As Modern Asian Parents, we understand the importance of a second language and live in a world where life has become immensely multi-national. Some parents are blessed with a natural environment for their kids to adapt a second language, such growing up in a bilingual family. Some parents on the other hand must put in added effort to introduce their children to another language. Regardless of which parent you are, props to you for encouraging and embracing a second language for your kids, trust me, they will thank you for it in the future!
Unless you have a native tongue to another language, it’s often difficult to “force” yourself to speak in something else. So, we turn to other means – television – YouTube, to be precise for Modern Asian Parents. If we’re going to let our kids indulge in those god forsaken tunes that we are so sick and tired of hearing ten thousand times a day (~doo doo doo doo doo doo~), why not make it productive and let them listen to it in a different language? Baby Shark has 9.2 BILLION views, making it the most viewed on YouTube. There’s only 7.6 billion people on earth. You really can’t underestimate the power of kids and their abilities for repetition. Most two-year-olds know how to sing it and know the whole dance routine. Imagine how proud you would be if your adorable kid sings it in Korean or Chinese! So to help you on your language journey with your kid, here are some kid’s channels to follow on YouTube:
PinkFong
If you have a toddler, you know Baby Shark. PinkFong is the channel that makes Baby Shark. Did you know, it’s actually Korean? This means there’s tons of content in Korean! They have also adapted many different languages, including Chinese, Vietnamese, Thia, Japanese, etc. They have hundreds of kids’ favorite songs and stories, including nursery rhymes, phonics songs, number songs, bedtime lullabies, children’s classics, fairy tales and more!
Cocomelon
Cocomelon is the most subscribed channel in the US, second in the world as of this writing. It has led the Netflix top ten charts. Again, do not underestimate the power of our kids! Though we really can’t blame the kids, because even you have to admit, you enjoy watching JJ and his family and think the animations and music is captivating! What’s more amazing is that Cocomelon is available in multiple languages as well!
Little Fox Chinese – Stories & Songs for Learners
This channel offers amazing stories and songs in both Chinese and Korean. They retell some of our childhood favorites such as Cinderella, Three Little Pigs, and even classic Chinese and Korean folktales like Journey to the West!
Little Chinese Learners
This channel offers simple, to the point educated videos to teach kids Mandarin. According to their YouTube page, they “set out to design a standards-aligned curriculum that integrates video lessons from native teachers with animated songs, stories, games, and lots of Easter eggs like culture gems and Mandarin secrets to wow and engage 21st century child.” If you visit their website they even have homework assignments!
BabyBus
Another fantastic channel with beautiful 2D & 3D animations available in multiple languages.
BabyBus offers videos to help children learn good habits, safety knowledge, letters, colors, numbers and more.
Peppa Pig
Peppa is probably the most famous pig. Also available in multiple languages, this is a great character for kid’s to follow and join in her adventures. Her adventures are fun, sometimes involve a few tears, but always end happily.
Uncle Calvin 廣東話教室
If you are trying to teach your child Cantonese, it is often difficult, as most Chinese content is in Mandarin. Cantonese usually gets drowned out. This channel is a true hidden gem! Uncle Calvin creates lessons for children up to 5 years old and teaches basic Cantonese!
Hello Jadoo Việt Nam
Hello Jadoo is an animated sitcom based on a 9-year-old girl who is a tomboy. This fun and loving family will have you enjoying the show with your kids! The channel is available in Vietnamese, Korean, and English.
Hello Carrie Hangul Korean Alphabet
This is the perfect channel to learn to read, write, and speak Korean! It focuses on teaching Hangul, the Korean alphabet.
Super Simple Songs – Kids Songs
Super Simple Songs is another popular channel for kids. They make tons of kids songs and nursery rhymes. It was originally created by teachers in Japan who thought traditional children’s songs were too complicated. This channel is now offered in tons of different languages!
ノッカーナアニメーション nokkana animation
This is a Japanese channel that “delivers peek-a-boo animations and nursery rhymes that make babies happy, as well as videos that are useful for children’s education.”
HappyJoe
This is a Thai channel for preschoolers or school age children to learn Thai consonants and letters as well as colors, vocabulary, numbers, shapes, and more.