Online TV programs for kids learning Chinese

There is a new trend among schools to offer language immersion starting in elementary school. But if your kid is in a Mandarin Chinese language immersion program, and you don't know any Mandarin, you may be wondering how you can help them get more practice with the language at home, or over summer. Maybe they've seen "Nihao, Kai Lan," but you want something a little more challenging.

Sites like Tudou, Youku and Soku are Chinese language websites that stream TV programs and movies with commercials, like Hulu. There are many programs available, but it can be discouraging if you can't read Chinese. Here is a quick guide to help you navigate the sites easily. I am most familiar with Tudou, so that is the site I use for this tutorial, but the other sites are quite similar.

Here is a link to Mandarin Chinese language children's shows:

http://www.tudou.com/list/ach4a345b121c-2d-2e-2f1689g-2h-2i-2j-2k-2l-2m-2n-2sort2.html

Here is a screenshot with English translations to help you navigate the site.

The Mainland and Taiwan shows are in Mandarin Chinese, with most subtitles in Traditional characters. 

You'll see this at the bottom of the page, but you might be able to load more programs.

My current favorite is 图图, because it is designed to teach kids things like shapes, counting, etc. So it is a great show for me to watch while learning Mandarin, and my baby enjoys the bright colors and upbeat music.