Whether you’re a parent or a teacher, you’re probably on the lookout for new ways to make learning fun. And it’s no secret that kids love screen time. That’s why it’s a good move to make most of that screen time educational. As a therapist and mom, I’m always working to balance screen time with analog (aka non-digital) learning and play. But when I do implement screen time, I use apps that are not only lots of fun, but educational, too. And this list of learning apps for kindergarten features my favorite apps that promote learning & development.
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Using Learning Apps for Kindergarteners
Using learning apps for kindergarten aged kids is a great idea. Not only will your kids gain knowledge, but they will have fun in the process. When it comes to choosing the best learning apps for kindergarten, there are LOTS of learning apps out there. But in my opinion, only a select few really bring home the gold. The best learning apps are just pure genius: eye-catching design, user-friendly, and well-researched to promote learning & development. Kids actually want to play on these apps.
Learning Apps are Super Popular
Using apps for learning is nothing new.
In fact, thanks to the COVID pandemic, learning apps are more popular than ever. According to data from Statista.com, “the COVID-19 pandemic caused a surge of downloads of educational apps. In the latest reported quarter, the Apple App Store had 470 million educational app downloads.”
Find more statistics at Statista
If you’re thinking, ‘that’s a lot of screen time for kids!’ then you aren’t alone. Many parents worry about their child’s screen usage. But, as with everything, moderation is key.
Embracing App-Based Learning for Kindergarteners
Screens aren’t going anywhere.
They are an unavoidable reality. And though you might be tempted to block your child from any and all exposure to screens, it’s simply not a viable solution. Not just because you will exhaust yourself trying to make that happen, but because preventing your child from using screens will prevent crucial learning for their future.
Each and every year, more people are turning to learning apps.
The more your child grows accustomed to using learning apps and screens to gain information, the more adept they will be at using screens to accomplish tasks. This will come in handy no matter what career path they choose. So, when you use screen time learning in moderation, you are actually setting your child up for future success!
5 Amazing Learning Apps for Kindergarten
Here are my favorite learning apps for kindergarten for overall learning fun. Kids at this age are just so geared toward learning; their brains soak up everything you feed them. Take advantage of that process and feed their brains fun and knowledge with these fantastic learning apps!
- ABCmouse
DETAILS: This award-winning learning app for kids is perfect for kindergarteners! We absolutely adore ABCmouse in our house. ABCmouse covers every aspect of learning for kindergarteners, from math to creative expression to how to take care of a pet. The unique Learning Path allows your child to move along a developmentally-targeted continuum. But kids are free to explore the entire ABCmouse Early Learning Academy world, too. Parents can monitor how their child is doing using the ABCmouse Progress Tracker.
AGES: 2-8
COST: Free 30-day Trial (then $12.99/month)
AVAILABLE FOR: iOS, Android, & Computer
GET IT HERE: ABCmouse Early Learning Academy
- Khan Academy Kids
DETAILS: Khan Academy Kids is incredible! This totally free learning app is just what your kindergartener needs to learn through play. It’s full of adorable cartoon characters who are just waiting to teach your kids. Games and activities focus on early literacy, reading, writing, language, and math, while encouraging creativity and building social-emotional skills. Created by learning experts at Stanford and aligned with Head Start Early Learning Outcomes, it’s easy to see why parents and teachers adore the Khan Academy Kids educational program.
AGES: 2-8
COST: Free
AVAILABLE FOR: iOS & Android
GET IT HERE: Khan Academy Kids
- Readability
DETAILS: The Readability learning app is an excellent reading app that acts as a reading tutor for your child. This app will harness your kindergartener’s natural love for learning and level up their reading in not time. The Readability Smart Reading Program uses advanced speech recognition & A.I. to listen to and provide reading help as your child reads aloud. It’s seriously impressive stuff. The A.I. will even help you child pronounce the words if they have trouble. Check the Parent Dashboard to gauge your child’s reading progress, including what they have read, reading duration, accuracy, comprehension, and speed.
AGES: Kindergarten-6th grade
COST: Free 7-day trial (then $19.99/month)
AVAILABLE FOR: iOS, Google Play
GET IT HERE: Readability Reading Tutor
- PBS Kids Games
DETAILS: This awesome learning app is not only free but it features lovable characters your kindergartners will likely recognize from their favorite PBS shows. 🙂 Everyone from Elmo to Daniel Tiger to Clifford are there to teach your kids about nature, STEAM, writing, and their feelings. One game even lets you design a magical land of fairy houses. With so many games to choose from, this free learning app will keep your kindergartner busy for a while!
AGES: 3-8
COST: Free
AVAILABLE FOR: iOS, Android, & Computer
GET IT HERE: PBS Kids Games
- HOMER Learn and Grow
DETAILS: HOMER Learn and Grow is a fantastic learning app that provides lots of playful learning across subjects like reading, math, social-emotional learning, creativity, and more! If you want to position your kindergarten kiddo to excel, then this super fun learning app is what you need. HOMER creates a personalized learning journey based on age, interests, and skill level. Plus, it’s so easy to navigate, you can set it and forget it and your kindergartener will take care of the rest. Our daughter especially loves the creative math games, but there are tons of amazing activities to choose from.
AGES: 2-8
COST: Free 30-day Trial (then $9.99/month)
AVAILABLE FOR: iOS, Google Play
GET IT HERE: HOMER Learn and Grow
Thank you for exploring this list of my favorite learning apps for kindergarten! I hope you got some great ideas for how to encourage learning in your kids. Post your favorite learning apps for kindergarteners in the comments below. 🙂
