Get the most out of Educational Apps

How many of us allow our toddlers, pre-schoolers, school aged and teens use our devices? How many of us have children that own their own device? While my young ones don’t have their own, I do allow them to use mine.

Since little miss C- Monster started school last week (wipes tears away), I have started her on Reading Eggs- many Australian schools use this website which also has an iPad app- the app is much easier for little ones that haven’t quite got the use of a mouse down.

What I like about Reading Eggs is that its Australian, we were using Learn with Homer but I find the American learning apps might not help with letter and word sounds correctly for Aussie kids.

While those Apps are not free, they are worth a look into- if your school uses Reading Eggs, ask the teacher for your child’s username and password so you can use the account at home for free.

Also there are so many free, fun and educational Apps for children of all ages- I think it’s important to choose your children’s apps carefully by trying them out yourself first to see what benefits your child can gain from them.

Just picking an app that’s in the educational section doesn’t necessarily mean that its ‘educational’- make screen time count by checking the app out first. Apps in the educational section do come with age suggestions but sometimes these don’t fit a child learning level- make sure the app isn’t too difficult or too easy for your child, you want the app to make your child think and to use problem solving skills.

12 top reason why I love Educational Apps

1. Your child has fun and may not even notice they’re learning

2. Many educational apps are free

3. Apps make learning fun

4. Apps can help with hand-eye coordination

5. You can take apps anywhere; since many educational apps don’t require internet usage to use they're perfect to keep kids entertained on long trips

6. I’m not a huge fan of using apps as a distraction but if my little ones are harassing me while I’m trying to cook dinner, I will get them to relax by playing an educational app so I can get dinner on the table without any fuss- if only there was an app to make them eat all their dinner!

7. Educational Apps can make screen time count- I would prefer my children to play an educational app then watch a television show- it’s about being interactive not just watching

8. Educational Apps when well-chosen can help children with literacy, science and maths without the need to spend money on books or resources

9. Apps that teach code get children to learn how the technology around them works

10. You can help your child and watch them learn while using educational apps

11. Educational apps keep children engaged

12. The virtual learning world is relaxed and informal

Remember devices shouldn’t replace real world learning; apps are a great tool to add to your educational toolbox- as a parent you have the power to control what apps your child uses and how long they use them for.

Do you let your children use educational apps? What are your favourite apps for your children? Comment below

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