Today, just like how we adults use apps for work, shopping, or entertainment, our preschoolers too have a world of apps designed just for them. But here’s the thing: not all apps for preschoolers are created equal. While some can be just for fun, there are many that can give our kids a head start in learning.
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As a parent, I’ve spent a lot of time finding the best educational apps for my preschooler. I wanted apps that are fun and help my child learn important skills. In this blog, I’ll share the best apps for preschoolers that have worked for us. These apps make learning fun and exciting, from math and reading to creativity and motor skills. Let’s look at the best preschool learning apps for your little one!
10 Best Educational Apps for Preschoolers
Equipping our little ones with the right tools is essential. Dive into our curated list of the top educational apps for Preschoolers.
1. SplashLearn
Skills that your preschooler can learn: Reading, math and early skills
If you’re looking for educational apps for preschoolers, SplashLearn is a fantastic choice. Designed for ages 3-5, it offers activities tailored to preschool learning goals, preparing kids for kindergarten and beyond. As a parent, I appreciate its educational value, safety, and ease of use, allowing me to track my child’s progress. Since starting preschool, it’s been a game-changer for my child’s early learning.
How will SplashLearn benefit my preschooler?
- Math Games: The math games turn learning numbers and basic arithmetic into a fun adventure. My child loves counting along with the friendly characters and earning rewards for each correct answer. Find out how.
- Reading Fun: The reading activities are fantastic for early literacy. Simple stories, letter recognition, and phonics games have made my child excited about reading. Take a look here.
- Art and Creativity: SplashLearn includes creative games where kids can draw, paint, and explore their artistic side, great for nurturing creativity and self-expression. Take a closer look at these fun games here.
- Motor Skills and Puzzles: Interactive challenges and puzzles help develop problem-solving skills and fine motor coordination. My child loves figuring out how to complete each puzzle and the sense of accomplishment that comes with it. Try these today.
- Printable Worksheets: You get a variety of printable worksheets that reinforce classroom learning and provide additional practice to help kids master new skills. Explore over 2,000 worksheets.
Why is SplashLearn a hit among preschoolers?
- Engaging and fun: SplashLearn’s colorful, interactive games hold my child’s attention with cute characters and exciting challenges. This allows them to learn independently and gives me some much-needed free time—a perfect solution for busy parents.
- Early skills development with hands on learning: SplashLearn is designed to help preschoolers develop essential early skills comprehensively. It ensures a well-rounded foundation for your child’s education, from recognizing numbers and letters to understanding basic math concepts and reading simple words.
- Adaptive Learning: SplashLearn offers adaptive learning with bite-sized lessons and personalized recommendations based on your child’s level.
- Progress Tracking: As a parent, I can easily track my child’s progress, seeing how much they’re learning and where they might need extra help. This feature provides valuable insights and keeps me involved in their educational journey.
2. ABCmouse
Skills that your preschooler can learn: Reading, math, science, art
ABCmouse is a comprehensive platform, often touted as one of the top educational apps for 4 year olds. It offers a vast curriculum, ensuring kids receive a well-rounded education. The app is designed to grow with the child, offering content that challenges and engages them at every stage. With colorful graphics and a plethora of activities, it turns learning into an adventure.
Features:
- Step-by-step learning path
- Offline access to selected content
3. Endless Alphabet
Skills that your preschooler can learn: Alphabet, vocabulary
Endless Alphabet is more than just an app; it’s a delightful learning experience. Each letter and word is brought to life with playful animations, making vocabulary learning a joyous activity. The app introduces kids to a world where letters are fun, and each word is a new adventure. Its interactive nature ensures that kids are not just passive viewers but active participants in the learning process.
Features:
- Interactive word puzzles
- Engaging character animations
- No high scores or failures
Related Reading: Best Reading Apps for Kids
4. Peekaboo Barn
Skills that your preschooler can learn: Animal identification, sounds
Peekaboo Barn captures the essence of childhood curiosity. It’s a delightful app that introduces toddlers to the world of animals in the most charming way. As they tap on the barn doors, kids are greeted by different animals, each with its unique sound. The app is beautifully illustrated, and its simplicity ensures that even the youngest users can navigate it with ease. It’s like a digital pop-up book filled with friendly farm animals.
Features:
- Hand-drawn animations
- Multiple languages available
- Intuitive design for toddlers
Available On: iOS
5. Sesame Street
Skills that your preschooler can learn: Alphabet, numbers, social skills, art
Sesame Street is a name synonymous with childhood education, and its app continues this legacy. As a Prek learning app, it brings beloved characters like Elmo and Big Bird to the digital realm, ensuring kids are both entertained and educated. The app offers a mix of videos, interactive games, and stories, making learning a delightful experience.
Features:
- Character-driven content
- Diverse learning modules
- Parental controls and trackers
6. Monkey Preschool Lunchbox
Skills that your preschooler can learn: Colors, shapes, counting, matching
Monkey Preschool Lunchbox is one of the best learning apps for 3 year olds, offering a playful environment where kids can learn essential preschool skills. With a friendly monkey guiding them, children engage in a series of games that touch upon colors, shapes, and basic math.
Features:
- Multiple mini-games
- Vibrant graphics
- Reward stickers for achievements
Related Reading: Best Math Apps for Kids
7. Bimi Boo
Skills that your preschooler can learn: Logic, memory, attention, creativity, motor skills
If you are looking for comprehensive pre k learning apps, Bimi Boo stands out as one of the best learning platforms, offering a range of games tailored for preschoolers. It covers a broad spectrum of subjects, ensuring kids get a well-rounded experience. As one of the top learning apps for preschoolers, it combines fun graphics with educational content, striking the right balance between play and learning.
Features:
- Offline mode available
- Ad-free environment
Available On: Android
Related Reading: Best Fine Motor Activities for Kids
8. Dr. Panda Town
Skills that your preschooler can learn: Exploration, role-playing, creativity
Dr. Panda Town is one of the best educational apps for 4 year olds. It offers kids a sandbox environment where they can explore, create, and role-play. It’s more than just a game; it’s a digital playground where every corner holds a new adventure. The app encourages exploration and storytelling, making it a favorite among kids who love to craft their own narratives.
Features:
- Open-ended gameplay
- Multiple locations to explore
- Interactive objects and characters
9. Sago Mini World
Skills that your preschooler can learn: Creativity and imagination, basic problem solving, early math concepts, storytelling and role play
Sago Mini World is a fun app designed especially for preschoolers. It offers a collection of interactive games and activities that spark creativity and imagination. With vibrant graphics and intuitive controls, children can explore various scenarios and stories. From adventures with cute animal characters to discovering new places, it’s an engaging world of fun.
Features:
- Kid-friendly interface with no in-app purchases.
- Regular updates with new content.
- Safe environment with no third-party advertising.
10. Toca Boca Series World
Skills that your preschooler can learn: Creativity, exploration, role-playing
The Toca Boca Series is a celebration of creativity and exploration. Each app in the series offers a unique world where kids can let their imaginations run wild. Whether they’re running a hair salon, cooking in a kitchen, or exploring a city, the apps provide a sandbox environment where the possibilities are endless. The graphics are colorful, the interactions are intuitive, and the emphasis is always on open-ended play.
Features:
- Multiple apps with diverse themes
- Kid-friendly interface
- Encourages imaginative play
5 Benefits of Educational Apps for Preschoolers
These apps aren’t just digital toys; they’re tools designed to mold young minds. While many parents might wonder about the real benefits of introducing their kids to online preschool learning apps, let me tell you that its advantages are numerous.
Interactive Learning: One of the standout features of preschool apps is their interactive nature. Unlike traditional books or toys, these apps respond to a child’s touch or voice, making learning truly engaging.
- Customized Pacing: Every child is unique, and online preschool learning apps recognize that. They allow children to learn at their own pace, ensuring they grasp one concept before moving on to the next. No rushing, no pressure, just pure learning at their own speed.
- Enhanced Engagement: The vibrant colors, playful sounds, and fun animations in these apps are not just for show. They play a crucial role in capturing a child’s attention. When kids are interested, they’re more likely to stick with an activity, turning short bursts of play into meaningful learning moments.
- Skill Development: These apps are designed with a clear purpose: to help kids develop essential skills. Whether it’s counting, recognizing letters, or problem-solving, these apps offer targeted activities that lay the foundation for future academic success
- Parental Involvement: With the rise of these apps, parents have a new tool in their arsenal. They can easily track their child’s progress, understand their strengths and areas of improvement, and even join in the fun. It’s a wonderful way to be a part of their early learning journey.
Related Reading: Benefits of Online Learning for Kids
How to Choose the Best Educational Apps for Preschool
In the vast ocean of apps available today, it’s crucial to ensure that the ones we introduce to our little ones are both safe and beneficial. Here’s a checklist to help you make the right choices:
- Age Appropriateness: Not all apps are suitable for all ages. It’s essential to check if the app’s content aligns with your child’s age and developmental stage.
Tip: Look for age recommendations in the app’s description or reviews. - Educational Value: While many apps claim to be educational, only a few genuinely offer valuable learning experiences.
Tip: Opt for apps that promote active engagement rather than passive consumption. - Safety: An app should provide a safe environment for kids, free from inappropriate content or ads.
Tip: Check if the app has in-app purchases or advertisements. Reading reviews can also give insights into any safety concerns. - Reviews and Ratings: Other parents’ and educators’ feedback can be invaluable. High ratings and positive reviews often indicate a trustworthy and quality app.
Tip: Don’t just look at the overall rating; read several reviews to get a comprehensive understanding. - Data Privacy: Ensure the app respects user privacy and doesn’t collect unnecessary data or share it without consent.
Tip: Always check the app’s privacy policy. Opt for apps that are transparent about the data they collect and how they use it. - Ease of Use: The app should be intuitive and easy for a child to navigate without constant adult intervention.
Tip: Preview the app or watch a demo video to gauge its user-friendliness.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can ensure that the preschool apps your child interacts with are both safe and enriching.
Related Reading: Best Educational Apps for Kindergarten Kids
Conclusion
Navigating the vast world of educational apps can be daunting, but with the right tools, our little ones can benefit immensely. These educational apps for preschoolers offer a blend of fun and learning, turning screen time into a productive experience. However, it’s essential to strike a balance, ensuring our kids also engage in offline activities. By being discerning and proactive, we can harness the power of technology to enrich our children’s early learning journey.
Related Reading: 25 Easy Activities for Preschoolers [With Tutorials]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are educational apps for preschoolers a good substitute for traditional learning methods?
No, preschool apps complement but don’t replace traditional methods. They offer interactive learning, but hands-on experiences and human interactions remain vital.
How much screen time is appropriate for preschoolers using these apps?
Experts typically recommend 1 hour or less per day for preschoolers. It’s essential to ensure a mix of activities beyond screen time.
Can my child become over-reliant on educational apps for learning?
Yes, like any tool, moderation is key. Ensure a balance between app-based and other forms of learning for a holistic approach.
What are some good preschool apps for iPad?
Many of the educational apps for preschoolers mentioned, like SplashLearn and ABCmouse, are optimized for iPad, offering a rich, interactive experience on the larger screen.
