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Best Learning Apps for Kids

Best Learning Apps for Kids

By Rayssa G.Rayssa G. Verified by Mary P.Mary P. Last updated: August 2, 2024 (0)
Table of contents

Getting kids interested in learning has always been a challenge for educators and parents. In today’s digital age, the difficulty increases even more as websites, apps, and social media are all fighting for kids’ attention.

However, the key to solving this problem is to use digital resources as allies instead of competing with them. These digital tools are so appealing to children because they’re highly interactive and engaging.

With this in mind, the market has taken advantage of technology to develop educational apps using gamification, attractive interfaces, visual and audio-stimulating features, and more. These resources attract kids’ attention and help educators and parents in the tough yet achievable mission of making screen time meaningful.

Still, not all educational apps cater to all kids. It’s crucial to choose the appropriate one according to the child’s age, school level, and interests.

Best learning apps for kids in 2024

Editor's choice
IXL logo
Editor's rating:
(4)
State standards and textbook-based skill plans
Infinite questions
Instant feedback
Personalized experience
Toddlers
ABCmouse logo
Editor's rating:
(4)
Over 10,000 activities
Varied subjects
Age-appropriate content
Available on desktop and mobile
Preschoolers
Khan Academy Kids logo
Editor's rating:
(4.5)
Varied subjects
Age-appropriate content
Storytelling elements
Personalized learning path
Kindergartners
ABCya logo
Editor's rating:
(4)
Over 300 games
Covers Common Core Standards subjects
High-quality and engaging activities
COPPA certified
1st graders
HOMER logo
Editor's rating:
(4.5)
Tailored to different ages
Scientifically proven learning method
Over 1,000 games and activities
Offline resources
Middle schoolers
Education.com logo
Editor's rating:
(4)
Over 30,000 learning materials
Covers Common Core Standards
Progress tracker
Guided lessons
Teens
Socratic logo
Editor's rating:
(4)
Varied subjects
Equation solver
Instant answers to complex questions
Videos and step-by-step explanations
Teaching kids coding
codeSpark logo
Editor's rating:
(4)
Fun and challenging
COPPA-compliant
Recurrent updates
In-game incentives to continue playing
IXL
Editor's choice: IXL
Editor's rating:
Reviews
  • State standards and textbook-based skill plans
  • Infinite questions
  • Instant feedback
  • Personalized experience
  • Interactive games
  • Lacks a desktop app
  • No privacy collection settings
Starting price: $6.58/mo Visit IXL
Video overview
Offers
Up to 33% off IXL
30-day money-back guarantee of IXL
ABCmouse
Toddlers: ABCmouse
Editor's rating:
  • Over 10,000 activities
  • Varied subjects
  • Age-appropriate content
  • Available on desktop and mobile
  • Up to 3 profiles per subscription
  • Pricey monthly plan
  • No parental controls
Khan Academy Kids
Preschoolers: Khan Academy Kids
Editor's rating:
  • Varied subjects
  • Age-appropriate content
  • Storytelling elements
  • Personalized learning path
  • Entirely free with no ads
  • Lacks a desktop app
  • No parental controls
ABCya
Kindergartners: ABCya
Editor's rating:
Reviews
  • Over 300 games
  • Covers Common Core Standards subjects
  • High-quality and engaging activities
  • COPPA certified
  • Offline play available
  • Limited support channels
  • No progress tracking
  • Ad-supported free version
Starting price: $5.83/mo Visit ABCya
Video overview
Offers
40% off ABCya Premium Family
Free Kids learning app with ABCya
HOMER
Learning app for 1st graders: HOMER
Editor's rating:
Reviews
  • Tailored to different ages
  • Scientifically proven learning method
  • Over 1,000 games and activities
  • Offline resources
  • Affordable prices24/7 customer service
  • English only
Starting price: $4.99/mo Visit HOMER
Video overview
Offers
62% off HOMER
$50 discount on HOMER's Explore Kits
60-day free trial with HOMER
Education.com
Middle schoolers: Education.com
Editor's rating:
Reviews
  • Over 30,000 learning materials
  • Covers Common Core Standards
  • Progress tracker
  • Guided lessons
  • Ad-free
  • No mobile app
  • Lack of privacy settings
  • Limited free version
Starting price: $5/mo Visit Education.com
Video overview
Offers
40% off Education.com
Free learning app with Education.com
7-day money-back guarantee of Education.com
Socratic
Teens: Socratic
Editor's rating:
  • Varied subjects
  • Equation solver
  • Instant answers to complex questions
  • Videos and step-by-step explanations
  • Free with no ads
  • Lack of a desktop app
codeSpark
Teaching kids coding: codeSpark
Editor's rating:
Reviews
  • Fun and challenging
  • COPPA-compliant
  • Recurrent updates
  • In-game incentives to continue playing
  • 30-day free trial
  • May require adult help
  • Email is the only direct contact
Starting price: $6.67/mo Visit codeSpark
Video overview
Offers
33% off codeSpark
30-day free trial of codeSpark
Free coding lessons with codeSpark

Key features to look for in a learning app for your kid

Learning apps come in all shapes and sizes, but they’re not all suitable for kids. So, consider the following aspects when looking for the best app to enhance children’s educational development.

  • Skill level and age-appropriate content: The lessons, activities, and games offered by the app must be aligned with the kid’s age and school level.
  • Ease of use: The app must be designed to be as user-friendly and visually appealing as possible to instantly capture kids’ attention and keep them engaged.
  • Devices compatibility: It’s better if the chosen app is accessible on desktop and mobile devices.
  • Alignment with curriculum: It’s essential that the app covers content that complements the subjects children learn in school.
  • Parental controls and privacy measures: The app must respect students’ data privacy and allow parents to set parental control measures like screen time limits.

The benefits of educational apps for kids

In addition to complementing kids’ education, learning apps enhance their digital literacy and stimulate their cognitive development. The main benefits of educational apps for kids include:

  • Attractive learning environment: Educational apps use gamification and interactivity at their core to engage kids in the learning process. Kids don’t even realize they’re studying.
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving skills development: Many learning apps offer activities that stimulate children’s problem-solving abilities and encourage them to think critically.
  • Personalized learning paths: The learning journey is tailored to the kid’s pace, skill level, and performance across the activities as they answer them.
  • Instant feedback: The results of activities are immediate, so kids are constantly learning from their mistakes. Plus, parents can follow their progress and understand in which areas kids are having more difficulties.
  • Make screen time useful: Learning apps add value to the increasing amount of screen time kids are exposed to.

How to stimulate your child to learn

Although learning apps for kids can do wonders for their educational development, they’re worth nothing if parents and educators don’t get involved in the process. Children learn by example, so the best way to stimulate them to learn is to make studying a part of the family’s routine and daily habits.

Additionally, it’s important to involve kids in the process of choosing the app they’re going to use. Let your child express their interests, preferences, and learning style, and allow them to cherry-pick their preferred apps.

Moreover, children may struggle to find value in learning when they’re just told to do so. Kids are more likely to be interested in learning if parents actively dedicate time to navigate through the app with them, help them with the activities, and teach them the importance of learning new things. Plus, the time spent together studying turns into meaningful memories kids will cherish forever.

At the end of the day, if you can’t fight the enemy, join them. So, the problem of increasing screen time can be worked around by adding value to it.

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