In Need of Good Educational Videos

She's *probably* a little young, but keep the BBC's Walking With ________ (dinosaurs, prehistoric beasts, etc.) in mind. *Amazing* animation.

Aside from what you've already listed (great ones!):

- Bill Nye the Science Guy
- National Geographic (anything by them)
- H's The Universe
- Carl Sagan : Cosmos

And about 1,000 out of 10,000 other titles in Netflix Streaming : Documentaries : Nature & Science documentaries.

Don't forget the computer, however!!! 3ish is the PERFECT age for www.starfall.com & iSpy

_____________________

As far as semi-edu (social/emotional instead of intellectual) videos my favorites are the calmer/ more subtle british titles, they're *great* for quiet time:
- Kipper the Dog
- Thomas the Tank Engine
- Angelina Ballerina
- Fireman Sam
- (or the more boisterous) Bob the Builder

Sprout has some of these :P, but they hop around like crazy and do all sorts of "bounce around" schtuff in between them (not great for quiet time), nor for long attentions. We just got them on DVD. My son split his tv time about 1/2 & 1/2 between Dr Neil deGrasseTyson / Carl Sagan/ et al & Thomas/Kipper.

Leap Frog is great-sounds like you found those. Caillou I think has some great episodes and that are learning related, Busy Town, by Richard Scarry. Do you the Sprout channel..you would be surprised at how much is really educational and not just for fun type shows.

Our local library has educational VHS & DVD's that can be checked out for free! I just had my 4 year old go through a phonics for beginners series. Also, my daughter who is all things Doctor related fancinated, I was able to get movies on going to the DR. & dentist & one that takled about germs, viruses, and about your body. I also like the cartoon curious George, Martha Speaks, & Super Why, Word world...even Sid the Science kid. My kids have learned from all of these. My daughter was probably three when she announced that I was putting my groceries on a conveyor belt, and that word she learned from George. My in laws allowed my son to watch sponge Bob and I can not stand it!! My son now thinks playing stupid is funny like Patrick and he says all the words that I do not think are appropriate. Now it is hard to break, so I completely agree that not all cartoons are the same!! Good for you for taking an active role in what she is watching!!

I know you said no Nick Jr but Little Bear is pretty good.

Mr. Rogers. Emotional education is important too! We have almost all the dvds in his line, and love them.:)

I'm an educator and I dont think that most educational videos marketed toward 3 year old are really educational. Some videos, like Baby Einstein (which is targeted toward younger children) had to offer a refund because a study at UW found that the videos were not educational and actually had a slightly detrimental effect.
With that being said, the research I have read says that videos that have the children interact are better than those that dont. Also, its better if the parent watches the video with the child and talks about it with them.
I know its not what you are looking for, but the best preschool programming I have seen is the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. It has children interact with the programming, and does a fantastic job of covering preschool educational concepts.
If its down time you are looking for, videos are great. If its educational experiences for a preschooler, turn off the tv, get out the books or let them play. FOr more information, check out the book Brain Rules for Baby - its great and very readable.
Good luck!

My daughter learned so much from baby einstein dvd's like baby wordsworth....she is five and still sits through that one and various elmo movies. You would be surprised from those Nick Jr. shows though...Team oomie zoomie and Yo Gabba Gabba are great to watch even for adults. And I agree about Starfall.com. It is a great website!!!