Parenting

10 guilt-free educational apps

Phone and tablet apps that turn kids' screen time into learning time - without them knowing it!
10 guilt-free educational apps

Tablet and phone apps don’t just have to be a colourful and fun distraction for the kids.

There are lots out there now that combine education and play so that your little one can swipe and tap away whilst keeping their minds active.

Here are some of our favourites:

1

Endless Reader (iTunes, free)

With its adorable monsters introducing words commonly used in school and children’s books, this app will help develop your little one’s literacy skills.

Available for iPhone or iPad.

2

I imagine (iTunes, free)

“This gorgeous app blends children’s photos and voice into a beautifully illustrated story full of fun and games. “

Your child controls the story making it ideal for developing his literacy skills and developing their creativity, imagination and ability to play independently.

Suitable for children aged 4 years and older.

Available for iPhone and iPad.

3

Peekaboo Sesame Street (iTunes, $3.79)

This app teaches preschoolers and toddlers about objects and names as they interact with their favourite Sesame Street friends.

Suitable for iPhone and iPad.

Made for ages five and under.

4

Science Museum Splash! (Google Play, iTunes, $1.99)

Help develop your child’s early science knowledge. This app is produced by the London Science Museum and encourages children to learn about water.

Will it sink or float? What will make the biggest splash? Your little one will learn all about water and different objects whilst they tip, twist and turn their device.

Suitable for children aged 4 and up.

Available for iPhone and iPad.

5

Cutie Mini Monsters (iTunes, $3.79)

Entertain your little one with this interactive counting app that also features easy jigsaw puzzles and a simple story.

Available for iPad and iPhone

Suitable for children aged five and under.

6

GeoDash: Wild Animal Adventure ($1.99 iTunes)

This fun app is produced by the National Geographic Society and is fantastic for animal-loving youngsters.

Your children can advneure through different habitats collecting animal facts, jokes and facts along the way.

Suitable for children 4 and up.

Available for iPhone and iPad

7

Fit Brains for Kids: Sparky’s Adventures (iTunes, free)

This fun app for two to eight-year-olds has games designed to stimulate the five key areas of the brain.

The app features more than 200 fun and educational games that focuses on improving your child’s memory, concentration, problem-solving, reaction time, and visual learning.

Available for iPad and iPhone.

8

Kids Puzzles Puzzingo (Google Play, iTunes, free)

Packed with interactive animation, kids will have a ball with these puzzles while improving their vocab and memory.

Suitable for children aged five and under.

Available for smart phones and tablets.

9

rED Writing App – Learn to Write (iTunes $3.79)

rED Writing is the perfect phone app to help your preschooler practice their handwriting. Praised by teachers and parents across Australia, this app is a fun way to teach children the correct way to master their letter and number formation.

Suitable for children aged 4 to 7

Optimised for iPhone 5

10

Shiny Party – Shapes & Colours (iTunes, free)

This app introduces kids to basic geometry, shapes and colours as they help organise a surprise birthday party.

Preschoolers will learn early mathematical skills without even realise it.

Suitable for children aged five and under.

Available for iPad and iPhone

11

Hip hop hen: abc flashcard songs (iTunes, $6.49)

Entertain your preschooler with this award-winning app. Hip Hon Hen features 35 beautifully illustrated and interactive pages that each have their own catchy and fun song.

Suitable for children aged two to four.

Available for iPad and iPhone.

12

Toddler Counting 123 (iTunes and Goggle Play, free)

A count-along game that eases your child into learning numbers and names of animals, toys and more.

There’s no fuss to get started. Children don’t need to sort through any complicated menus.

Suitable for children aged two to four.

Available for phones and tablets.

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