Summer vacation is fast approaching, and with it comes the inevitable increase in your child’s screen time. But just because they’re glued to their tablets doesn’t mean their time can’t be valuable. There are plenty of free apps that not only entertain but also educate, helping to stave off the dreaded “summer slide.”
PBS KIDS Games
PBS KIDS Games is a treasure trove of educational entertainment, offering over 250 games featuring beloved characters from shows like Wild Kratts, Sesame Street, and Odd Squad. My youngest adores the Scribbles and Ink drawing game, which magically brings his art to life. These games cover a range of subjects, from science to math, making learning fun and engaging.
Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame
Created to help children manage their emotions, Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame features a cute monster who teaches kids to stay calm and think through solutions when faced with challenges. Parents can personalize the app with encouraging phrases, making it a supportive tool for both children and caregivers.
GoNoodle
GoNoodle is all about getting kids moving with fun and catchy songs. During the pandemic, it was a lifesaver for my family, helping us stay active with videos like “Banana, Banana, Meatball” and “Purple Stew.” The app’s library includes over 300 songs and exercises, ensuring there’s always something new to discover.
NASA
Fuel your child’s curiosity about space with the NASA app. It offers updates on space missions, access to podcasts, NASA+ videos, interactive augmented reality experiences, and tours of galaxies with real astronauts. Plus, there are over 20,000 images from the space agency, providing a rich visual learning experience.
Aardman Animator
For budding animators, the Aardman Animator app is a fantastic introduction to the art of stop-motion animation. With tutorials and easy-to-use tools, including a dialogue and sound effects recorder, kids can create their own mini masterpieces, gaining insight into the creative process behind shows like Wallace and Gromit.
Duolingo
Duolingo transforms language learning into a fun, game-like experience. Offering lessons in languages like Spanish, French, and German, the app is perfect for kids (and adults) looking to start learning a new language. While it does feature ads, the engaging lessons make it a worthwhile tool for educational development.
ScratchJr
Designed by Tufts University, the MIT Media Lab, and PBS Kids, ScratchJr introduces young children (ages 5-7) to programming concepts through interactive stories. Using drag-and-drop puzzle pieces, kids can control characters and create their own narratives, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.
Sushi Monster
Shushi Monster is an entertaining way to develop math skills. Kids must feed the monster numbered sushi plates that add up to specific numbers, making math practice fun and challenging. If they get stuck, hints are available to help them progress.
- Platform Availability: iOS
Khan Academy Kids: Learning!
This app is a goldmine for parents wanting to give their toddlers a head start in education. Guided by Kodi the bear and her friends, kids explore over 5,000 activities covering reading, writing, and math. With no ads or subscriptions, it’s an excellent resource for reinforcing school lessons.
Pick Your Plate!
Developed by the Smithsonian, Pick Your Plate! takes kids on a culinary adventure around the world. As they plan meals, children learn about different foods, cultures, and even the monetary systems of various countries. It’s a delicious way to combine learning and play.
Conclusion
Balancing screen time with educational value is crucial, especially during the long summer months. These apps provide a wealth of opportunities for children to learn while having fun, turning potential screen time concerns into beneficial experiences. So, let’s make this summer both entertaining and educational for our kids!
