Mobile time, tablet time, and general screen time can get a bad rap these days when it comes to raising kids, but it’s not all bad. Many apps and shows help kids learn new things in exciting and interactive ways that engage their minds and challenge them. The trick is to know where to find the good educational resources that you’ll love to have your kids using. Here are eight educational mobile apps that your kids will love to learn from and you’ll feel comfortable supporting. 

Goodness Shapes

Image via Flickr by verkeorg

Great for little ones ages 1 to 4, Goodness Shapes is a simple, easy-to-use app that helps kids learn to match, sort, and identify shapes. They get some color-learning in as well. While it’s a very straightforward app, it still requires your child to think through problems and develop cognitive skills. Younger players will need help from a parent to get started, but they’ll pick it up quickly. This app is available for iOS systems and costs $1.99. 

Winky Think Logic Puzzles

To take learning shapes to the next level, check out Winky Think Logic Puzzles. This app is good for preschool and early elementary ages as it builds on an understanding of shapes, requiring the player to move shapes around to solve puzzles and match colors. Early math skills are even involved in some of the puzzles. There are three levels of difficulty, so kids can start with what they know and then be more challenged as they progress. Winky Think Logic Puzzles encourages problem-solving skills and analytical thinking. It’s available on iOS and costs $2.99. 

Brainpop Jr. Movie of the Week

Brainpop Jr. Movie of the Week provides exciting educational videos on all sorts of topics. The videos are easy enough for kids as young as 6 years old to understand but are interesting for all ages. Topics range from health and science to arts and technology. If you opt for the free version of the app, you’ll get access to a new movie each week. Upgrade to the subscription to enjoy access to the full library of Brainpop videos. Kids can take short quizzes on the videos after watching them to encourage retention. 

Get the Brainpop Jr. subscription for $6.99 per month or stick with the free version. The app is available for iOS, Android, and Amazon devices. 

Epic!

If you’re looking for a great reading app, you should check out Epic! This app provides kids with a library of more than 40,000 books. Little ones can enjoy the read-to-me capability, and older kids can read the books themselves. Take books anywhere without worrying about lugging them around or losing them. The available books cover a wide range of ages from 2 to 12 years old. Books are colorful, engaging, and offer insight into many different subjects, topics, and issues important to a child’s development. 

Try out the Epic! app for one month free of charge, and if you like it, sign up for the $9.99 per month Epic Unlimited subscription. Epic! is available on iOS and Android. 

Khan Academy Kids

If you haven’t heard of Khan Academy, you’re seriously missing out. This is an amazing learning resource for all ages and interests. Khan Academy Kids is geared toward ages 2 to 8 years old. The app features hundreds of lessons, stories, and games designed to teach children about a wide range of topics. New resources are constantly being added to the app, so your child can always learn something they didn’t know before. Core subjects include early literacy, writing, reading, math, language, and even social skills. Khan Academy Kids is free and available for iOS, Amazon, and Android. 

PBS Kids Games

PBS Kids is a great resource for learning for all ages, and it offers several different apps. The games app is one of the best as it encourages interactive learning with some of your kids’ favorite characters like Daniel Tiger and Cat in the Hat. Every game is designed to teach a lesson in various subjects like math, reading, colors, or emotional development. PBS Kids Games is ideal for ages 2 to 7 years old, and it’s free. Access this app from the iOS, Android, or Amazon app stores. 

Quick Math Jr. 

Great for kids developing elementary math skills, Quick Math Jr. is a free app that invites creativity and interactive play while learning math. Fundamental skills and concepts are taught using various games with handwritten and drawn answers. Fun characters walk the kids through their different activities to keep them excited and engaged. This app is ideal for ages 4 to 8 years old and is available on iOS devices. 

Duolingo

Duolingo is another awesome app for kids and adults so that parents can take advantage of it as well. This is a language-learning app with access to more than 35 different languages, with new ones being regularly added. Kids ages 10 and up can take on mastering a new language from their phone or mobile device by playing games, listening to audio, watching videos, and doing oral practice activities. If your kid is learning a language in school, Duolingo is a great way to help them keep up with their progress over the summer. 

A recent study showed that 34 hours of learning on the Duolingo app is equivalent to one language course at the university level. The basic Duolingo app is free but includes ads. If you want an ad-free version with access to additional features, sign up for the $6.99 per month subscription. Duolingo is available for both iOS and Android systems. 

Crème de la Crème encourages and supports learning in all forms. Kids can learn from hands-on activities, reading, mobile apps, outdoor play, and so much more. Parents aren’t limited to one form of education for their children; there are many ways to learn new things. Allow your kids to try new things and branch out into new topics they may not have learned about before by exploring all that these apps have to offer.