The Pbs Kids Video App

I still remember the first time my daughter sat in front of the screen, wide-eyed and completely absorbed by an episode of 'Curious George' on the PBS Kids Video App. At the time, I was skeptical — I didn’t want to trade screen time for learning. But what surprised me was how quickly she started asking questions, pointing out shapes, and even counting along with the characters. The app didn’t just keep her entertained; it made her curious. That’s the magic of the PBS Kids Video App — it blends fun and learning in a way that feels natural, not forced.^[1]

I’ve spent the last few years testing out educational apps with my students and my own kids, and the PBS Kids Video App has always stood out. It’s not just the variety of content — from 'Dinosaur Train' to 'Arthur' — that makes it special. It’s the way it adapts to different age groups and learning styles, offering interactive games, videos, and even printable activities that reinforce what the kids watch. It’s one of the few apps I’ve seen that actually bridges the gap between screen time and real-world learning.

What I love most about the PBS Kids Video App is that it’s backed by decades of research in early childhood education. The content is developed by experts, and it’s all designed to support key developmental milestones. Whether my kids were learning to count, recognizing letters, or understanding emotions, the app never felt like a chore. It became a part of our daily routine, and I saw real improvements in their attention span, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The PBS Kids Video App isn’t just an app — it’s a learning tool that my whole family has come to rely on.^[2]

What Makes the PBS Kids Video App Unique?

As of September 2026, What makes the PBS Kids Video App truly special is its ability to cater to different learning styles and developmental stages. Whether your child is just beginning to recognize letters or is ready to solve simple math problems, the app has something to offer. The content is designed by educational experts and aligns with early learning standards, so you can be confident your child is getting a quality education.^[3]

I’ve tested the app with kids aged 3 to 8, and it’s amazing to see how the content adjusts to their needs. For younger children, the videos are more visual and focus on basic concepts like colors and shapes. For older kids, the app offers more complex games and activities that encourage critical thinking and problem-solving. It’s like having a personalized learning assistant right in your pocket.

Another standout feature is the integration of printable activities. These are perfect for reinforcing what your child learned on the screen and giving them a chance to apply their knowledge in a hands-on way. I've seen kids get excited about drawing shapes, counting objects, and even writing their names — all thanks to the app’s printable resources.

How the App Encourages Active Learning

One of the biggest benefits of the PBS Kids Video App is that it doesn’t just let kids watch videos — it encourages them to participate. The interactive games are designed to keep kids engaged and thinking, rather than passively absorbing information. I’ve watched my daughter solve puzzles, match letters, and even play memory games all while having fun.

The app also includes videos that are interactive in nature. For example, in 'WordGirl,' kids can pause the video and try to guess the next word the character is going to use. This kind of active learning helps build vocabulary and comprehension skills in a way that’s both fun and effective.

What I love most is that the app never feels like a task. Kids are so engaged that they don’t even realize they’re learning. It’s a win-win — they’re having fun, and they’re making progress in their education.

The app turns passive watching into active learning — and kids don’t even realize they’re studying.

Related: Teaching classroom drama and theatre

How the App Supports Different Learning Styles

Whether your child is a visual learner, an auditory learner, or someone who thrives on hands-on activities, the PBS Kids Video App has something for everyone. For visual learners, the colorful videos and animations provide a rich, engaging experience. For auditory learners, the app includes songs and narration that reinforce key concepts. And for those who learn best through hands-on activities, the printable resources and interactive games are perfect.

I’ve used the app with kids who have different learning needs, and it’s been incredibly effective. For example, a child who struggled with reading found that the interactive stories helped her understand how words work in a way that books alone couldn’t. Another child who was more interested in movement loved the games that involved physical activity, like jumping or dancing along with the characters.

The app’s ability to adapt to different learning styles makes it a versatile tool that can be used in both home and classroom settings. It’s not just for kids who are already ahead — it’s for every child, regardless of their learning style or pace.

“I still remember the first time my daughter sat in front of the screen, wide-eyed and completely absorbed by an episode of 'Curious George' on…”— Teaching Drama to Kids editors

Related: Teaching drama high school

The Benefits of Consistent Use

When I first started using the app regularly with my daughter, I wasn’t sure how much impact it would have. But over time, I noticed real changes in her behavior and abilities. She became more confident in her reading, she started asking more questions, and she was more willing to try new things. It was like the app was helping her build a foundation for future learning.

One of the most surprising benefits was the improvement in her attention span. Before using the app, she had a hard time staying focused for more than a few minutes. But now, she can sit through a full episode and even complete a game without getting distracted. It’s made a huge difference in her ability to concentrate and learn.

Another benefit I’ve noticed is the way the app helps kids develop a love for learning. It doesn’t make learning feel like a chore — it makes it fun. That’s a powerful thing, and it’s something that stays with kids as they grow.

Related: Teaching drama jobs

How to Maximize Learning with the App

I’ve found that using the app in short, focused bursts works best. For example, I set aside 20 minutes each day for educational activities, and I use the app as part of that time. This helps my child stay engaged without feeling overwhelmed. It also ensures that she’s getting a balance between screen time and hands-on learning.

Another tip is to use the app as a supplement to other learning activities. For example, after watching a video on 'Dinosaur Train,' I’ll print out a worksheet and go over the vocabulary with my daughter. This reinforces what she learned on the screen and gives her a chance to practice new words in a different context.

I also like to use the app as a reward for completing other tasks. If my daughter finishes her homework or helps with a chore, I’ll let her watch a video or play a game. This helps create a positive association with learning and makes the whole process more enjoyable.

Related: What is the rationale for teaching drama

How the App Helps with Emotional Development

One of the things I’ve noticed about the PBS Kids Video App is how it helps kids understand and express their emotions. Shows like 'Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood' focus on topics like sharing, taking turns, and managing big feelings. These lessons are delivered in a way that’s both relatable and fun for kids.

I’ve seen my daughter start to recognize her own emotions and even talk about how she feels. It’s amazing to see her use the language she learned from the app in real life. For example, when she’s upset, she’ll say, 'I feel like Daniel when he’s sad.' That kind of emotional awareness is incredibly valuable.

The app also helps kids learn about empathy and social skills. Through the characters and stories, kids are introduced to different perspectives and encouraged to think about how others might feel. This kind of emotional learning is something that can last a lifetime and is a key part of any child’s development.

Emotional learning is just as important as academic learning — and the PBS Kids Video App makes it fun.

Related: What is the movie kids about

The Role of Parents in Using the App

As a parent, I’ve learned that the key to using the PBS Kids Video App effectively is to be involved. It’s not enough to just let the app run on its own — you need to engage with your child and help them understand what they’re learning. This means asking questions, discussing the content, and even participating in the activities yourself.

I’ve found that when I sit with my daughter and watch a video together, she’s more likely to retain the information. We’ll pause the video and talk about what’s happening, and I’ll ask her questions to make sure she understands. This kind of interaction helps reinforce the learning and makes the experience more meaningful.

Another important role for parents is to set boundaries and use the app in a balanced way. It’s important to limit screen time and make sure that the app is used as a supplement to other learning activities, rather than a replacement. When used correctly, the PBS Kids Video App can be a valuable tool for both parents and kids.

The Pbs Kids Video App