Starting school is a big deal. Suddenly your little one is navigating new friendships, playground politics, lunchbox dilemmas and the mysterious world of the classroom. While you can’t be there for every moment, you can help them process it all through stories that mirror their experiences.
These shows are perfect for kids in their first years of school. They’re funny, relatable and surprisingly good at capturing what it actually feels like to be a kid figuring out this whole school thing.
Little Lunch
If your child hasn’t discovered Little Lunch yet, you’re in for a treat. This Australian mockumentary-style series follows a group of Grade 6 students during their 15-minute lunch break. Each episode tackles the kind of drama that feels absolutely monumental when you’re a kid: who gets to use the monkey bars first, what happens when someone brings something embarrassing in their lunchbox, or the politics of picking teams.
It’s clever, genuinely funny for adults too, and validates all those big feelings kids have about small moments. Available on Netflix.
Bluey (the school episodes)
You probably already know Bluey, but the school-focused episodes deserve a special mention. Episodes like Calypso, Explorers and Stories show Bluey and her classmates learning through play, navigating friendships and dealing with the kinds of social situations your prep or Year 1 kid will recognise instantly.
The teacher character, Calypso, is the kind of patient, wise educator every parent hopes their child gets. These episodes are particularly comforting for kids who are still settling into school life. Available on ABC iview.
Odd Squad
For kids who love a bit of mystery and maths (yes, really), Odd Squad follows young agents who solve crimes using mathematical concepts. The agents are all kids, which makes it feel empowering for early primary schoolers. It’s fast-paced, quirky and sneakily educational without being preachy about it.
Great for kids who are starting to see themselves as capable problem-solvers. Available on ABC iview.
The Inbestigators
Another Australian gem, this one follows four kids who run a detective agency from the granny flat out the back of one of their houses. They solve mysteries around their school and neighbourhood, using logic, observation and teamwork.
It’s perfect for kids in early primary who are starting to think more critically about the world around them. Plus, it’s filmed in Melbourne so they’ll spot plenty of familiar Australian details. Available on Netflix.
Dino Dana
If your school starter is dinosaur-obsessed (and let’s be honest, many are), Dino Dana is brilliant. Dana is a young palaeontologist who sees dinosaurs everywhere she goes and uses her field guide to learn about them. The show weaves real scientific facts into imaginative adventures.
It’s great for encouraging curiosity and shows a confident young girl leading the action. Available on ABC iview.
Karma’s World
Created by Ludacris (yes, really), this animated series follows 10-year-old Karma, an aspiring rapper and songwriter who uses music to work through life’s challenges. It tackles themes like friendship, self-expression, family and standing up for what’s right.
The songs are catchy, the messages are positive without being heavy-handed, and it’s a refreshing show for kids who are ready for stories about navigating bigger emotions and social dynamics. Available on Netflix.
A note on screen time
We know, we know. Screen time is complicated. But choosing shows that reflect your child’s real-world experiences can actually help them process what’s happening in their lives. Watching together and chatting about what you see is even better.
These shows all have something in common: they take kids’ experiences seriously. They don’t talk down to children, and they acknowledge that school, friendships and growing up can be tricky, even when it’s also wonderful.
So next time you need a screen break (no judgement here), queue up something that might just help your new school kid feel a little more understood.
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