Top Educational Apps and Games for Kids
Everywhere you look, kids are scrolling on smart phones, flicking across tablets or tapping on a keyboard. In an age where digital reigns supreme, it can sometimes seem impossible to tear them away from an electronic screen. While convincing them to pick up a textbook in favour of their iPhone may seem a little impossible, it seems that new research may have the answer.
In an extensive research programme, Richard E Mayer disputed the theory that playing computer games can improve a child’s mind. Instead, he has promoted the idea that adding innovative activities and instructional feedback to games could help with learning. While spatial puzzle games such as Tetris have been shown to improve cognitive skill, he also pinpointed a number of game features that can contribute to learning through playing. Factors included using a conversational tone of voice, putting words in spoken form and adding explanations and advice throughout the game.
We’ve compiled a run-down of some of the most engaging educational apps and games for kids; from languages to science, there’s a range of subjects to excite even the most dedicated Angry Birds fan.
This is modern storytelling at its best. Awarded the TIME Game of the Year in 2014, 80 Days is an interactive fiction game that reimagines Phileas Fogg’s famous journey around the world. With 150 cities to explore, kids play the part of Passepartout, acting as Fogg’s loyal valet. From balancing finances to organising transportation, kids will become immersed in a world that is both exciting and challenging. Players can share their journey with friends as they race against the clock and discover the secrets of the world. Priced at £3.99 with no in-app purchase, 80 Days is available for Mac, Windows, Apple and Android devices.
The perfect game for budding linguists, Wibbu is an interactive adventure game designed to improve your Spanish. Players are on a mission to protect the Wibbu Kingdom; expect Magical Fruit, Pig Trolls and Spitting Spiders. There are three different levels for all abilities, meaning kids will learn Spanish while playing a fun-filled game. With over 350 Spanish sentences, vocabulary, verbs and even native expressions, this game naturally engages your child in Spanish dialogue. Wibbu is free to download but in-app purchases are on offer, so be sure to enable parental settings to avoid any unexpected charges.
Whether a beginner or expert, Chess Pro is ideal for all abilities and lovers of this 1500 year old game. With the addition of a ‘coach’, kids can be guided through moves and strategies, working up through levels until they are able to play on their own. Not only does Chess improve concentration, memory and logic, it has recently been shown to help with maths and reading skills, in thanks to its problem solving nature. Chess Pro costs £4.99 and is designed for iPhone and iPad.
4. Blox 3D
Blox 3D is designed to nurture creative thinking in children and develop their visualization skills. Designed for 5-8 year olds, kids can learn 3D modelling and build objects using coloured blocks and animation. This app is priced at £2.29, has no ads or distracting pop-ups and is available for iPhone and iPad.
Teach your children the importance of animal conservation with this fun, interactive game. Inspired by the 90s Tamagotchi, players must keep an adopted polar bear alive. Players progress through the game by completing a range of tasks to increase the health of their bear. Kids can find real-world Habitat locations by activating the GPS feature; however, this can cause battery to decrease significantly so be sure to monitor their usage. Habitat is free to purchase and is designed for iPad and iPhone.
6. Tinybop
Tinybop create beautifully elegant and fun apps, designed to ignite children’s curiosity. Collectively titled The Explorers Library, these apps cover a range of subjects, from The Human Body to The Weather. Kids can dive into a world of knowledge and intrigue presented in a bold and bright format with a range of interactive features. Exquisitely designed, these apps have won numerous awards and are available in a multitude of languages. Prices for the apps start at £2.29, not including in-app purchases, and are available for iPad and iPhone.