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
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Toddlers |
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Preschoolers |
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Kindergartners |
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1st Graders |
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Middle Schoolers |
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Teens |
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Teaching Kids Coding |
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Best Overall: IXL
The company has developed an algorithm – SmartScore – that measures how well students are performing in a specific skill based on their answers to infinite computer-generated questions. All the activities are high quality and engaging, with lots of incentives like collectible rewards and certificates that keep students motivated.
Going the extra mile, personalized skills recommendations suggest lessons based on what learners have been practicing. Plus, there are over 120 interactive games, which captivate students and keep them interested in learning for longer. IXL is available on desktop (via browser) and mobile devices (via mobile app).
When it comes to subscriptions, opting for annual billing results in a 33% price drop when compared to monthly plans. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee that allows you to thoroughly test the platform for a month and get a full refund if it doesn’t meet your expectations.
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Best Learning App for Toddlers: ABCmouse
ABCmouse is the go-to option for toddlers as it focuses on basic concepts that prepare 2 and 3-year-olds for preschool. The app offers over 10,000 age-appropriate activities covering phonics, early reading, math, art, social studies, and science fundamentals.
Another way that ABCmouse caters to toddlers is through animations, songs, and touch screen interactions, which are essential for captivating the little ones and keeping them engaged. The cherry on top is that the platform offers several interactive games and puzzles, perfect for toddlers to learn through play and exploration.
Available on desktop and mobile devices, ABCmouse allows up to three profiles under the same subscription. Going for the annual plan results in a massive discount, and there’s a 30-day free trial for users to test the app before subscribing.
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Best Learning App for Preschoolers: Khan Academy Kids
Well-known for its high-quality educational and free content, Khan Academy’s version for kids is the best learning app for preschool-aged children. The platform engages children in core subjects like early literacy, reading, writing, language, and math while encouraging creativity and helping them build social skills.
Khan Academy Kids uses storytelling to create lessons and activities guided by whimsical characters, which goes a long way in captivating preschoolers’ attention. Plus, games, animations, and videos appeal to kids with different learning styles, helping all types of learners absorb information more effectively.
Moreover, an individualized experience is created for everyone, as each child’s learning path is personalized according to their own pace. To top it all off, Khan Academy Kids is entirely free, with no ads or external links that can distract or lead children to inappropriate content.
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Best Learning App for Kindergartners: ABCya
All games have child-appropriate sounds, animations, and positive reinforcement voice memos. Plus, drag-and-drop tools help develop kids’ fine motor skills. Moreover, many interactive activities and printable worksheets cover various topics and meet Common Core standards. For these reasons, ABCya is the best option for kindergartners.
Kids can enjoy all games for free on a desktop and six games each week on mobile devices. However, parents should keep in mind that the free version displays ads supported by third parties, which may distract kids or lead them to inappropriate content. Still, the platform has a COPPA certification, meaning it’s safe for kids to use independently.
With a Premium Family subscription, kids can access all games and activities on the mobile app, save an unlimited number of favorite games, and enjoy an ad-free experience on a web browser. The best part is that going for an annual subscription to the Premium Family plan results in a 40% discount on the monthly price.
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Best Learning App for 1st Graders: HOMER
It also includes less conventional topics, such as social and emotional learning, creativity, and critical thinking. Plus, the content is centered around HOMER’s scientifically proven methodology and is molded to each child’s age and abilities.
Regarding ease of use, the app’s captivating designs and big buttons make it a breeze for kids to interact with it. This kid-friendly learning environment holds children’s attention, turning screen time into an important educational experience.
What’s more, up to four profiles can be created under one HOMER subscription. Additionally, committing to the annual plan results in generous discounts, and there’s a 60-day free trial where users can test the app before subscribing.
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Best Learning App for Middle Schoolers: Education.com
What makes Education.com the best for middle schoolers is the numerous printable materials available. Since kids this age can be easily distracted by other apps on their phones, having engaging activities and worksheets on paper may sometimes be more effective than using mobile devices.
Although there is a free version, it only allows access to three resources per month. Unlimited access to all materials and features is only possible with a paid subscription. When committing to a paid plan, it’s worth your while going for annual billing, as it costs almost 40% less than a monthly subscription. Plus, you get your money back if your subscription is canceled within seven days.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a mobile app, but the platform works well on mobile web browsers. Finally, parents can rest assured knowing that kids are safe while using the software independently, as the platform is COPPA certified.
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Best Learning App for Teens: Socratic
Socratic is an excellent learning app to help teens with homework and academic assignments. It covers an array of school subjects and offers quick and accessible assistance.
With this app, teens can take a photo of a math problem or type in a history question and the app will provide the answer within seconds. Alongside the answers, there are thorough videos and step-by-step explanations of the concepts and processes behind the solutions. This helps teens better understand the problem which contributes to long-term learning and academic success.
Plus, real-world examples are also provided, making it easier for teens to grasp the relation between the concepts they’re studying and practical applications. To top it all off, Socratic is available entirely for free.
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Best Learning App for Teaching Kids Coding: codeSpark
codeSpark is ideal for introducing kids to the coding world. With self-paced lessons, the app helps boost kids’ communication, creativity, and problem-solving skills while teaching them how to code.
codeSpark has designed hundreds of highly interactive puzzles and activities using a gamified approach. Plus, the lessons are delivered by expert teachers with step-by-step instructions that help kids create their own games within just a week.
Moreover, up to three children can use the same account, and there’s a 7-day free trial that gives you a chance to test the service before subscribing. The added bonus is that there’s a free version for educators that allows teachers to use codeSpark to explore math, science, and computer science in their classes.
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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.