Disclaimer:
There are parents who don't allow screen time until at a later age and there are parents who let the their kids have all the access. As for Jhon and I, we are in the middle. We introduced Sarah the handphone at 17+/- months in terms of apps.
Previously, it was only through video calling Jhon's family in the Philippines and photo/ video taking. We decided to let her play educational apps only on gadgets and if we are watching Youtube, it will only be watched on the TV with us. No toy reviews or watching games plays too. Her tablet, which has more apps, is for home use only for a limited time. Of course, we don't just rely on apps to teach Sarah. She loves books and other forms of learning. She plays with blocks, draws, love sticker books and more. I believe in letting her learn in all forms.
This is a safe place so no judgement. Do what works for you and you think is best but one thing for sure, Jhon and I are about moderation and being aware what Sarah is playing/ watching. So without further a do, here's my recommended apps that we had so far discovered.
* All apps are free and does not need internet unless stated. I am well aware that there might be better versions of the apps but can't expect me to try out every single one available, right? If you know one that is better, feel free to share!
Kids Balloon Pop Game
This is one of the basic edu. app we downloaded. You simply pop the balloons as they float up. A great one if the toddler loves balloons like Sarah. As the balloons are popped, there are random animations and sounds. But what makes them educational is you get to choose a theme between normal, colors, numbers, alphabets (lower or higher case) AND choose what language for it to speak in. If you pay for premium, you get shapes too but we didn't.
So as a balloon is popped, the app will call out the color, number, alphabet or shape. It is basically learning by playing. It was one of Sarah's favorite apps to play before we introduced the more comprehensive apps.
Interface: Straightforward and easy
Educational level: Basic stuff and perfect for new learners.
Shortcomings: Need to pay just for shapes category. No Malay language (although have second best which is Indonesian) and Chinese language.
First Words 18+ Months (Baby Flashcards) and 24+ Months
First Words has many versions but we only downloaded these two. It is basically flashcards but digital. This is perfect when you are out and about. Sarah loves this app and learnt plenty of words through here. It covers from feelings to fruits to furniture to colors and much more.
Interface: Basic
Educational Level: It covers the bases and it sets the foundation for Sarah. When I communicate with her, she understands easier without much explaining.
Shortcomings: Interface can be improved but it's a non-issue though.
Colors & Shapes - Kids Learn Color and Shape
This is slightly on a higher level compared to the first 2 apps as it requires more interaction from the toddler. There are 6 mini educational games; Painting, Collecting, Look-a-likes, Matching, Tracing and Building. These games provide basic training such as recognizing shapes and colors by problem solving. There are mini incentives where you get to collect stickers as you go.
Interface: Straightforward and easy
Educational Level: Definitely better than than the first 2 mentioned apps as this has problem solving games.
Short comings: I don't know why they make it troublesome to go back to main page. You have to hold and slide left.
Kindergarten Kids Learning: Fun educational games
One of the comprehensive educational app on my list and one of Sarah's favorite. It has almost everything under the sun. Problem solving, tracing, ABCs, shapes, games, colors, some nursery rhymes, coloring and even interactive charts about the body, fruits, vegetables, animals and even the solar system. I could go on and on how much info this app can provide.
Interface: Looks overwhelming at first but easy to navigate.
Educational Level: For it's array of educational and fun content, I absolute love this app. In fact, you can just download this one app for it's variety.
Short comings: I have no complains for this one. Sure, it may not look professionally done interface wise but what is important is the easy usage and content.
Khan Academy Kids
Khan Academy Kids is the most professionally done among all the apps. Kids can learn reading, language, writing, math, social-emotional development, problem-solving skills, and motor development. Open-ended activities like drawing, storytelling, and coloring encourage creativity and self-expression. Sarah's other favorite app, she especially love the storytelling, videos and drawing.
This app does require the internet but it had just released an offline section. Albeit, the variety is significantly smaller compared to the online ones but it is better than nothing. It has main characters who will guide and teach the toddler. It also has incentives like collecting outfits, bath toys, insects and musical instruments for each character.
This app does require the internet but it had just released an offline section. Albeit, the variety is significantly smaller compared to the online ones but it is better than nothing. It has main characters who will guide and teach the toddler. It also has incentives like collecting outfits, bath toys, insects and musical instruments for each character.
Interface: Professionally done and categorized well to ensure easy navigation.
Educational Level: It covers almost practically everything that would benefit a toddler and more. Just like Kindergarten Kids Learning, you can just download just this app if you want to.
Short comings: When I drafted this post, I initially wrote that it sucked that it is an online app. But days later, Khan Academy Kids did an update to have an offline section. As mentioned before, it is not vast but I appreciate the attempt. Perhaps one day, they will broaden it.
And that's it!
5 educational apps that Sarah is currently using that I recommend to parents to download and try out.
And that's it!
5 educational apps that Sarah is currently using that I recommend to parents to download and try out.
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