This Glorious Mess. Post continues below.
Each weekday will start with content for Lower Primary students at 10am, and Primary level content will continue throughout the morning. Then in the afternoons, programming will progress up to Secondary level content for older kids.
Yep, it’s an absolute game changer.
But while you wait for the program to launch, we’ve put together a list of other educational TV shows and movies your can stream online for kids, while you slip away with a coffee for that all important you time.
Octonauts
What’s it about? The animated show follows the adventures of underwater explorers tasked with saving the ocean and helping those in need. Octonauts is great for little kids and older siblings and is packed with fun facts about the ocean and diverse marine life.
How can you watch it? The show is available on Stan.
Ask the StoryBots
What’s it about? In each episode, these quirky robots find the answer to a “big question” asked by a kid like “Where does night come from?” or “How do people catch a cold?” The StoryBots take you on an adventure to find the answer through video and song. Parents will also get a kick out of some of the jokes and recognisable guest stars.
How can you watch it? The series is available on Netflix.
Thalu
What’s it about? This live-action show is an adventure for the whole family and follows a group of Indigenous children in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, who are on a journey to save their country from the threat of a mysterious dust cloud and its inhabitants, the Takers. The friends must make their way to the ‘Thalu’, a place of great power, to stop the cloud before it destroys everything.
How can you watch it? Thalu will be premiering on NITV on April 20 and is also available to watch on SBS’ free streaming platform, SBS On Demand.
Bluey
What's it about? Bluey certainly needs no introduction and is loved by kids (and parents) all over the country. The Australian animated series follows the adventures of a Blue Heeler puppy, Bluey, who lives with her mum, dad, and sister. The show is all about imagination and developing mental, physical and emotional resilience.
How can you watch it? The series is available on ABC iview.
Mister Maker
What's it about? Mister Maker is jam-packed with ideas to keep the kids entertained while stuck at home. The series brings the world of arts and crafts to life and teaches kids how they can make different projects in fun and easy to follow tutorials.
How can you watch it? The series is available on Netflix.
Little J & Big Cuz
What's it about? The Logie award-winning series follows the adventures of Indigenous Australian kids Little J and Big Cuz living with their Nanna and Old Dog. With the help of Nanna and their teacher Ms Chen they learn about culture, community and country.
How can you watch it? The series is available on NITV and SBS On Demand.
Future Dreaming
What's it about? For kids who are fans of time travel, Future Dreaming will take you to another galaxy, as four young Aboriginal Australians guide audiences through their futures in a VR intergalactic adventure.
How can you watch it? The series is available NITV and SBS On Demand.
The Gruffalo
What's it about? Based on the popular picture book written by Julia Donaldson, The Gruffalo tells the magical tale of a mouse who takes a walk through the woods in search of a nut. While on his adventure, the mouse has to use his wits to survive and ends up creating an imaginary monster who turns out to be real.
How can you watch it? The film is available on Stan.
Beat Bugs
What's it about? This fun-loving animated show follows the adventures of five best friends who learn life lessons in the great outdoors. As an extra bonus, it's a great way to get your kids into the music of The Beatles, which is featured throughout each episode.
How can you watch it? The series is available on Netflix.
The Magic School Bus Rides Again
What's it about? The show is a revamped version of the ’90s series The Magic School Bus, and is great for both younger and older kids. Like the original animated series, each episode focuses on a scientific topic which is taught to the class while on magical field trips lead by Ms Frizzle.
How can you watch it? Both the original and revamped series is available on Netflix.
Matilda
What's it about? Based on one of Roald Dahl’s books for children and released 23 years ago, this cult classic follows a young genius named Matilda who navigates her upbringing with parents who despise kids, almost as much as they hate education. But Matilda harnesses the power of telekinesis to protect herself and others as she discovers her true intelligence.
How can you watch it? The film is available on Netflix.
Dial E for Emma
What's it about? If your little Wiggles fan hasn't already seen it, the film focuses on the dancing adventures of Emma who uses her 'Book of Dance' to help her try out and discover different styles of dance. Not only is it entertaining, but it will help get your kids up and about moving around the house.
How can you watch it? The film is available on Stan.
Feature Image: ABC.
What educational TV shows or movies do you like watching? Let us know in the comments below.
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