Ease into a back-to-school routine with these fun, educational shows on DStv

Getting back into a productive school routine can be challenging for the whole family and is often accompanied by a range of emotions. This is why it’s so important to help kids transition from a holiday mindset to one that’s primed for soaking up knowledge and getting them excited for the school year ahead.

Prepping everything that’s needed for a smooth morning the evening before, packing healthy school lunches and snacks, and making sure you have all the necessary devices, books, and stationery will ensure that you keep a handle on things as the busyness of school hits. 

But during the back-to-school madness, don’t forget to factor in some planned family time as well. Play a board game, listen to some family-friendly audiobooks and podcasts, host a dance-off in the living room, or watch top-notch educational programmes that’ll teach the entire family something new while keeping everyone entertained.

Scroll through the list below for shows that your kids will love watching.

Matilda and the Ramsay Bunch

Ready for an adventure with a culinary twist? Join Matilda Ramsay and her family – dad Gordon, mom Tana, and siblings Jack, Megan and Holly – on the trip of a lifetime as they head to Los Angeles for some serious exploring and loads of eating. Matilda shows us how to prepare healthy and delicious recipes and her unique take on some family favourites, all while keeping her world-famous chef dad on his toes.

Catch all the tasty fun Mondays to Fridays at 18:20 CAT on Da Vinci, DStv Channel 318.

Ready Set Dance

It’s time to jump up and get moving with this vibrant musical dance series for pre-schoolers. Freeze, Twirl, and the Kid Crew will make sure that everyone (even Gogo) joins in on the fun with activities such as skipping and jumping as well as their daily signature dance move. Filled with energy and enthusiasm, this high-tempo show is guaranteed to guide your pre-schooler on their journey to meet those all-important activity milestones. 

Get ready for some toe-tapping every day at 07:26 CAT on Nick Jr., DStv Channel 307.

Edge of Alaska

Have you ever wondered what people get up to in a teeny-tiny town situated in one of the most isolated areas on earth? This reality series offers an inside look at the lives of 42 residents who’ve made McCarthy, Alaska, their home, as they struggle to survive the elements.

Watch how they navigate the bitter-cold wilderness Mondays to Fridays at 14:45 CAT on Discovery Channel, DStv Channel 121.

Chopped Junior

Join tremendously talented little chefs as they compete for first place in this exciting reality cooking show, where they’re presented with surprise ingredients and asked to come up with mouth-watering recipes. Talk about a stressful environment! Luckily, charming host Ted Allen is there to guide the kids through all the ups and downs.

Can you stand the heat? Find out Mondays to Thursdays at 12:45 CAT on Real Time, DStv Channel 155.

Down on the Farm

From looking after livestock to harvesting fruits and veggies, a farm is a fascinating place and buzzes with all kinds of activity. Hosts JB Gill and Storm Huntley will take your little ones on a journey that explores the fascinating world of farm life.

Tune in daily at 16:29 CAT on CBeebies, DStv Channel 306.

It might not be ‘back to normal’ just yet, but let’s try to make going back to school super special this year. After all, a new year with new opportunities to learn, change, and grow is reason enough to celebrate.

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