Learning apps can help kids use technology and make learning fun!
I am the first to admit I was that mom who said, “Oh, my kids won’t get tablets.” And here we are, 11 years after our first, and I’m in line at the Genius Bar waiting for my AppleCare tech to help me… for the third time this year. Does this place have a punch card yet, or what?!
So I gave in. Didn’t we all? But what about the content? If we let our kids spend hours on these devices, we can ensure they have the tools to make it an engaging and enriching time instead of hearing coco whatever for the 100th time. With technology, kids can do so much, like learn a new language, connect with family members, or maybe even learn to code on computers. The opportunities have become endless, so I’ve compiled a list of learning apps we know and love in our home.
Duolingo
This one is a favorite of the whole family! Choose your level and language and start learning along with a cute owl named Duo. I love how user-friendly this app is and how easily you can follow friends and invite friends to join. It’s a daily habit that can take less than 5 minutes, and the benefits can last a lifetime. What language would you choose?
BrainPOP Jr.
is a fabulous video app for kids. It posts easy-to-understand educational videos on almost everything. We’ve watched one on the human body and one about our teeth! There are short quizzes and games along with the videos. Best of all, it has a version for older kids as well.
Epic
An app with an ebook library all for kids! Perfection! This app has audiobooks, read-aloud stories, and books for the kids to enjoy and explore. You can make different profiles for each child and base their library on their reading level. I’ve been guilty of reading an Epic book when I don’t want to run to the playroom to grab a nighttime story. It’s a great way to involve the family in reading, even when an actual book might not be nearby.
CodeSpark
Did you hear? Coding is all the rage now! I feel like it will be the next generation’s to-do hobby! So let’s start ‘em early! Code Spark is a seriously fun way to introduce kids to coding and the endless possibilities this skill can give them. The classes are self-passed and based on the learner’s level. The characters are cute, and the app is super user-friendly, a win in our book!
Kahoot!
A really fun study tool, Kahoot! is a blast for older kids. You can make your own quizzes and compete or just study for fun. We’ve even had teachers use this app, and the kids can play with their classmates from home to study! It’s a great way to get engaged and feel connected, all while learning.
ABC Mouse
This app is membership-based, but hear me out! It is a classroom-like setting that kids eat up! My kids loved the lesson plans and seeing their characters float along the learning paths. It has a range of teaching techniques, such as videos, matching, and coloring. It is a great way to get some “fun” school practice at home.
Splashlearn
This game has extra activities for preschoolers all the way to grade 5. We liked the letter tracing and the sight word practice. But there are many other games, reading comprehension segments, books, rhymes, and more. It has math and reading, so it’s a great app if you want to work on both subjects with your kids. There is a monthly plan, but we have found it worth the cost.
Quick Math Jr.
Best suited for kids ages 3-7, this low-stimulation app teaches kids to name numbers, count on the back, practice number sequences up to 100, practice writing numerals, use a number line, and more. The colors are cute, and each page is pretty simple and easy to understand. You can create multiple profiles and even view a report card for each kiddo on your watch or iPhone!
Kodable
is yet another super cute coding app for kids. Best for ages 4-10, this app goes very slow in learning and keeps the kids engaged with putter space, sharks, trains, and the fuzz family. They have it all. In this app, kids will be introduced to JavaScript, and absolutely no experience is required. Kodable lets kids play and make their own great games, a way to get the imagination juices flowing.
These learning apps have genuinely been lifesavers. They helped us stay the extra 10 minutes at the restaurant to eat our meals or give us a short silence where we could ask the doctor questions while the kids tapped away on our phones. They have helped us, and maybe some of these can help your family, too.
