For most parents, it can be overwhelming to determine how much screen time is too much. Although you know it’s important to limit screen time, it’s also unrealistic to think your kids will never spend time on a screen.
If this is a concern for you, that’s where learning apps can come in handy. These apps use technology to teach kids academic concepts and provide the ideal compromise to give kids the screen time they want. You know your child is going to spend some time on devices. With learning apps, you can make that time valuable.
Here are some of our favorite learning app recommendations:
ABC Mouse is hands-down one of the best learning apps for kids. The app has multiple awards and accolades, and for a small monthly fee, it opens the door to science, math, and reading lessons that systematically move children through a carefully designed learning path.
Designed for preschool through second grade, ABC Mouse makes learning exciting, allowing children to buy items to decorate their room or dress their avatars. The ticket reward system keeps learners engaged, and the app connects with print-ables to extend learning beyond screen time.
Coding is way too complicated for kids, right? Actually…CodeSpark teaches even the youngest kids how to code! In just a week, your children can learn to code and even create their own games. This invaluable skill prepares them for a tech-rich future while also encouraging creativity and problem-solving. Lessons are self-paced, and the monthly subscription gives up to three children their own account.
Khan Academy has learning videos and lessons for just about any subject you can think of. Each lesson is video-based and followed by interactive exercises and practice problems. With lessons for preschool through college, this is an app that grows with your children. It’s available for both Android and iOS and is completely free.
Do your kids love learning about the world? If so, Barefoot World Atlas offers an interactive globe they can interact with to discover fascinating information about the culture and landmarks of any area. Videos in the multimedia library will give your children a clear picture of what the country is like. This app is specifically designed for elementary and middle school students, is only available for iOS, and costs around $5.
This subscription-based app encourages reading through interactive games and activities designed for children ages 2 through 13. When using the app, your kids will move through quizzes, word recognition, reading challenges, and phonics games. They might not even realize they’re learning valuable skills because the activities are so fun!
Play and Learn Engineering is a bilingual (Spanish/English) app from PBS that encourages kids to explore engineering concepts. In this app, your children can build a roller coaster, make a machine, and even construct towers while moving through games. Kindergarten and preschool-age kids are the target audience for this app.
Quick Maths sends your kids on a series of challenges that will help them grow their math skills. The app focuses on speed and accuracy and moves kids through a logical set of levels to help them build their math skills.
The app is low-priced and available on both Android and iOS. The only downside is that it lacks the gamification of other apps, but its simplicity and challenges get the job done. It’s appropriate for anyone who needs to brush up on their basic math skills.
With a focus on synthetic phonics, Teach Your Monster to Read lets kids rescue monsters while learning to sound out words. The app features engaging graphics, fun game-play, and reading instruction designed by top universities. It’s also won several awards. The app works for anyone who needs to brush up on their reading skills but is most appealing to preschool and elementary-age students. Teach Your Monster to Read costs around $9 and is available for Android and iOS.
SplashLearn is a monthly subscription app available on all devices and designed for children from preschool through fifth grade. The app uses an interactive platform to teach math and language arts skills, all from a research-backed, Common Core-aligned curriculum. Each child receives a personalized experience based on their knowledge and learning progress
Many learning apps focus on math and reading, but if you have a budding scientist in your home, get them Tynker. This learning app teaches coding skills through fun, problem-solving activities. It’s won multiple awards and features gamified elements that make learning fun. The app has different levels for ages 4 through 13 and is free to download.
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