Can apps help kids learn? A study published by UCL found that kids who used a maths app for 10 weeks improved their maths skills significantly more than kids who did not use the app. While a recent meta-analysis based on 36 studies found a positive impact of apps on learning. This impact seems to increase with age, meaning that older children may be more likely to learn from apps than younger children. With the research suggesting that learning apps can be a valuable tool for helping kids learn, there has never been a better time to use them to build your child’s financial literacy.
Best apps for Kids in Preschool
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Khan Academy Kids is a free app that offers a variety of educational games, videos, and activities for kids ages 2-8. The app covers a wide range of topics, including math, reading, science, and social-emotional learning.
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PBS Kids Games is a free app that offers a variety of educational games and activities based on popular PBS Kids shows, such as Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, Sesame Street, and Curious George.
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Toca Boca is a developer of educational apps for kids. Their apps are known for their simple, intuitive design and their focus on creativity and imagination. Some of their most popular apps include Toca Town, Toca Kitchen, and Toca Hair Salon.
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Duck Duck Moose is another developer of educational apps for kids. Their apps are known for their colourful graphics, engaging gameplay, and educational content. Some of their most popular apps include Endless Alphabet, Endless Reader, and Moose Math.
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AlphaTots Alphabet is an excellent app for helping preschoolers learn the alphabet. By presenting action words for each letter of the alphabet, kids do something with each letter. For the letter "B," they will move parts of a robot around on the screen to "build, Highly inventive and engaging.
Best reading apps for kids
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Epic is a subscription-based app that offers a vast library of over 40,000 books, including both fiction and nonfiction titles. The app also features a variety of interactive activities and games that help kids learn and build their reading skills.
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Starfall is a free app that provides a fun and engaging way for kids to learn the alphabet, basic sight words, and early reading skills. The app uses animated games, songs, and videos to keep kids entertained while they learn.
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Reading Eggs is another subscription-based app that uses a variety of interactive activities and games to help kids learn to read. The app is designed for kids ages 2-7 and includes a variety of levels to accommodate different reading abilities.
Best language learning apps for kids
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Duolingo is a free app that offers gamified lessons in over 35 languages. The age range is 13+ years of age. If you have a younger child who wants to use the app, set up a parent account with your name and use the app alongside your child in order to abide by the terms of use. The app is designed to be fun and engaging, and it can be used by kids of all ages.
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Memrise (13+) is another free app that uses flashcards and games to help kids learn new languages. The app offers a variety of languages, and it can be customised to fit the needs of each child.
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Babbel (12+) is a subscription-based app that offers more in-depth language lessons than Duolingo or Memrise. The app is designed for older kids and it offers a variety of features, such as interactive exercises, native speaker recordings, and cultural insights.
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FluentU (14+) is also a subscription-based app that uses videos to teach kids new languages. The app offers a variety of languages, and it can be customised to fit the needs of each child.
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LingoDeer is a subscription-based app that offers gamified lessons in over 10 languages. The app is designed to be fun and engaging, and it can be used by kids of all ages.
Best maths apps for kids
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Khan Academy Kids is a free app that offers a variety of educational games and activities for kids aged 2-8. The app covers a wide range of topics, including maths, and science.
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Prodigy Math is a game-based maths app that is designed to be fun and, while also helping kids learn mathematical concepts.
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Numberblocks the popular BBC series that teaches children about numbers has been adapted into an app that features interactive games and activities.
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TT Rockstars is a competitive maths app that helps kids learn their times tables. The app is gamified, with kids earning points and badges as they progress.
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DragonBox is a series of maths apps that are designed to teach kids the basics of algebra and geometry. The apps are fun and engaging, and they use a variety of interactive activities to help kids learn.
Key considerations about learning apps for kids
There are many key considerations when choosing a learning app for kids. Some of the most important factors include:
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Age appropriateness: Make sure the app is appropriate for your child's age and developmental level. Some apps are designed for younger children, while others are geared towards older kids.
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Content: The content of the app should be educational and engaging. It should be aligned with your child's learning goals and interests.
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Features: Some apps offer features such as read-alouds, interactive games, and quizzes. These features can help kids learn in a fun and engaging way.
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Price: Some apps are free, while others require a subscription. Consider your budget when making your decision.
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Reviews: Read reviews from other parents and kids to get an idea of what other people think of the app. This can help you make an informed decision about whether or not the app is right for your child.
Pros and cons of learning apps for kids
Learning apps can be a great way to help kids learn and grow. Studies show they offer a variety of benefits, including, engagement, personalisation, accessibility and cost-effectiveness.
However, there are also some potential drawbacks too. A study by researchers at King’s College London has estimated that one in four children use their smartphones in a way that is consistent with a behavioural addiction. Kids are also prone to investigating devices on their own and being drawn to apps and games that you haven’t yet seen. What can help is to:
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Try out the app before you buy it. Many apps offer free trials or demos. This is a great way to see if the app is a good fit for your child before you commit to buying it.
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Play these apps with your child so you know what they are doing.
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Talk to your child about what they want to learn. This will help you narrow down your choices and find an app that they are interested in.
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Use learning apps as an accompaniment to traditional learning methods.
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Set limits on screen time. Make sure to set limits on how much time your child can spend using the app each day.
How to monitor apps on my child’s device
A good way to monitor apps on your child's device is to use the built-in parental controls that are available on most devices. For example, on an iPhone or iPad, you can use Screen Time to set time limits on app usage, block certain apps, and see how much time your child is spending on each app. On an Android device, you can use Family Link to do the same thing.
You can also monitor apps on your child's device by talking to them about their app usage. Ask them what apps they use, how much time they spend on each app, and why they use them. This can help you to understand your child's app usage and to make sure that they are using their devices in a safe and responsible way.
There are also a variety of apps you can use to control screentime that will help them stay safe and also create healthy habits around app usage.
How to encourage my child to learn
It’s not always easy to encourage children to learn but using apps makes it fun and engaging. Use the apps with them so when your child does something well, or tries really hard you can praise their efforts. This in turn will create a growth mindset approach to learning, where they understand that abilities can be developed through hard work, practice, and dedication.
How can GoHenry help?
A GoHenry kids’ debit card can help cement the money lessons you teach your kids by showing them the benefits of pocket money, budgeting, saving and how to spend sensibly. The GoHenry app also features Money Missions, allowing kids to earn points while watching videos and taking interactive quizzes on topics including saving money and spending wisely. The app is designed to be used alongside our prepaid debit card.
