Discovering Educational Gems: A Review of Learning Apps for Homeschooling and Beyond

In today's digital age, the abundance of apps can be overwhelming, especially when searching for valuable educational tools. As a homeschooling parent, I've explored numerous apps, carefully selecting those that offer genuine learning experiences for my children. This article shares some of the best learning apps we've discovered, hoping to save you time and money in your own educational journey.

Math Adventures

Math Tango

Math Tango is a math game designed for children ages 5-10, covering essential skills like adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing. Despite my usual aversion to subscription-based apps, Math Tango has proven its worth. Its engaging format captivates children while reinforcing fundamental math concepts.

Slice Fractions 1 & 2

Slice Fractions is an engaging app that helps children understand fractions in a visual and interactive way. My children quickly grasped the concept that two 1/4 pieces are the same as 1/2. They enjoyed it so much that they completed Slice Fractions 1 and were super excited when I told them there was a second one!

Math Makers

Math Makers offers a comprehensive approach to early math education, including both Slice Fractions games, early numbers, and multiplication. While it may be more suitable for younger children, it's a great option for families with preschoolers or early elementary students.

Quick Math Jr.

Quick Math Jr. is a fun and engaging app for early learners to practice basic math skills. Its interactive format makes learning math enjoyable for young children.

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Literacy and Language Skills

Duolingo ABC

From the creators of the popular language-learning app, Duolingo, Duolingo ABC is a kid-friendly version that focuses on reading skills. It provides practice with phonics, letter formation, name spelling, sight words, and more through engaging games. Its simplicity, cuteness, and fun factor make it a hit with young learners.

Endless Alphabet

Endless Alphabet is a fun way to practice letter sounds. Kids create a monster and take it through different phonics and reading games.

Tozzle Words

Tozzle Words is a great app for kids learning to spell, using a drag-and-drop system. While it lacks clear instructions, it offers a fun way for children to practice spelling skills.

Geography and World Exploration

Geography Drive USA

Geography Drive USA is a highly customizable app that reinforces knowledge of continents and countries. It allows you to focus on specific regions and question types, accommodating multiple profiles for children to learn at their own pace. This app was particularly useful during our Gather Round Homeschool continent units. This app not only gives practice with locations and mapping but you can also choose to learn abbreviations, capitals, rivers, landmarks, and more!

Stack the States

Stack the States is a fun and educational app that combines state trivia with a stacking game. As you answer trivia questions correctly, states fall onto a platform, and you try to stack them up to reach a designated line.

Music Education

Piano Maestro

Piano Maestro is a fantastic app for introducing children to the piano. It features a user-friendly interface, multiple profiles, and a wide variety of songs across multiple genres. While it doesn't replace a piano instructor entirely, it effectively teaches the basics of playing the piano.

Coding and Creativity

ScratchJr

ScratchJr is a free, introductory coding app that teaches children the basics of programming through a visual interface. The book walks you through how the app works and teaches you how to use the program and create different coding sequences step-by-step and with pictures.

Lego Movie Maker

Lego Movie Maker allows children to create their own animations using Lego bricks. This app encourages creativity and storytelling skills.

Science and Engineering

Play and Learn Engineering

Play and Learn Engineering is an educational app designed to introduce children to basic engineering concepts through play. It features a variety of games and activities that encourage experimentation, problem-solving, and creativity.

The app includes games such as:

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Sandwich Machine: Design and build a whimsical machine to move a sandwich from one place to another.
Animal Feeder: Craft and build a sandwich machine to feed hungry animal friends.
Track Tracer: Design and construct a roller coaster that takes friends on a wild ride with lots of hills and loops.
Roller Adventure: Create a roller coaster track that goes up, down, and around obstacles.
Robo Builder: Build a tower by stacking boxes and testing simple physical science concepts.
Kitty Rescue: Create a tower high enough to help the kitty climb down from the tree.
Cavern Crawler: Problem solve using simple machines such as pulleys and levers to go around or remove obstacles and get through the cavern.
Lava Leaper: Problem solve to avoid obstacles and reach the exit of the lava cave.

Other Useful Apps

Art For Kids Hub

Art For Kids Hub videos provide step-by-step drawing tutorials that are easy for children to follow. This is a great app that allows you to download youtube content to your phone.

PBS KIDS Video

PBS KIDS Video offers a wide range of educational videos for children of all ages. Each letter of the alphabet has it’s own super catchy song with video and all three of my girls enjoyed watching these…it was a go-to when they were little and we were going to be in the car for awhile.

Merlin Bird ID

Merlin Bird ID helps identify birds through photo recognition. Found this one during our Gather Round North American Bird Unit…two years later and we still pop it out to photo ID birds we see at the beach or out walking.

Thinkrolls

Thinkrolls is an award-winning learning app for kids aged 2-8! Through the power of play, your child will develop reasoning skills, express their creativity, cultivate a passion for math and science, and develop their natural curiosity.

Key Features:

Over 2000 logic puzzles, games, and activities
Includes Thinkrolls Kings & Queens, expanded with new puzzles!
Coloring activities
Practise problem solving with fun, arcade-style games
Create your own playable characters
Play fun math games and smart brain challenges
Numbers, shapes, patterns, sequencing, sorting, and more
Create your own fun games with drag & drop
Safely share your games with our moderated community*
Solve puzzles created by other kids*
Learning to code has never been so fun!
No reading or coding skills required
Kid-friendly and safe. Designed for independent play.
Ideal for ages 2-8
Adaptive learning-grows with your child
Supports 6 player profiles
New content added monthly
Play anywhere, no WiFi needed
No ads. No in-app purchases for subscribers*

Fun Apps for Downtime

Bike Race Pro

Bike Race Pro is a fun bike racing game where children balance a biker through different terrains.

Duck Duck Moose TRUCKS

Duck Duck Moose TRUCKS is a very basic, but you can tap the different trucks and make them splash in the mud and then go through the car wash, pick up the garbage and recycling, or scoop up and dump dirt with a dump truck and digger.

Toca Boca

Toca Boca has a ton of different apps for kids from shopping to puzzles to games.

Duck Duck Moose

Duck Duck Moose has a lot of different apps (one I mentioned above!) that toddlers will love.

Where’s My Water?

Where’s My Water? Unleash your child's inner genius .

Tips for App Discovery and Usage

Utilize Free Trials: Many apps offer free trials, allowing you to test them before committing to a purchase or subscription.
Check Age Appropriateness: Ensure that the app is suitable for your child's age and skill level.
Read Reviews: Look for reviews from other parents and educators to get insights into the app's quality and effectiveness.
Set Parental Controls: Utilize parental control features to limit screen time and ensure a safe online experience.
Download Content for Offline Use: When traveling, download videos and games for offline access to keep children entertained without Wi-Fi.

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