Educational apps offer a world of learning opportunities for children. But with so many options available, finding the right one can be overwhelming. How do you ensure an app provides valuable learning experiences for your child?
We’re here to simplify the process with four key principles that will help you choose the perfect learning apps for your child, backed by scientific research.
Look for apps that:
- Keep children thinking:
When your child’s using an app, you want their brain to be active, not just their fingers. Some apps might only require them to mindlessly tap or swipe, like popping bubbles without any purpose. While that can certainly be fun, they don’t necessarily engage children’s minds in meaningful ways. So, if you’re looking for an educational app, aim for those that offer challenges encouraging children to think, like solving puzzles.
- Keep children engaged
Making sure kids stay interested and focused is important when they’re learning. There are several ways of achieving that:
- Minimal distractions: Children have shorter attention spans than adults do, so it’s difficult for them to pay attention to something and stay focused. That’s why it’s best to pick apps that don’t have too many distractions. Some apps have lots of cool stuff happening all at the same time, like animations and sound effects, but they may distract children from learning if they are irrelevant to the learning outcome, such as bees buzzing around when the child is trying to draw a number.
- Feedback: Just like adults, children are more engaged when they receive immediate and meaningful feedback on their actions. So it’s better to choose apps that give feedback right away when kids do something, that goes beyond just saying “correct” or “incorrect.” For example, if they get a question wrong, the app might encourage them to try again while giving a hint, or say “Great job!” when they get it right and briefly explain what they just did right. This keeps them motivated and excited to continue learning.
- Relevance to personal interests: Every kid is different, so what engages one might not interest another. That’s why it’s great to have lots of different apps to choose from, so you can find the perfect one for your child’s unique interests.
- Make learning meaningful
- Children learn best when they can connect new information to things they already know and love. That’s why the best educational apps connect learning to children’s real-life experiences.
- When choosing apps, look for ones that match your child’s experiences, making learning both relevant and enjoyable. This could include experiences from home, school, or their daily routines like having breakfast in the mornings or getting ready to go to the park.
- Their personal interests and prior knowledge would also make learning meaningful for them. For example, if they already adore animals and are familiar with various species, learning about the meaning of “herbivore” and “carnivore” would become much easier and more interesting for them!
- Get social, even on screen
- Children naturally learn by watching and interacting with others. So it’s great to find apps that encourage social interaction between your child and others; whether it’s you, a friend, or a sibling. They could play games together or talk about what’s happening in a cartoon. For example, they might discuss why a character behaved in a certain way in an episode or what those three-sided shapes are called in the game. You can look for apps that let your child talk to others, play together, or solve problems as a team, and apps that spark a conversation.
- However, it’s perfectly normal if you find it hard to find the energy and time to sit down with your child and use an app. It’s also okay if your child doesn’t have a friend or a sibling to play with at the moment. That’s why having on-screen characters is a great alternative! When a character in the app directly engages with your child, asking questions or inviting them to sing along, it simulates social interaction and keeps your child engaged. What’s even better is when your child interacts with the same character in different contexts, such as playing games on a tablet, watching them in a movie, or singing their songs in the car on the way to school. This helps them build a bond with the character, making learning with the app even more enjoyable.
As you dive into the world of educational apps, keep these principles in mind. It’s fantastic if you can find an app that encompasses all four, but don’t worry if you can’t. If you come across an app that excels in at least one area and it’s safe for children, go ahead and download it. Just make sure to test the app yourself before handing it over to your child to ensure it meets at least one of these principles.
At WonJo Kids, we take these principles to heart in crafting every aspect of our content. We offer games designed to stimulate critical thinking and games that turn everyday adventures into valuable learning opportunities. We’re dedicated to providing well-curated feedback that fosters growth. With Candice and her friends guiding children every step of the way in their learning journey, you can trust WonJo Kids to provide an enriching learning experience!
Checklist for Choosing the Best Educational App for Your Child:
- Is your child actively thinking?
Does the app challenge your child with puzzles or problems that make them think critically? - Does the app keep your child engaged?
Are there minimal distractions, immediate feedback, and elements that align with your child’s interests? - Is the learning meaningful?
Does the app connect new information to your child’s real-life experiences and prior knowledge? - Does the app encourage social interaction?
Does it offer opportunities for your child to interact with others or engage with on-screen characters in a meaningful way?