How to Find the Right Educational Apps for Your Kids
by Sara DeWitt View Bio
As Vice President of PBS KIDS Digital, Sara DeWitt leads innovative strategies to build connected and immersive educational experiences for kids across media platforms, including the Kidscreen- and Webby-award winning pbskids.org. DeWitt has led the extension of PBS KIDS content into new frontiers – from mobile apps and interactive whiteboard games, to wearable tech and 3D-rendered gaming experiences.
- When browsing for apps, consider the sources: does the app come from a trusted brand? Some apps by indie developers are truly exceptional. Go to the developer’s website, or see if they’ve won any awards for their work and consider whether the content of the app is research-based.
- Media can be a great launching pad for learning, but we all know kids would happily stare at screens all day. Once you know when and how often your child will play, choose the types of apps accordingly.
- Ideally, the content on the screen should empower kids to explore the world around them long after the screen is turned off. As you choose apps, think about which ones can provide a natural transition to hands-on play time or outdoor discovery.
With so many app options available these days, it can hard to pinpoint the right educational apps for your kids. Sara DeWitt, vice president of PBS KIDS Digital, shares some top tips to help families find high quality apps that can enhance children’s media experiences and broader learning journey.
Last spring, just before a cross-country plane ride, my husband asked me a question that friends text me on a weekly basis: “What apps should we download for our 3 year old?” Of course he knew the PBS KIDS apps that my team distributes, but he, like so many other parents of preschoolers, was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of choices available.
The task of choosing an app can be daunting. In a survey of parents with 2- to 10-year-old children, PBS KIDS found that 77% of parents chose educational content as one of the most important qualities when looking for apps for their kids, and nine in ten believe that educational apps will play an important role in children’s learning in the future. There are countless apps labeled “educational.” How can a parent distinguish which are the best investment of time, bandwidth, and money?
There is no easy answer. Just like books and toys, the most popular app won’t always be what’s best or most interesting to your preschooler. What I can offer are some tips to keep in mind as you start curating your family’s app library:
TIP #1: DISTINGUISH WHAT IS TRULY EDUCATIONAL
A shortcut to finding solid educational apps is to search for titles and brands you know from books, toys, or educational TV programs your child enjoys. If you’d rather browse, consider the sources: does the app come from a trusted brand? Remember that some apps by indie developers are truly exceptional. Go to the developer’s website, or see if they’ve won any awards for their work.
Consider whether the content of the app is research-based. Many apps include ABC in their icon designs, but that doesn’t mean they teach literacy! Read some of the product description and look for the learning goals.
Think beyond just reading and math when you think about “education.” Is your child struggling with routines or transitions between activities? Does she like to play cooking with you? Apps offer an amazing variety of educational content – be creative as you search the stores.
TIP #2: THINK ABOUT WHAT YOUR CHILD IS PASSIONATE ABOUT
Kids are innately enthusiastic about things that grab their interests. Remember that media choices should engage kids and spark curiosity about the world around them. Look for content that builds on your child’s excitement. Is it dinosaurs? Music? Construction equipment? If she’s excited about an upcoming trip, look for apps where you can play with modes of transportation, packing suitcases, or eating in restaurants.
“In a survey of parents with 2- to 10-year-old children, PBS KIDS found that 77% of parents chose educational content as one of the most important qualities when looking for apps for their kids, and nine in ten believe that educational apps will play an important role in children’s learning in the future.”
TIP #3: PLAY TOGETHER (OR TALK ABOUT IT!)
Apps are another opportunity to explore with your child, and younger children love playing with mom, dad, or a grandparent. There are some great apps that offer 2-player modes, or encourage kids and parents to look at the screen together. For example, for young children learning about daily routines, Daniel Tiger’s Day & Night App is designed as a way for families to rehearse and play together.
That said, let’s be honest: screen time is often a great way for parents to find a few minutes to finish making dinner. Talking with your preschooler about an app after she plays is also a great opportunity to bond. Ask questions about your child’s experience: “What did you do in that game? What was your favorite part? Did anything surprise you?” Ask your child to show you the app and let her share her creations or game successes.
TIP #4: DEVELOP A MEDIA PLAN
Media can be a great launching pad for learning, but we all know kids would happily stare at screens all day. Think about the best media plan for your family: what time of day is best for app play? What activity will precede or follow app time? What are special occasion app times (example: during a long plane ride)?
Once you know when and how often your child will play, choose the types of apps accordingly. For example, a “race-the-clock” game (example: Cookie Monster’s Challenge) might offer a good transition to outdoor playtime. A more open-ended game (examples: many Toca Boca games, Explore Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood) is good when you don’t know how much time you’ll be waiting in a doctor’s office.
Ideally, the content on the screen should empower kids to explore the world around them long after the screen is turned off. As you choose apps, think about which ones can provide a natural transition to hands-on play time or outdoor discovery.
TIP #5: KNOW WHAT YOU’RE DOWNLOADING
The vast majority of apps at the top of the kids store charts are labeled “FREE.” Do a little digging to understand how this app is making its money. Does it contain ads? Does it include in-app purchases? Does it require a subscription account for your child to access the really fun parts? A little investigative work can save your child from some disappointment.
Another great way to find apps is through your own network. What does your child’s teacher recommend? What are your friends playing with their kids? Or use sources like Common Sense Media or PBS Parents for recommendations.