In an era where screen time is often vilified, and traditional children’s programming is laden with advertisements and superficial content, one YouTube sensation is bucking the trend.
Meet Ms. Rachel, the digital age’s answer to Mr. Rogers, who has single-handedly redefined what toddler television can—and should—be.
With her unique blend of educational rigor, catchy songs, heartfelt storytelling, and a dash of whimsy, Ms. Rachel has captured the attention of toddlers worldwide and won the hearts of parents and educators alike.
This is the story of how Ms. Rachel, star of the YouTube series Songs for Littles, became an unlikely hero in children’s content by transforming screen time from a parental guilt trip into a journey of discovery for the youngest minds.
Who is Ms. Rachel?
Rachel Griffin Accurso, known to her legions of young fans as “Ms. Rachel”, grew up in the quaint city of Springvale, Maine.
From an early age, her commitment to children and community service was unmistakable, manifesting in roles at the local Boys & Girls Club and influencing her educational path.
In 2009, drawn by ambition and inspired by Mark Twain’s words about pursuing one’s dreams, she relocated to the vibrant metropolis of New York City.
Just a year later, she crossed paths with Aron Accurso— “Mr. Aron” on her show—at a Unitarian church on the Upper East Side.
The pair soon became creative collaborators, united by a mutual love for music and children.
Their partnership led to a musical focused on mental health; they even co-wrote songs.
Meanwhile, Rachel further honed her educational expertise by earning a master’s degree in music education from New York University.
A quick glance at Ms. Rachel reveals her signature outfit – a pink T-shirt, blue jean overalls, and a matching headband.
But other than vibrant attire, what sets Ms. Rachel apart? It’s not just the catchy songs or the vibrant visuals.
It’s the genuine connection she forms with her pint-sized viewers. She addresses complex topics like empathy, diversity, and environmental awareness, breaking them down into bite-sized lessons that even a two-year-old can grasp.
And let’s not forget her magical ability to keep a toddler’s notoriously short attention span hooked for more than five minutes—a feat that even seasoned children’s TV producers struggle to achieve.
Songs for Littles
Rachel wasn’t always a YouTube superstar. She initially worked as a preschool teacher after earning her master’s degree in music education from New York University.
Following her marriage to Aron in 2016 and the birth of their son, Thomas, in 2018, Rachel noticed that her son was lagging on some key developmental milestones, especially in speech.
Struggling to find suitable resources to support Thomas’s learning, she decided to create her own. Thus, the “Songs for Littles” project was born.
The project began with Rachel filming her music classes, utilizing close-ups of her mouth, repetitions, pauses, and sign language to make language learning more interactive and fun.
These videos were then uploaded to YouTube, hoping they would be useful to other parents facing similar challenges.
The response was phenomenal.
Ms. Rachel’s Rise to Stardom
Today, Ms. Rachel’s YouTube channel boasts over 6.2 million subscribers and over 3 billion views.
The success of Songs for Littles is largely attributable to the simplicity and straightforwardness of each video.
The show’s structure supports language and speech development.
Rachel’s mastery in her field and her natural ability to engage and entertain have made her a beloved figure among children and parents alike.
Where Can You Watch Ms Rachel?
Ms Rachel’s Songs for Littles is primarily available on her YouTube channel.
With more than 6.2 million subscribers and over 3 billion views as of 2023, the channel offers a plethora of toddler learning videos that help children learn to talk and understand letters, numbers, colors, animal sounds, and more.
Beyond YouTube, Ms Rachel has also gained significant followings on other social media platforms including TikTok and Instagram, where she shares bite-sized clips and behind-the-scenes content.
The Cast of “Songs for Littles”
“Songs for Littles” isn’t a one-woman show. While Ms. Rachel is undoubtedly the star of the show, a talented cast and crew works behind the scenes to create the magic.
Aron Accurso, Rachel’s husband, is the music brainchild behind the catchy tunes and charming puppet characters Georgie and Herbie.
Other notable cast and crew members include Jules Hoffman, a nonbinary musician, Beth Jean, the animator and editor of the show, and Natalie Kaye Clater, who contributes her singing talent to many episodes.
How Ms. Rachel Benefits Early Childhood Growth
Ms. Rachel’s show isn’t just entertainment; it’s a developmental powerhouse for young minds.
Here’s how:
Cognitive Reasoning
Ms. Rachel’s interactive lessons are designed to stimulate cognitive development.
Whether it’s a song about shapes or a story that introduces basic math concepts, her content encourages logical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Emotional Intelligence
The “Emotions and Feelings” segment is a masterstroke in teaching emotional intelligence.
By discussing various emotions and scenarios (with visual aids), Ms. Rachel helps children recognize and articulate their own feelings, fostering empathy and emotional awareness.
Language Development
The show is a valuable resource for children with speech delays, like Ms. Rachel’s son.
Her songs’ repetitive and rhythmic nature aids in language acquisition, enhancing vocabulary and sentence structure.
Fine Motor Skills
The show often incorporates activities requiring hand-eye coordination, like simple crafts or hand movements accompanying songs.
These activities are not just fun but instrumental in developing fine motor skills.
Social Skills
Through her storytelling, Ms. Rachel introduces characters who interact in socially meaningful ways. This serves as a model for children, teaching them about friendship, sharing, and the importance of kindness.
Cultural Awareness
Ms. Rachel doesn’t shy away from introducing her young audience to different cultures.
Whether it’s a song about a holiday from another part of the world or a story that features characters of diverse backgrounds, her show fosters an early appreciation for cultural diversity.
Is Ms. Rachel on Netflix?
While Ms. Rachel’s content is primarily available on YouTube, as of now, her content is not available on platforms like Netflix.
However, given her rising popularity and impact, it wouldn’t surprise us if she expanded into programming for other platforms soon!
Ms. Rachel TikTok Controversy
Despite her popularity, Ms Rachel has faced her share of online criticism. Earlier in 2023, she took a short break from social media following a backlash against Jules Hoffman, a nonbinary musician featured in her videos.
The controversy ignited in late February when a TikTok user, identifying herself as a “stay-at-home, homeschooling mom,” criticized the show for introducing they/them pronouns.
The video quickly went viral, generating nearly 5,000 comments and polarizing opinions among viewers. While some expressed concerns about the “influence” of such pronouns on children, others defended Hoffman and the show, noting that discussions about gender identity were not part of the show’s content.
Hoffman, who identifies as they/them, responded to the controversy by emphasizing the importance of love and acceptance. In a TikTok video, they conversed with a puppet named Poppy, subtly addressing the issue in a manner suitable for the show’s young audience.
While Ms. Rachel has not publicly commented on the issue, she announced a pause in her TikTok activity to focus on her mental health. She continues to engage with her audience on other social media platforms.
YouTube Educational Shows & Channels Like Ms. Rachel
While Ms. Rachel has certainly set a high bar in educational YouTube content for toddlers, she’s not alone in this mission.
Other noteworthy YouTube shows also significantly contribute to early childhood education!
Super Simple Songs
This channel is a treasure trove of nursery rhymes and original children’s songs designed to make learning fun and interactive. With a focus on language development and basic cognitive skills, Super Simple Songs is a hit among parents and educators alike.
Videos: 766
Subscribers: 40M
Channel: Super Simple Songs – Kids Songs
Cocomelon
Cocomelon offers a mix of 3D animation and live-action sequences that captivate young audiences. The show covers various topics, from alphabet and numbers to social skills and healthy habits, making it a well-rounded educational experience.
Videos: 1K
Subscribers: 165M
Channel: Cocomelon – Nursery Rhymes
Little Baby Bum
Known for its high-quality animations and catchy tunes, Little Baby Bum combines traditional nursery rhymes with original content.
The show strongly emphasizes early math and literacy skills, making it a valuable resource for pre-school preparation.
Videos: 2.4K
Subscribers: 41M
Channel: Little Baby Bum – Nursery Rhymes & Kids Songs
Blippi
Blippi is a one-man show that takes children on virtual field trips to explore various subjects like farming, space, and transportation.
The show’s titular character, dressed in a signature blue and orange outfit complete with a whacky hat, engages kids with his energetic persona and interactive storytelling.
Videos: 755
Subscribers: 19M
Channel: Blippi – Educational Videos for Kids
Cosmic Kids Yoga
This unique channel combines storytelling with yoga, offering children a fun way to improve their physical health while engaging their imagination.
Each episode features a different story that guides kids through yoga poses, enhancing their flexibility and focus.
Each of these shows brings its own flavor to the world of educational YouTube content, but they all share a common goal: to enrich the lives of children through quality education.
Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator, these channels offer valuable resources to supplement your child’s learning journey.
Videos: 903
Subscribers: 1.5M
Channel: @CosmicKidsYoga
Wrapping It Up
In a digital landscape cluttered with fleeting trends and superficial content, Ms. Rachel stands as a beacon of meaningful, impactful entertainment for our little ones.
She’s not just another face on the screen; she’s a trailblazer in the realm of toddler TV, setting a new standard for what educational programming can achieve.
From her meticulously crafted lessons to her innovative use of toys and props, Ms. Rachel has turned screen time into an enriching experience that both kids and parents can feel good about.
But perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the Ms. Rachel Effect is its ripple impact on the broader culture.
Whether it’s sparking important conversations about inclusivity and gender identity or influencing educational curricula, Ms. Rachel’s reach extends far beyond her YouTube channel.
She’s not just shaping how our children learn; she’s shaping how we as a society view early childhood education.
In a world that often underestimates the youngest among us, Ms. Rachel reminds us that toddlers are not just watching TV; they’re watching, learning, and growing into the people they will become.
And for that, she has Joy in the Home’s gratitude and support.
