There are many tech tools available for early childhood education that can encourage learning and creativity in children. These tech tools can provide a fun and engaging way for children to learn and explore their creativity while using technology in a meaningful way. These tools include:
1. ABCmouse :
ABCmouse is a comprehensive educational website and app designed for children ages 2-8. It offers a wide range of interactive learning activities and games covering topics such as reading, math, science, art, and more. The platform is designed to be engaging and fun for children, while also providing a structured and comprehensive curriculum that can help support their learning. ABCmouse uses a combination of animated characters, games, and interactive activities to help children learn and retain information.
It also includes a variety of features designed to support parents and educators, including progress tracking, lesson planning tools, and printable resources. The website and app are subscription-based, with a monthly or yearly fee required to access the full range of content. However, there is also a free trial available for new users to try out the platform before committing to a subscription.
2. Khan Academy
Kids Khan Academy Kids is a free educational app designed for children ages 2-7. It offers a variety of interactive games and activities that cover math, reading, language arts, and social-emotional learning. The app is designed to be engaging and fun for children, while also providing a structured and comprehensive curriculum that can help support their learning.
The app includes a variety of features that can help support children’s learning, including interactive stories, videos, and quizzes. It also includes a variety of games and activities that are designed to be both entertaining and educational. For example, children can play games that involve counting, matching, and sorting, or they can read interactive stories that feature animated characters and voiceovers. One of the unique features of Khan Academy Kids is its focus on social-emotional learning. The app includes a variety of activities that help children develop important social and emotional skills, such as empathy, self-awareness, and communication. The app is free to download and use, and it does not require a subscription or in-app purchases. It is available on both iOS and Android devices, as well as on the web.
3. Scratch Jr.
Scratch Jr. is a free programming language and app designed specifically for children ages 5-7. It allows children to create and animate their own interactive stories, games, and animations using a block-based coding interface that is easy to understand and use. With Scratch Jr., children can drag and drop programming blocks to create characters, backgrounds, and interactive elements. They can also record their own voices and sounds to create a fully interactive experience. The app encourages children to be creative and imaginative, while also developing important computational thinking skills. Scratch Jr. is a simplified version of the popular programming language, Scratch, which is used by millions of people around the world. Scratch Jr. was designed specifically for young children, with a simplified interface and programming blocks that are easy to understand and use. The app is free to download and use, and it does not require any prior coding experience. It is available on both iOS and Android devices, as well as on the web.
4. PBS Kids
PBS Kids is a website and app that offers a variety of educational games, videos, and activities for children ages 2-8. It is based on popular children’s shows like Sesame Street, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, and Wild Kratts. The website and app offer a wide range of activities that cover topics such as math, science, reading, and social-emotional learning. The content is designed to be both entertaining and educational, with interactive games and videos that engage children and encourage them to learn. PBS Kids also includes a variety of features designed to support parents and educators, such as lesson plans, printable resources, and parent tips.
The platform is free to use and does not require a subscription or in-app purchases. One of the unique features of PBS Kids is its focus on social-emotional learning. The platform includes a variety of activities and videos that help children develop important social and emotional skills, such as empathy, communication, and self-awareness.
5. Toca Boca
Toca Boca is a Swedish mobile game development company that creates interactive digital toys and games for children. The company’s games are designed to be open-ended and encourage creativity and exploration. Toca Boca’s games cover a wide range of topics, from cooking and crafting to role-playing and storytelling. The games are aimed at children aged 6-9 and are available on both iOS and Android devices. One of the key features of Toca Boca’s games is their open-ended nature. Children are encouraged to explore and experiment with the games’ environments and characters, without being constrained by specific goals or objectives. Toca Boca’s games also place a strong emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. The company is committed to creating games that reflect the diversity of its audience and to providing positive representations of underrepresented groups.
6. Endless Alphabet
Endless Alphabet is a mobile app designed to help young children learn the alphabet and develop vocabulary skills. The app uses interactive puzzles and animations to introduce children to letters, sounds, and words. The app includes more than 100 words, each of which is introduced through a short animated video that features friendly monsters demonstrating the word’s meaning. Children can then use a set of interactive letter puzzles to practice spelling and phonics. Endless Alphabet is designed to be engaging and fun for children, with colorful graphics and playful animations that capture children’s attention. The app is also designed to be easy to use, with simple touch-and-drag controls that are intuitive for young children. In addition to teaching children the alphabet and vocabulary, Endless Alphabet also helps children develop important language skills such as spelling, phonics, and word recognition. The app is available on both iOS and Android devices, and it has received positive reviews from parents and educators for its effectiveness and entertainment value.
7. Little Writer
Little Writer is an educational app designed to help young children learn to write letters, numbers, and words. The app uses a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy for children to trace letters and numbers with their fingers. Little Writer features a variety of activities and games that help children learn the basics of writing. Children can choose from a variety of writing exercises, including tracing letters and numbers, writing words and sentences, and drawing pictures. The app also includes a variety of customization options that allow children to personalize their learning experience. Children can choose from a variety of colors, backgrounds, and drawing tools, and they can also save their work to share with family and friends. Little Writer is designed to be engaging and fun for children, with colorful graphics and playful animations that capture children’s attention. The app is also designed to be easy to use, with simple touch-and-drag controls that are intuitive for young children.
8. Starfall
Starfall is a website and mobile app designed to help young children develop early reading and math skills. The website and app offer a variety of interactive activities, games, and songs that introduce children to letters, numbers, and basic reading and math concepts. Starfall is primarily aimed at children aged 4-8 and covers a range of topics, including phonics, sight words, addition, and subtraction. The platform uses a combination of audio and visual cues to help children learn, with engaging characters and animations that capture children’s attention. One of the key features of Starfall is its systematic approach to teaching reading. The platform uses a structured sequence of lessons that gradually introduce children to letters, sounds, and words, building on their knowledge and skills over time. Starfall is also designed to be easy to use for both children and adults. The website and app feature simple navigation and intuitive controls, and the content is organized into categories and levels to make it easy to find appropriate activities and games.
9. Reading Eggs
Reading Eggs is an educational website and mobile app designed to help young children develop early literacy skills. The platform uses a combination of interactive games, videos, and activities to introduce children to reading and phonics. Reading Eggs is primarily aimed at children aged 2-13 and covers a range of topics, including phonics, sight words, reading comprehension, and spelling. The platform uses a systematic and sequential approach to teaching reading, with structured lessons that build on children’s knowledge and skills over time. One of the key features of Reading Eggs is its use of engaging characters and animations to capture children’s attention and keep them motivated. The platform features a range of colorful characters and games that make learning to read fun and engaging. Reading Eggs is also designed to be flexible and adaptable to children’s individual needs and learning styles. The platform features a range of activities and games that can be customized to suit different learning levels and abilities.
10.Art for Kids Hub
Art for Kids Hub is a website and YouTube channel that provides step-by-step drawing tutorials for children. The platform is designed to help children develop their creativity and artistic skills, with a focus on fun and engaging drawing activities. Art for Kids Hub features a wide range of drawing tutorials, covering everything from simple cartoons to more complex animals, vehicles, and landscapes. The platform is suitable for children of all ages and skill levels, with tutorials that are tailored to different age groups and abilities. The platform is designed to be easy to use and follow, with clear instructions and illustrations that guide children through the drawing process. The tutorials are also accompanied by upbeat and positive commentary that encourages children to have fun and be creative. In addition to the drawing tutorials, Art for Kids Hub also features a range of other resources and activities to help children develop their artistic skills. These include coloring pages, art challenges, and craft projects.
Compiled by Afape Stephen
