Smarter Screen Time for Early Learners
Hello! I'm Dr. Carla Engelbrecht, a mom and kids' media expert who has spent 25 years creating learning experiences at Sesame Street, Netflix, and PBS Kids. With Hippo Polka, I bring that experience together with today's generative AI tools to make playful videos for early learners. From ABC songs to letter writing, each piece is crafted to spark engagement while giving teachers flexible, ready-to-use resources.
How Teachers Can Join in the Fun
Follow us on YouTube
Watch our playful songs and stories with your family, or use them right in your classroom. New videos drop regularly at @HippoPolka on YouTube.
Explore our resources
While we love making videos, we're also sharing resources on how to make your own videos with AI to meet your needs, like this one on how to make a personalized song!
Give us feedback
What works for you? What doesn't? Some of our favorite videos started with teacher requests, so please let us know what you need! Ping Carla at carla@hippopolka.com with your thoughts and requests!
Share the love
Know another teacher or parent who could use fresh ideas for screen time? Pass Hippo Polka along. Word of mouth is how we grow, and it means the world.
Stay in the loop
Video Library
Here's some of our favorite HippoPolka videos to get you started!
ABC Songs
Alphabet Paws
From A is for Apple to Z is for sleepy Zzzs, watch adorable furry friends guide you through the alphabet with wagging tails and happy meows.
Letters Rule the World
From A to Z, watch adorable furry construction workers guide you through the alphabet with hard hats, safety vests, and heavy machinery.
Halloween ABCs
Perfect for kids who love all things spooky and are learning their letters!
KPop ABCs
This high-energy alphabet song helps kids hear every letter from A to Z with catchy beats, bright animation, and easy-to-sing phonics sounds.
Silly Songs
Weird Wheels on the Bus
When the wheels on the bus go pop pop flat, the most hilarious problem-solving adventure begins!
Noodle Dance
Where else can you find adorable pasta characters doing the kick line, breakdancing, ballet, and more! It's a complete dance party from start to finish.
Write Letters
We started this series because of a teacher's request! We're working our way through the whole alphabet with a wide range of songs and instructions that match classroom curriculum.
Letter A
Letter E
Letter F
Letter H
Screen Time Transition
One of the things I talk about most with parents is how to better transition screen time. So much so that I made a screen time transition song! Here's more about my philosophy behind this video and how I guide parents to use it at home.
Screen Time Transition Song
For more about our approach to screen time, check out our Resources.
Personalized Episode Examples
Nolan
James
Emma
Because I wanted to see if I could make a sloth read for 15 minutes
Sloth Reading Adventure
The Human Behind the Videos
I'm Dr. Carla Engelbrecht, an education technology expert, mom, and lifelong believer in playful learning. Over the past 25 years, I've created award-winning educational products for kids at Sesame Street, Netflix, PBS Kids, and Highlights for Children. My work has always centered on a simple but powerful idea: when kids laugh, sing, and play, they learn more deeply.
Along the way, I've collaborated with world-class educators, storytellers, and technologists to design hundreds of games, shows, and interactive experiences that spark curiosity and build critical skills. I also teach improv and meditation—two practices that remind me daily to approach learning with creativity, presence, and joy. Those influences sneak into my work at Hippo Polka, shaping not just the content itself, but the spirit of experimentation and connection behind it.
If you'd like to know more about my background, you can connect with me on LinkedIn.
