As parents, we want the best for our little ones. We want to see them succeed, explore, and become the best versions of themselves. And in this digital age, learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom; it’s a part of everyday life. A study by FIU’s Center for Children and Families found that learning apps for kids significantly support early learning in children under six.
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With technology becoming an integral part of our lives, there’s a growing trend that parents and caregivers can’t ignore—the use of learning apps for kids. In this blog, we’ll explore the top learning apps for kids. We’ll discuss what makes them special and who they’re best suited for.
12 Best Learning Apps for Kids
1. SplashLearn
Age Range: 2-11 years
Best For: Math & Reading
SplashLearn is an engaging online learning app designed for children to enhance their math and ELA skills in a fun and interactive way. It offers a rich mix of over 10,000 math and reading games, along with worksheets that cater to various learning styles and levels.
Designed to make education both fun and meaningful, SplashLearn ensures that learning, not just game progression, is the ultimate goal. With activities aimed at enhancing critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, it’s a platform that prepares children for academic success and beyond.
Key Features:
- Engaging Content: A variety of games and worksheets in math and reading that keep learning exciting and interactive.
- Skill Building: Focuses on developing early skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving through playful learning.
- Educational Focus: Prioritizes learning outcomes over game completion, ensuring valuable educational experiences.
- Detailed Progress Report: Offers detailed progress tracking to monitor and support their child’s learning journey effectively.
Price: Free 7-day trial post which parents can choose from its different pricing plans (starting $7.49/month when billed annually).
Download The App: iOS and Android
2. ABCMouse
Age Range: 2-8 years
Best For: Early Learning
ABCmouse is a comprehensive early learning app that covers a wide range of subjects, including reading, math, science, and art. It offers interactive lessons and activities that keep children engaged while they learn.
Key Features:
- Age-appropriate curriculum
- Over 9,000 activities and lessons
- Progress tracking for parents
- Fun animations and games
Price: Monthly plan starting at $12.99/month
Download The App: iOS and Android
Related Reading: Best Reading Apps for Kids
3. Khan Academy Kids
Age Range: 2-7 years
Best For: General Learning
Khan Academy Kids is an educational app for kids that offers a diverse range of activities, from math and reading to socio-emotional development. It’s designed to encourage a love for learning in young children.
Key Features:
- Engaging characters and stories
- Adaptive learning pathways
- Offline access to content
- Progress tracking for parents
Price: Free
Download The App: iOS and Android
4. Duolingo ABC
Age Range: 3-7 years
Best For: Language Learning
Duolingo ABC is one of the best kindergarten apps that focuses on teaching children the fundamentals of reading and writing in their native language. It uses gamified lessons and colorful visuals to make learning fun.
Key Features:
- Phonics-based learning
- Interactive stories and activities
- Progress tracking for parents
- No ads or in-app purchases
Price: Free
Download The App: iOS and Android
Related Reading: Best Writing Apps for Kids
5. ScratchJr
Age Range: 5-7 years
Best For: Coding for Kids
ScratchJr is a coding app for young children. It introduces them to the basics of programming through creative and interactive projects, fostering computational thinking and problem-solving skills.
Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop coding blocks
- Storytelling and animation projects
- Encourages creativity and logic
- No in-app purchases or ads
Price: Free
Download The App: iOS and Android
Related Reading: Best Problem Solving Activities for kids
6. Sago Mini World
Age Range: 2-5 years
Best For: Open-Ended Play
Sago Mini World is a collection of fun, interactive games designed for preschoolers. It encourages creativity, exploration, and problem-solving through delightful mini-adventures.
Key Features:
- Dozens of games and activities
- No in-app purchases or ads
- Promotes imaginative play
- Child-friendly interface
Price: Plan starting at $34.99/year
Download The App: iOS and Android
Related Reading: Best Educational Apps for Preschoolers
7. Prodigy Math
Age Range: 6-14 years
Best For: Math
Prodigy is an engaging way for kids to practice math skills through a fantasy-themed role-playing game. It adapts to a child’s skill level and curriculum, making math fun.
Key Features:
- Curriculum-aligned math challenges
- Interactive battles and quests
- Real-time progress reports
- Motivating rewards and characters
Price: Starting at $8.33 /month
Download The App: iOS and Android
Related Reading: Best Math Apps for Kids
8. Reading Eggs
Age Range: 2-13 years
Best For: Learning to Read
Reading Eggs is an app dedicated to teaching children how to read. It combines engaging activities, interactive lessons, and comprehensive reading programs to develop literacy skills.
Key Features:
- Guided reading lessons
- Phonics and sight words practice
- Progress tracking for parents
- Over 2,500 e-books
Price: Starting at $8.71/month
Download The App: iOS and Android
Related Reading: Best English Language Learning Apps for Kids
9. BrainPOP Jr. Movie of the Week
Age Range: 3-7 years
Best For: Videos
BrainPOP Jr. Movie of the Week provides educational videos on a wide range of topics, helping kids understand complex concepts through short, animated movies.
Key Features:
- Age-appropriate videos
- Quizzes and activities for comprehension
- Variety of subjects covered
- Engaging and informative content
Price: Subscription-based, with a free video each week
Download The App: Android
Related Reading: Best Educational YouTube Video Channels for Kids
10. Teach Your Monster to Read
Age Range: 3-6 years
Best For: Phonics Reading
Teach Your Monster to Read is an engaging and interactive phonics and reading game that helps children develop essential literacy skills by guiding a friendly monster through various adventures.
Key Features:
- Phonics-based reading lessons
- Mini-games and challenges
- Progress tracking for parents
- Highly engaging for young learners
Price: One-time purchase cost of $5.99
Download The App: iOS and Android
11. MarcoPolo Learning
Age Range: 3-7 years
Best For: Building Curiosity & Early Learning
MarcoPolo Learning offers a comprehensive curriculum for early learning. It covers a wide range of subjects, including math, science, and social studies, through interactive lessons and activities.
Key Features:
- Age-appropriate curriculum
- Engaging lessons and activities
- Progress tracking for parents
- Personalized learning paths
Price: $9.99 per month
Download The App: iOS and Android
12. Todo Math
Age Range: 3-8 years
Best For: Math
Todo Math is an app that focuses on developing math skills in young children. It offers a wide range of math activities and games that adapt to each child’s abilities.
Key Features:
- Math curriculum aligned with standards
- Adaptive learning pathways
- Fun math games
- Progress tracking for parents
Price: $69.99/year
Download The App: iOS and Android
In this section, we’ve explored some of the best educational apps for kids, offering a wide array of enriching experiences for learning and growth. From phonics and math to imaginative play and science exploration, these apps for kids’ learning cater to diverse interests and age groups, ensuring that young learners can embark on an engaging educational journey tailored to their needs.
Related Reading: Best Educational Websites for Kids that Spark Curiosity
5 Pros and Cons of Learning Apps for Kids
Learning apps for kids have become increasingly popular in recent years, and there are good reasons for this trend. However, like anything else, they come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let’s explore these in simple terms:
5 Pros of Learning Apps for Kids
1. Engaging learning: Kids learning apps make education fun! They use colorful graphics, interactive activities, and games to keep kids engaged, making it easier for them to grasp new concepts.
2. Personalized learning: Many apps adapt to a child’s level of skill and progress, offering customized learning experiences. This tailoring ensures that each child gets the right challenges and support.
3. Convenient access: Learning apps are accessible anytime, anywhere, as long as you have a device and an internet connection. This means kids can learn at their own pace, even outside of school hours.
4. Interactive practice: Apps often provide instant feedback, helping kids correct their mistakes and reinforcing what they’ve learned. This interactivity enhances understanding.
5. Variety of subjects: Learning apps cover a wide range of subjects, from math and science to reading and art. They provide a holistic learning experience.
5 Cons of Learning Apps for Kids
1. Screen time: Spending too much time on screens can be concerning. It’s essential to balance screen time with other activities, like outdoor play and reading physical books.
2. Limited social interaction: Learning apps are primarily solitary activities. They don’t offer the social interactions and collaborations that traditional classrooms do.
3. Potential for distractions: Kids might get distracted by other apps or content on the device, reducing the effectiveness of the learning app.
4. Overreliance: Relying solely on learning apps for education can make kids miss out on hands-on and real-world experiences that are equally important for development.
5. Quality varies: Not all learning apps are created equal. Some may not have quality content or could contain ads or inappropriate material. It’s crucial for parents to choose carefully.
In a nutshell, learning apps can be fantastic tools for children’s education, offering engaging and personalized learning experiences. However, they should be used mindfully, with attention to screen time limits and the quality of content. Balancing digital learning with other activities is the key to reaping the benefits while addressing potential drawbacks.
7 Tips To Choose An Educational App for Your Kid
Choosing the right educational apps for your kids can be a bit like finding the perfect puzzle piece—it should fit just right. Here are some simple tips to help you pick the best ones:
1. Age-appropriateness: Look for kid-friendly apps that match your child’s age and developmental stage. Apps usually have age recommendations. Choose the ones that align with your child’s age to ensure the content is suitable.
2. Interactive and engaging: Kids learn best when they’re having fun. Pick apps with interactive games and activities. Look for those that encourage problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking.
3. Safety first: Safety is non-negotiable. Ensure the app is safe for kids to use. It should have no ads or pop-ups leading to external or adult sites. Look for apps with parental controls and privacy settings.
4. Reviews and recommendations: Don’t just take the app’s word for it. Read reviews from other parents or caregivers. They can give you insights into how well the app works and its educational value.
5. Try before you buy: Many apps offer free trials. Take advantage of these to see if the app suits your child’s learning style and preferences before committing to a purchase.
6. Your child’s feedback: Involve your child in the decision-making process. Ask them what they enjoy and find interesting. Their input can help you choose apps that resonate with them.
7. Trial and error: Don’t be afraid to try out a few different apps. Every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Be open to exploring various options.
Remember, it’s not about finding the “perfect” app; it’s about finding the one that works best for your child’s learning journey. These simple tips can help you make informed choices and ensure that the educational apps you select are both fun and educational.
Conclusion
In today’s digital age, apps for kids’ learning are more than just a trend; they’re a valuable resource in shaping our children’s learning experiences. In this blog, we’ve explored some of the best learning apps for kids, each carefully chosen for its unique educational value and engaging features.
Selecting the right educational apps for your child doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We’ve provided simple tips to help you make informed choices. Remember to consider age-appropriateness, educational content, interactivity, safety, and your child’s preferences.
Related Reading: Best Educational iPad Apps For Kids
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are learning apps safe for kids?
Yes, reputable learning apps for kids prioritize safety by offering age-appropriate content and features, as well as parental controls to monitor usage.
Can kids use these apps independently?
Yes, the apps chosen in this blog prioritize child safety and offer age-appropriate content. However, it’s a good practice for parents and caregivers to supervise young children while they use these apps and review privacy settings.
Can these kid’s apps replace traditional learning methods?
Children’s learning apps can complement traditional methods but should not replace them entirely. They provide engaging opportunities for skill development but should be part of a balanced learning approach.
