Screen time for kids becomes more palatable when we know they're learning something at the same time. But sorting through the thousands of learning apps out there to find the ones that work can be a trick. That's why we're sharing a few recommendations for both Android and Apple devices.
ABCMouse - (preschool to 2nd grade) The complete ABCmouse curriculum features over 850 exciting lessons across 10 levels. The app offers reading and language arts, numbers and math, the world around us, and art and colors. Subscription required.
Adventure Academy (kids 8-13) Children can learn language arts, math, science, and social studies. This app makes learning fun by allowing kids to play with friends, customize their character, decorate their home and more. Subscription required.
Writing Wizard (ages 5 and under) - Help your child learn handwriting with Writing Wizard. Kids trace letters and hear letter names and phonetic pronunciations. Parents can add their own words and choose from 9 fonts, customizing the letter size to suit their child's progress. Includes printable worksheets and shape tracing for toddlers. Fun tracing using 50+ animated stickers, sound effects and interactive games that animate letters at the end of tracing. $4.99
Britannica Kids (ages 8+) - While the Encyclopedia Britannica's apps can be pricey, they offer a wealth of articles and videos on a variety of topics. The Special Activities Corner featuring downloadable hands-on activities, games, and curriculum-based lessons. There is an interactive world atlas and 3 unique reading levels for all readers. 3 subscription tiers are offered.
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DuoLingo (all ages) - This free app uses graphics and easy-to-repeat audio to teach basic language skills for 40 different languages. With quick, bite-sized lessons, your child will earn points and unlock new levels while gaining real-world communication skills. Combining the best of AI and language science, lessons are tailored to help users learn at just the right level and pace.
Lara Krupicka is a parenting journalist and mother of three girls who are quite savvy at using learning apps thanks to school district digital learning initiatives.