Technology is definitely a big part of many kids’ lives; most schools now require secondary, and even elementary-aged kids to have an electronic device in class and at home. While there are some negatives associated with excessive use of screens, there are also benefits to having access to a wealth of fun learning apps and websites that allow kids to be engaged in a rewarding way.
We’ve chosen six educational resources to get the kids started on their learning journey and power up their brains.
Fish School
duckduckmoose.com/educational-iphone-itouch-apps-for-kids/fish-school
An underwater learning adventure – Fish School helps children learn letters, numbers, shapes, colours, and more as they interact with fun graphics. Winner of the Parent’s Choice Gold Award from the Parent’s Choice Foundation and the Editor’s Choice Award from Children’s Technology Review.
For ages 2 to 5. Available for Android and iOS platforms.
PBS Kids Games
This game features a series of applications with popular PBS characters like Sid the Science Kid, Wild Kratts, Curious George, and The Cat in the Hat. The apps offer reading, math, music, and science games as well as interactive content that aims to develop academic and real-life skills with puzzles, nature games, matching games, and singalongs.
For kids 2-6. Available for Android and iOS platforms.
DuoLingo
One of the most popular free language learning apps, DuoLingo uses a gamified, conversational approach to explore and teach different languages, including Spanish, French, German, Hindi, Japanese, Welsh and even Klingon! Language learning is broken down into fun games and bite-sized mini-lessons that teach speaking, reading, and listening skills that emphasize real-world communication.
For all ages. Available for Android and iOS platforms.
E-learning for Kids
Dedicated to helping kids learn, non-profit E-learning for Kids offers fun and kid-friendly classes and story scenarios for kids in Kindergarten through Grade 6. The resource’s vision “is to be the source for childhood learning on the internet available from anywhere and without charge.” There are more than 200 science lessons, ranging from identifying reptiles to learning the difference between evaporation and condensation. The 336 math lessons cover topics such as 2D shapes and polygons, volumes and mass, and map positioning. Lessons are presented as a learning journey, and children travel around the world as they study continents, countries, cities, oceans and cultures. The website also offers an online community for parents and educators.
For grades K-6.
Scratch
If you want to get your kids into coding, Scratch is a great resource to teach digital literacy and get creative with computer programming. Children use a simple visual interface with colour blocks to make interactive stories with characters. Also, ScratchJr is specifically for young children (ages 5-7) where they can learn to program their own interactive stories and games.
For ages 8 to 16.
Khan Academy Kids
With a seemingly endless selection of free activities that are fun and engaging, the Khan curriculum covers topics including science, computing, math, reading and language arts, economics, and life skills. The youngest kids can practice sounds and trace letters. Elementary students will learn topics such as reading for understanding, money and time, as well as rates and percentages. High school students can explore concepts in biology, physics and environmental science. There is a lot, so take the time to explore the site.
For grades Pre-K to College Level.
