20 Learning Apps for Pre-Schoolers and Kindergarteners
Fellow parents!
I confess – sometimes I let my pre-schooler play with learning apps on my phone. As a veteran educator, I am committed to the face-to-face teaching of early literacy, instilling a joy for learning and building that reciprocal relationship with my kids that is so vital to their healthy development. But sometimes – well sometimes, we need something else. They need a high-interest activity while we’re on the go, or I need to focus on adult matters that are super important. Rare – but it happens!
Looking for a great “sick day” or surgery recovery set of apps? These are for you!
When sick days or “adulting” need to happen, I am very particular about which apps I let my little one use. Here’s my list of 20 low-cost (many free) learning apps that are more than just fun…they’re educational, too! Perfect combo.
These apps work on smart phones (Apple or Android) and/or tablets. See each individual app for specifications for your device.
Math Apps
1. App Name: “123 Numbers – Counting & Tracing.”
Kids learn the shapes of each number by tracing them, learning to count, matching numbers of objects to the corresponding number, and filling in the blank in a sequence.
Not a small feat for a small person!
2. App Name: “Kindergarten Kids Math Games.”
Kids can master that important kindergarten skill: learning to count to 100! Plus:
Counting objects, learning geometric shapes, identifying numbers, simple addition and subtraction and comparing objects (big vs. small, etc.).
3. App Name: “123 Tracing Free”
Little ones love to trace the high-interest outlines (filled with moving fireflies) while learning number shapes as well as 1:1 association.
The app tracks kiddo’s progress and lets them create a character.
4. App Name: “Khan Academy“
An industry leader, Khan Academy is renowned for their high-quality learning platforms – and this age-appropriate app is no different!
Counting, number sense, simple addition and subtraction in a fun, interactive platform.
5. App Name: “Animal Math Games for Free“
For kids who LOVE animals and science, this is the perfect math app for them! Colorful graphics, lots of difficulty options – this is a versatile app that will grow with your child as their math minds develop.
Letter Recognition Apps
6. App Name: “Pocoyo Alphabet Free”
Ahhh, our good friend Pocoyo! Our Netflix friend is always learning, and this App is no exception.
Trace uppercase and lowercase letters, learn sounds, associate letters to images, and hear the words in English and Spanish.
Kids learn to trace both uppercase and lowercase letters in this colorful, interactive learning app.
It’s fully customizable by parents for kids – adapt how responsive the screen is to touch, decreasing frustration and increasing engagement.
8. App Name: “Tracing Letters and Numbers – Preschool Free App“
These letters fill in with bold colors, making it even more satisfying for little kids who are still developing their fine motor skills.
Kids trace uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and simple words, too.
9. App Name: “Spanish Alphabet Puzzles for Toddler and Kids – Free App“
I just love this one – our kids attended a bilingual preschool so this was a perfect continuation of their learning, even outside of school.
Activities are in English and Spanish.
10. App Name: “Fisher Price Laugh and Learn (TM) Learning Letters Puppy“
Another industry leader in learning toys and activities, Fisher-Price does not disappoint with their Laugh and Learn (TM) Learning Letters Puppy App.
Bold colors, simple design – well done!
Sounds and Phonics Apps
11. App Name: “Phonics Munch Free“
Kids hear the sounds of each letter (in both uppercase and lowercase formats), and link those sounds to shapes they recognize.
Set in “Letterstone Park,” the theme is fun and entertaining (albeit educational!).
12. App Name: “Sight Words Kids Reading Games and Flash Cards“
This app is PACKED with great activities!
220 sight words available, includes fun games like bingo and flash cards. The Word Machine game is interactive and educational.
13. App Name: “Preschool Christmas Phonics Learning App Free“
‘Tis the Season! When the holidays come around, this app is a nice way to keep the holiday spirit alive while being educational.
The winter theme and fun Santa activities make learning letter sounds super fun.
14. App Name: “Phonics Fun: ABCs First Phonics Learning“
Learning phonics is extra fun when there’s puppies, animals and airplanes involved!
This high-interest, boldly colored app teaches kids phonetic sounds with the initial letters of common objects.
15. App Name: “PreSchool Phonics Train Free“
The graphics on this app are gorgeous.
Kids learn to match letters to sounds in a fun, interactive way. Learn letter and sound recognition, as well as hand-eye coordination in this app specially designed for tiny fingers.
Just for Fun Apps
16. App Name: “Funny Food“
Kids use the familiar shapes of fruits and vegetables to learn matching, counting, sounds, sorting, and comparison in this fun food app.
17. App Name: “Puzzle Kids – Animal Shapes and Jigsaw Puzzles“
This is a fun, colorful app that will growth along with your child’s abilities!
Puzzles range from simple to more complicated and it’s easy to adjust levels to your child’s abilities. They get so excited when they finish a puzzle!
18. App Name: “Toddler Balloon Pop Game“
Popping balloons just for fun.
What’s not to love?
19. App Name: “Kids Vehicles – Construction Light + Free Puzzle“
Tractors, excavators, diggers, dump trucks, oh my!
If you’re a kid who likes vehicles (especially big ones), this app is for you. Includes a jigsaw puzzle, paint-by-touch feature and working parts to some of the biggest rigs.
20. App Name: “Kids Animal Piano Free“
I’ve saved the best for last!
Kids love the instant effect of playing this mini piano, and hearing the sounds of animals come out!
Teach them to play tunes like “Twinkle Twinkle” – with cat meows instead! You’ll hear giggles for days.
I know there are LOTS of great apps out there so…what apps are LOVED by your preschoolers or kids? Share them in the comments below!
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