The Best Learning Apps for Kids: A Parent’s Guide to Screen Time and Education
As a parent, I always wanted what was best for my child when it came to screen time. I used to think that tablets for kids were nothing more than a distraction. But when the world turned upside down in 2020 due to COVID-19, and I found myself working from home while trying to keep my little one entertained and educated, my opinion about learning apps for kids completely changed.
After months of trial and error, I discovered a whole new world of safe learning apps that not only kept her engaged but also contributed to her education in meaningful ways. So, if you’re a parent wondering whether educational apps for kids are worth it, let me share my personal experience and introduce you to some of the best learning apps for kids that I highly recommend.
Why Choose Learning Apps for Kids?
One of the biggest challenges of having young kids at home is ensuring that their screen time is productive. Unlike mindless video games or TV shows, interactive learning apps can teach your child essential skills in a fun and engaging way. The beauty of apps for kids learning is that they are often designed with age-appropriate content that grows with your child. Whether it’s learning the alphabet, practicing math, or enhancing creativity, these apps offer something for everyone.
The Best Learning Apps for Kids in 2024
Here are four of my favorite learning apps for kids, all of which have been tried and tested in my own home. They’re fun, educational, and most importantly safe for kids.
Duolingo ABC: A Fun Way to Learn to Read
If you’re looking for a free educational app that teaches kids the basics of reading, Duolingo ABC is a fantastic choice. This app is perfect for young learners, helping them with letter recognition, phonics, and vocabulary. What sets it apart from other apps is its interactive design—children are encouraged to participate in activities that are as fun as they are educational.
Why It’s Great:
- Teach reading through fun games
- Engages children with bright colors and playful animations
- Offers free educational content without ads
Khan Academy Kids: A Complete Learning Program
If you’re looking for an all-in-one educational app, Khan Academy Kids is a must-have. It’s much more than just an app—it’s a complete learning program for your child. From reading and math to social-emotional skills, this app covers a wide range of subjects. My daughter has spent countless hours exploring the interactive games, books, and activities that this app offers, and the best part is, it’s free.
Why It’s Great:
- Covers a wide variety of subjects, including math, reading, and emotional intelligence
- Offers personalized content tailored to your child’s learning pace
- Completely free and ad-free
-
best learning apps for kids
PBS KIDS Games: Learning with Favorite Characters
PBS Kids Games is one of the best apps for preschoolers. It offers a collection of educational games starring beloved characters from PBS Kids shows. The app is updated weekly with new games, ensuring that your child’s learning experience never gets stale. From math challenges to creativity-boosting puzzles, this app keeps kids engaged while teaching important concepts.
Why It’s Great:
- Features popular characters like Arthur, Sesame Street, and Curious George
- Constantly updated with fresh new games
- Safe, ad-free, and designed specifically for young children
PBS KIDS Video: Kid-Friendly Entertainment
While many parents avoid platforms like YouTube due to questionable content, PBS Kids Video offers a safe and reliable alternative. With this app, kids can watch their favorite PBS shows anytime, whether it’s a new episode of Curious George or Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. You can also download episodes for offline viewing, making it perfect for road trips or travel.
Why It’s Great:
- Offers all-time favorite kids’ TV shows
- Content is always age-appropriate and safe
- You can download episodes to watch offline
How Do These Apps Help Kids Learn?
These learning apps help children by providing them with interactive, hands-on experiences that reinforce academic concepts in a way that is fun and engaging. Many of these apps use gamification to keep kids motivated and eager to learn more. For example, Duolingo ABC uses rewards like stars and badges to encourage your child to continue learning new words, while Khan Academy Kids offers progress tracking so you can monitor your child’s development.
Are These Learning Apps Safe for Kids?
Safety is always a concern when it comes to tablet usage for kids’ usage. Luckily, all the apps I mentioned above are ad-free and provide a safe environment for children to explore. Many of these apps have features that allow parents to set time limits and control content, giving you peace of mind while your child learns.
Personal experience
When I first introduced my child to Khan Academy Kids, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But within minutes, she was fully engaged with the interactive activities. The app’s colorful interface and fun characters immediately captured her attention. She started with simple reading exercises and soon progressed to math challenges. What amazed me the most was how seamlessly the app adapts to her learning pace.
The activities were not just educational; they were incredibly fun, with plenty of games and stories that kept her excited to learn. Over the past few months, I’ve seen her confidence grow—she can now identify numbers beyond 100 and reads stories on her own. I also love that it offers a well-rounded education, from math and reading to social-emotional development. The best part? It’s completely free and ad-free, so I can rest easy knowing she’s learning in a safe environment. Khan Academy Kids has truly been a game-changer in our homeschool routine.
Conclusion
In today’s digital world, learning apps for kids can be a great tool to supplement your child’s education. Whether you’re looking to teach them the ABCs, boost their math skills, or introduce them to new concepts, there are plenty of options available. Apps like Duolingo ABC, Khan Academy Kids, and PBS Kids Games not only provide a fun and engaging experience but also help foster important skills that will benefit your child in the long run.
So, if you’re still unsure whether to let your child use a tablet for learning, try these apps! You might just be as surprised as I was at how much they can help.
FAQs
Are there any free learning apps for kids?
Yes! Apps like Duolingo ABC, Khan Academy Kids, and PBS Kids Games are free.
Are these learning apps safe for kids?
Absolutely. All the apps I mentioned are ad-free and provide a safe, child-friendly environment.
How can I track my child’s progress on these apps?
Many of these apps, like Khan Academy Kids, offer progress tracking tools that allow you to monitor your child’s learning journey.
How much screen time is appropriate for kids using learning apps?
It’s important to set time limits to ensure a balanced lifestyle. Aim for no more than 1-2 hours of screen time per day for educational apps.
How can I make learning more fun for my child?
Incorporating interactive apps like PBS Kids Games can make learning exciting and engaging for your child, turning education into a fun experience.
