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Best Educational Apps for Kids

In an increasingly digital world, educational apps have become powerful tools to make learning fun and engaging for kids. This blog post explores some of the best educational apps across various subjects such as math, coding, science, and more. We look at why these apps are suited for kids, focusing on usability, engagement, and educational value. We’ll uncover a range of apps from math-based games that bring numbers to life through interactive play to coding platforms fostering problem-solving skills. Additionally, we’ll dive into apps promoting emotional learning and self-expression, ultimately offering a comprehensive guide to digital resources supporting children’s education and growth.

The research

Choosing the right educational apps for kids involves researching to ensure the content is age-appropriate and educational. We delved into multiple resources to find apps highly recommended by educators and parents. Evaluating reviews and app features helped us identify those with a strong educational framework that aligns with various learning objectives.

It’s crucial to consider the balance in apps between educational value and fun. Our research prioritized apps that offer interactive elements that keep kids engaged, as well as those that adapt to different learning speeds and styles, ensuring they cater to wide-ranging developmental needs.

Our favorite math apps

A family math app: Bedtime Math

Bedtime Math is designed to make math a fun family activity. It offers daily math problems spanning various difficulty levels for kids and parents to solve together. This app turns bedtime routines into opportunities for learning and bonding, as parents can engage children with math stories and problems right before sleep.

Bedtime Math (iOS and Android)

Available on both iOS and Android platforms, Bedtime Math brings a unique twist to traditional math learning. The app removes the fear often associated with mathematics, making it feel like a game. With topics related to everyday situations, Bedtime Math ensures that math becomes relatable and fun for kids.

Bringing math home

Apps for visual math: DragonBox Numbers and DragonBox Big Numbers

DragonBox Numbers and DragonBox Big Numbers excel in visual numeracy, offering kids a hands-on approach to math. These apps break down complex concepts into simpler elements using games and puzzles, which encourages intuitive understanding and problem-solving abilities.

DragonBox Numbers (iOS, Android, and Amazon)

With DragonBox Numbers, children are introduced to basic math concepts using animated numbers that transform into playful characters. It is available on multiple platforms, ensuring accessibility regardless of the device.

DragonBox Big Numbers (iOS, Android, and Amazon)

Building on the foundation set by DragonBox Numbers, the Big Numbers app advances children’s skills to tackle more complex arithmetic operations. It emphasizes the function of numbers in daily life, bridging the gap between theory and practical application.

Visual numeracy

Visual numeracy using apps allows kids to see mathematics in action. The interactive nature of apps like DragonBox ensures that concepts which might be abstract on paper are tangible through the screen.

Apps focusing on visual numeracy support various learning styles, particularly beneficial for visual learners who grasp concepts better through interactive and visual content. They allow users to experiment with numbers in a safe and engaging environment, reinforcing their learning journey.

More-complex arithmetic

As children advance in their mathematical understanding, moving into more-complex arithmetic involves blending visual interactive tools with problem-solving strategies. This leap can be made seamless with apps designed to challenge young learners without intimidating them.

Interactive applications focusing on arithmetic should encourage independent thinking and exploration, providing layers of challenges that evolve as the child’s skills develop. By incorporating images, sounds, and narrative solutions, these apps engage learners in novel ways, transforming complex subjects into digestible chunks.

Our favorite coding apps

Coding puzzles for beginners: Lightbot and Lightbot Jr

Lightbot and Lightbot Jr are excellent gateways into the world of programming for young coders. These apps introduce basic coding concepts through puzzles that focus on sequencing, overlooping, and conditionals, building a solid foundation for future learning.

Lightbot (iOS and Amazon)

Available for iOS and Amazon devices, Lightbot is perfect for beginners who are just starting their coding journey. It uses simple commands to solve puzzles, fostering logical and analytical thinking skills among young learners.

Coding puzzles

Lightbot Jr (iOS and Amazon)

Lightbot Jr is tailored for younger children, providing an easier introduction to coding activities. The app helps children develop problem-solving skills while having fun with animated bots in a structured gameplay environment.

This version simplifies the interface, making it accessible and enjoyable for pre-readers and early readers. It’s an ideal way to practice logic and sequential thinking in a non-pressured, playful manner.

Coding puzzles for younger kids

Coding puzzles specifically designed for younger kids provide an entry point to programming concepts without overwhelming them. By focusing on simplicity and engagement, these puzzles cater to short attention spans and limited reading skills.

Introducing children to coding through puzzles sets the foundation for understanding computational thinking, an essential skill in today’s tech-centric world. These apps aim to demystify programming, presenting it as an enjoyable challenge rather than a daunting task.

Visual programming

A creative coding app: ScratchJr

ScratchJr allows children to explore creative coding by creating stories, games, and animations. The app uses a block-based coding language, eliminating the need for text-based syntax, thus making programming accessible to young kids.

ScratchJr (iOS, Android, and Amazon)

Available across multiple platforms, ScratchJr encourages creativity and logical reasoning. Children can create projects by snapping together graphical programming blocks, each representing different actions, movements, and interactions.

Tangible coding

An app for hands-on coding: Osmo Coding Awbie

Osmo Coding Awbie brings tangible coding to life by combining digital gameplay with physical coding blocks. Children can interact with game characters using real-world blocks, fostering both hands-on and digital skills.

Osmo Coding Awbie (iOS and Amazon)

Designed for both iOS and Amazon devices, Osmo Coding Awbie is exceptional in promoting logical thinking and problem-solving without the need for a keyboard or screen-based interface. It’s particularly engaging for tactile learners who benefit from physical interaction.

Coding with character

Osmo Coding Starter Kit for iPhone & iPad

The Osmo Coding Starter Kit for iPhone & iPad bundles tangible coding apps into an interactive package that uses physical coding blocks to navigate on-screen characters. This innovative blend of physical and digital learning is ideal for young learners.

Osmo Coding Starter Kit for Amazon Fire Tablet

Mirroring its iOS counterpart, the Amazon Fire version provides an inclusive coding package for users on different devices. Osmo’s hands-on learning method encourages teamwork and collaborative problem-solving among children.

Our favorite science and exploration apps

An app to see what’s inside: The Human Body

The Human Body app offers an interactive exploration of the human anatomy, providing children with a fascinating view of inner workings through animations and interactive illustrations. This app fosters curiosity about biology and the human body.

The Human Body (iOS and Android)

Available for both iOS and Android, The Human Body provides a platform where children can learn about bodily functions and systems in an engaging manner. The creative illustrations and intuitive navigation make it both educational and enjoyable for children.

Seeing what’s inside

An app for discovering nature: Toca Boca Jr (Toca Nature)

Toca Boca Jr focuses on the beauty and complexity of nature, engaging children in ecological and natural exploration. Children can create environments, observe changes, and interact with their surroundings to better understand ecological concepts.

Toca Boca Jr (iOS and Android)

Compatible with iOS and Android, Toca Boca Jr allows young learners to immerse themselves in virtual natural settings. The graphics are designed to stimulate curiosity, while explorative play nurtures a love for the natural world and science.

Our favorite social and emotional learning apps

An app for self-expression: Me: A Kid’s Diary

Me: A Kid’s Diary encourages self-expression and reflection through a digital diary format. Children are invited to write and illustrate their thoughts and experiences, enhancing emotional intelligence and self-awareness.

Me: A Kid’s Diary (iOS)

Exclusively available on iOS, this app offers a private space for children to document their daily experiences electronically. It provides tools for creativity, including drawing and writing prompts, supporting emotional growth and literacy.

A digital diary

An app for emotions: Daniel Tiger’s Grr-ific Feelings

Daniel Tiger’s Grr-ific Feelings is an app that helps children navigate and understand various emotions through interactive songs, stories, and games. It provides resources for discussing emotions in a relatable manner.

Daniel Tiger’s Grr-ific Feelings (iOS, Android, and Amazon)

Available on multiple platforms, this app utilizes a beloved character to teach emotional literacy in a fun and approachable way. The engaging format and storytelling aspects make the process of understanding feelings enjoyable for children.

Exploring emotions

Understanding and managing emotions is a key skill for children. Apps designed for this purpose use familiar characters and engaging narratives to create positive emotional experiences, helping kids express and understand their emotions better.

Providing tools for emotional learning helps kids develop empathy and communication skills. These apps serve as a modern tool for emotional education, offering a comfortable medium for children to explore complex feelings.

Our favorite ebook app

An app for reading: Epic ebook subscription

Epic offers an extensive collection of ebooks for children, encouraging reading habits through diverse literature options. It supports various reading levels and interests, providing a comprehensive library for children under 12 years old.

Epic Ebook Subscription

This subscription service hosts thousands of ebooks, audiobooks, and educational videos on a user-friendly platform. It caters to different interests and reading levels, making it a versatile tool for enhancing children’s literacy and knowledge.

Endless ebooks

Access to a wide range of digital books through apps like Epic enhances literacy by providing children with reading material suited to their individual preferences. This approach fosters a lifelong love for reading and learning beyond structured education.

Among its many benefits, the convenient accessibility of ebooks reduces barriers to literacy, allowing children to explore diverse topics from any location. The adaptability to different genres and complexity levels supports broad and varied reading journeys.

How we picked and tested

Selecting and testing the best educational apps involved thorough reviews and hands-on testing to ensure they met our criteria for educational value and engagement. We focused on app functionality, user reviews, and expert recommendations.

In testing these apps, we considered the user experience, age appropriateness, and the skills they aim to develop. Feedback from parents and educators further guided our choices, ensuring a well-rounded selection for diverse learning needs and environments.

Sources

Our selection process was based on extensive research and various expert opinions within the fields of education and technology. We consulted pedagogical experts, teachers, and tech reviews to benchmark each app’s educational merit.

The combination of user feedback, critical evaluations by specialists in child development, and our own hands-on experience allowed us to identify apps that are not only educational but also enjoyable for kids. The credibility of these sources underlines the efficacy of our curated app list.

Meet your guide

The author of this guide, Lucas Martin, combines a passion for technology and education with a background in journalism to bring a thoughtful perspective to educational resources for kids. With experience in content creation, Lucas aims to connect parents and educators with tools that make learning both effective and enjoyable.

Lucas’s approach is rooted in comprehensive research, leveraging insights from industry experts while maintaining practicality for day-to-day use. This ensures the information is both accurate and easily applicable in enriching children’s educational journeys.

Further reading

Kids Exercise Videos to Help Keep Your Family Moving (and Sane)

Explore our curated list of kid-friendly exercise videos that make physical activity fun and engaging for the whole family. These videos provide an excellent way to promote health and well-being while keeping everyone active.

8 Time-Tested Sidewalk Games We Love

Check out these classic sidewalk games that have been beloved for generations. Ideal for outdoor play, they encourage social interaction, physical activity, and creative thinking.

5 of the Best Couch Co-op Games for Nintendo Switch

Discover top cooperative games for the Nintendo Switch that offer thrilling adventures to enjoy with friends and family. Perfect for bonding sessions with interactive and collaborative play.

The Best Kids Craft Subscription Boxes

Stimulate creativity and learning with subscription boxes packed with craft activities. These tailor-made packages inspire artistry and imagination through hands-on projects delivered monthly.

Lessons learned

Category	App Name	Platforms
Math Apps	Bedtime Math	iOS, Android
Math Apps	DragonBox Numbers, DragonBox Big Numbers	iOS, Android, Amazon
Coding Apps	Lightbot, Lightbot Jr	iOS, Amazon
Coding Apps	ScratchJr	iOS, Android, Amazon
Coding Apps	Osmo Coding Awbie	iOS, Amazon
Science Apps	The Human Body	iOS, Android
Science Apps	Toca Boca Jr (Toca Nature)	iOS, Android
Emotional Learning Apps	Me: A Kid’s Diary	iOS
Emotional Learning Apps	Daniel Tiger’s Grr-ific Feelings	iOS, Android, Amazon
Reading Apps	Epic Ebook Subscription	N/A

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