The Cartoons Between Cartoons

Educational Interstitials of the 70s and 80s

Greetings Nostalgia Fans,

In my latest video, I wrap up the last of my trio of Lunchable-inspired snack boxes featuring Timer from the memorable 1970s cartoon interstitial Time for Timer.

While Time for Timer is one of the most memorable educational interstitial series of the era, it was only one part of a larger effort by television networks to educate children between cartoons.

You can download FREE printable stickers featuring some of these characters here.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, viewers were treated to a variety of animated and live-action shorts that taught everything from grammar and reading to nutrition, safety, and personal responsibility.

Schoolhouse Rock!

The gold standard of educational interstitials, Schoolhouse Rock used music and animation to teach academic subjects in a fun and memorable way. Over the years the series expanded into several categories including Multiplication Rock, Grammar Rock, America Rock, Science Rock, Money Rock, and Computer Rock.

Notable Segments:

• I’m Just a Bill

• Conjunction Junction

• Lolly, Lolly, Lolly, Get Your Adverbs Here

• Three Is a Magic Number

• The Great American Melting Pot

• Interplanet Janet

• Electricity, Electricity

• Busy Prepositions

For many Gen X viewers, Schoolhouse Rock proved that learning and entertainment could go hand in hand.

The Bod Squad

Produced for ABC, The Bod Squad focused on nutrition and healthy eating habits. Using catchy songs and memorable characters, the series encouraged kids to make smarter food choices and develop healthy habits.

Notable Segments:

• Don’t Drown Your Food

• The Munchies

• Make a Saturdae

• Nutty Gritty

• Yuck Mouth

Like Time for Timer, The Bod Squad approached nutrition through music and humor, making healthy eating feel fun rather than preachy.

Scooter Computer and Mr. Chips

At a time when home computers were still a novelty, Scooter Computer and Mr. Chips introduced children to basic computer concepts and problem-solving skills. The series helped demystify technology and encouraged curiosity about the rapidly changing digital world.

Notable Segments:

• Number Cruncher

• Think Computer

Looking back, these shorts offered a surprisingly early introduction to concepts that would become part of everyday life just a few years later.

Zack of All Trades

Performed by future music superstar Luther Vandross, Zack of All Trades encouraged children to think about their future, recognize their abilities, and make positive choices. The segments blended music, life lessons, and motivational themes.

Notable Segments:

• Talents

• Future Blob

• Make a Choice

The series focused on personal growth and helping kids think about the opportunities available to them as they grew older.

Dr. Henry’s Emergency Lessons for People

Dr. Henry’s Emergency Lessons for People taught practical first-aid and safety skills that children could use in real-life situations. The shorts presented emergency preparedness in a straightforward and easy-to-understand manner.

Notable Segments:

• Small Cuts

• Burn Treatment

The goal was simple: give children basic knowledge that could help them respond appropriately when accidents happened.

O.G. Readmore

Created as part of ABC’s literacy campaign, O.G. Readmore encouraged children to develop a love of books and reading. The cool-cat mascot promoted literacy through animated adventures and appearances by well-known characters and celebrities.

Notable Segments:

• Reading Is A Trip

• Reading Is Where It’s At

• I’ll read More Too

The campaign’s message was that reading could be every bit as exciting and rewarding as watching television.

One to Grow On

NBC’s One to Grow On public service announcements featured actors and celebrities speaking directly to children about important life lessons. Rather than focusing on academics, these segments emphasized character, responsibility, and decision-making.

Notable Participants Included:

• Mr. T

• Michael J. Fox

• David Hasselhoff

• Alfonso Ribeiro

• Various NBC television stars

For many viewers, these messages became just as memorable as the shows they aired between.

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Together, these interstitials represent a unique era in television history. Networks weren’t content to simply entertain children; they wanted to educate, inspire, and encourage positive habits as well. Whether teaching grammar, nutrition, first aid, computer literacy, reading, or life skills, these short programs left a lasting impression that many Gen X viewers still remember decades later.

Do you remember any of these beloved cartoon shorts? Leave a comment and let me know your favorite.

Don’t forget, my Patreon has an archive of all the project files I’ve created, including all three Snack Time with Timer box art projects.