Technology and social media have become mainstays, and they are huge parts of many people’s lives – including children. As apps and games become more commonplace, it is hard to get away and truly escape them. While some people may see technology as bad, it can be helpful to acquaint kids with apps and mobile devices early since it will help prepare them for a life in this day and age. It is still important that parents limit screen time and put a cap on things like Netflix, TV and video games, but there are many types of media that can prove to be helpful to children as well.
When it comes to apps, kids either have a tablet of their own or occasionally use the family mobile device whether it is a shared iPad or something similar, or even a parents’ cell phone with certain settings enabled to protect it. There are many apps out there that are designed to entertain children as well as educate them. Commonsensemedia.org has many lists for kids, including 19 Apps and Sites for Kids Who Hate Math, 14 Apps for Kids Who Think Reading Is Boring, 13 Apps to Help Kids Stay Focused, and much more. If parents do their research, they can enrich their kids while also resting easy knowing that their children are preoccupied with an otherwise positive app or game. Here is a list of some highlights when it comes to best apps for kids.
–Reading–
Homer — Kids Learn to Read App for Ages 2-8 age 4+
Beautiful app promotes skills and a love of reading.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2016)
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uKloo
Scavenger hunt makes reading fun; user can customize levels.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2015)
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SwapTales: Leon!
age 6+
Use the power of words to solve puzzles and change a story.
Devices: iPad (2016)
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Word Runners – Touch Press Games
age 11+
Words come alive, kids foil obstacles in fun story puzzles.
Devices: iPad (2017)
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–Math–
Bedtime Math
age 3+
Daily problem can help kids make math a habit.
URL: http://bedtimemath.org/ (2012)
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DragonBox Algebra 5+
Kids learn concepts of algebra in stellar game app.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire, Apps for Windows, Windows Phone (2012)
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Jump! A Game of Numbers
age 6+
Save the Snortles! Learn multiplication along the way.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2016)
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Odd Squad: Blob Chase
age 6+
Capture blobs and problem-solve in fun, leveled games.
Devices: iPad, Android, Kindle Fire (2015)
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Mystery Math Town
age 7+
Great math practice with fun story, entertaining characters.
Devices: iPad (2013)
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Slice Fractions
age 8+
Super fun slicing app presents key concepts in engaging puzzle-solving way.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Fire phone, Kindle Fire (2014)
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–Miscellaneous–
ChoreMonster: make chores fun for kids!
age 6+
Handy chore chart uses monstrous humor to motivate kids.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2014)
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Morning Kids
age 6+
Fun, incentive-driven tool for morning routines.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2015)
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30/30
age 10+
Must-have time-management app for attention deficits.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2015)
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Chore Pad
age 7+
Productivity app lets families set own tasks and rewards.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2012)
Best Video Setup for Kids
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tripod reflector holder $12.99
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Lavalier mic $21.22
lavalier phone adapter $11.99
Blue snowball mic for computer $36.25
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Ring light clip auxiwa $13.99 goes next to to the Logitech c920
clamp with smartphone holder $12.99