BlogHerPreschoolers172 Comments
Tablets. Kids. Do they belong together?I am a huge advocate for being hands on and playing with your kids. But – and maybe it’s contradicting – I am also a huge advocate for the use of technology.
I love exposing my kids to technology, in all forms. Most often it’s on the tablet. I do second-guess myself and wonder if their time spent using technology is just a waste. And then I wonder, why are we so afraid of letting our kids play with technology? Why is it so bad?
- Kids just sit and stare all day at a screen.
- Kids aren’t learning with a screen.
- Parents aren’t in control of what happens on the screen.
Guess what?
Those three complaints don’t have to be a worry with today’s technology.
What is today’s technology?
I am extremely excited to partner with Kurio Xtreme, the safest tablet built for kids with our exclusive kid-safe web-surfing and our most detailed parental controls.
The easy-to-use Parental Area of the Kurio is password protected and enhanced with amazing parental controls, such as time restraints and limiting web access, for up to 8 user profiles. It also features a secure and browser-independent ‘Kurio Genius’ Internet filtering system with security levels covering over 500 million websites and in-app web filtering.
No worries there, kids can safely browse the web and apps without encountering inappropriate content.
Let’s solve those technology complaints from parents, one by one.
Set your technology limits.
Set a rule. When are your kids allowed to use a tablet? When aren’t they? How long can they use it at a time? Write out the rules and stick to them.
Use the Kurio Xtreme tablet to enforce the time limits. You can set the hours of the day when each individual kid is able to login, and how long they can be logged in for at one time.
Download the Guide to Setting Screen Time Rules
Include learning opportunities with technology.
Add learning apps for your child’s skill level. First, what kind of things do preschoolers learn? The alphabet, numbers, counting, letter sounds, shapes, colors, writing, and movement. Not to mention social behaviors and such.
These are my favorite learning apps for preschoolers:
These are apps that I currently have on our tablets. They are either Android or iTunes Apps. If you have any learning apps for preschoolers to add to the list, please comment and let me know!
- Monkey Math School Sunshine – $1.99
- Monkey Preschool Lunchbox – $1.99
- Play 123 by CJEducations – I cannot seem to find a link to this though unfortunately, but it’s absolutely one of my faves. Try searching it in the app stores.
- Feed Me
- I Write Words – $2.99 – I love this for a way to practice writing.
- Pocket Phonics – $6.99 – Another great app for preschoolers to practice writing.
- Phonics Animals – Free – Writing letters and letter sounds.
- ABC 123 BrightStart – All around good app for learning ABCs, numbers and writing.
- Touch and Learn – Great for learning letters and numbers.
A Bee Sees – Free
Use technology in activities when possible. Get them up and moving.
I love to incorporate the use of the tablet during our activities. Having them use it to take photos is an easy way for them to be doing something, and still learning the ins and outs of technology. We used the camera during a photo scavenger hunt; it’s easy to set up.
I also often take photos of things with the tablet and have the kids replicate them. Like we did with block towers.
The Kurio Xtreme tablet is awesome for getting the kids off their butts. It has body motion gaming with apps loaded for kids to play! The first ever on a tablet!
Apps to get Preschoolers Moving on the Kurio Xtreme:
- Motion Sport – Swimming, Soccer, Skiing, Hurdle Race
- Motion Kidz – Build words, do math problems, pop colored balloons, and more
- Royal Rebel 5 Race – Race a space ship using your body to turn
They can swim across the pool with their arms and learning letters and spelling with a slap of the hand. All done ‘off’ tablet.
Other fun apps for preschoolers:
- Robot Lab – $0.99
- Toca Kitchen – Free
- Hair Xmas – Free
- Animal Hide and Seek – Free
- Paint Sparkle – Free
- Cut the Rope 2 – Free
Take control of the technology.
Don’t allow downloads of unapproved apps. Be sure to change up your password frequently.
Don’t allow wi-fi or browser access.
Or take control with the Kurio Xtreme tablet that gives kids access, limited access, or no access to internet and downloading apps. Allow or block apps, or websites, at the parent level. Only what you approve of is allowed. And that’s final.
The Kurio features a secure and browser-independent ‘Kurio Genius’ Internet filtering system with security levels covering over 500 million websites and in-app web filtering. No worries there, kids can safely browse the web and apps without encountering inappropriate content. More about the Kurio Xtreme tablet:
- target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow noopener noreferrer”>All-New Kurio Xtreme is in stores now!
- Kurio Xtreme lets parents set up to 8 independent user profiles – one for each member of the family. It’s like 8 tablets in 1!
- Kurio Xtreme is packed with over $300 worth of all the games and apps kids want!
- Kurio Xtreme lets kids safely message and email friends, take pictures and video, and safely surf the web.
- Kids can get up and move with our 10 exclusive body motion games packed on Kurio Xtreme. Let kids swim, race, play soccer, ski and more.
- You’ll love Kurio Motion because it gets your kids up off the couch to play! Kids can swim, race, play soccer, ski and more.
- Kurio Xtreme is packed with over 90 kid-friendly popular games and apps! From Fruit Ninja, Jetpack Joyride, Cut the Rope 2 and Subway Surfer!
Now for some fun! Let’s add to the favorite app list…
What are your favorite learning apps for preschoolers?
This giveaway is now closed. Answer in the comments for a chance to win a Kurio Xtreme Tablet!
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Joy de Pominville says
Are there apps for older kids 6-8 yrs?
Sounds great, thanks
Sara says
My personal favorites are the Endless Numbers, Endless Letters, and Endless Wordplay, from Originator. They use fun and engaging monsters to help kids learn. There’s shape matching and hand-eye coordination in every app. Numbers is the numbers 1-100; Letters is capital letters; and wordplay is sightwords! My kids love them!!
Andrea Ferra says
Very interesting article! As mom, I’m always behind my child interest in technology, that´s whay I´m always searching for the best apps for them to learn and have fun. My two recommendations are Papumba Academy, with a free 7-days trial and more than 500 play-based activities based on core pre-school curricula and also ABC Mouse
Marie Liberman says
Very interesting article! As mom, I’m always behind my child interest in technology, that´s whay I´m always searching for the best apps for them to learn and have fun. My two recommendations are Papumba Academy, with a free 7-days trial and more than 500 play-based activities based on core pre-school curricula and you can download it, and also ABC Mouse
Jessica says
I love Duck, Duck, Moose reading, and Duck, Duck, Moose math. Both are free and both are published by the Kahn Academy.
Hazel says
For your consideration:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cris-rowan/10-reasons-why-handheld-devices-should-be-banned_b_4899218.html
Gail says
Hazel makes good points with the links she has provided. As an educator, with 36 years experience, I’m concerned about the fact that when children are on devices, what aren’t they engaged in? Some activities children need to be engaged in on a daily basis can include: interacting with others, learning socialization skills, practicing self-regulatory skills such as taking turns, expanding vocabulary through the give-and-take of conversation, and the list goes on and on. In addition, there is much research to support socialization in the first 5 to 6 years. The most compelling is Lev Vygotsky’s which found that all learning is social. In other words, young children learn best through interaction with others, not on a device or app. Skills and activities the apps are purported to teach can easily be learned through play- naturally.
My other concern is that many of the apps and games are developmentally inappropriate and parents may not be aware of this. For example, teaching handwriting to a 3 year old is not a good idea, as their fine motor skills are not developed yet and they may learn bad habits that are difficult to “unlearn” later. Or teaching the letters of the alphabet prior to teaching most of the initial sounds can potentially lead to confusion when learning to read later. Interaction between parent and child is much more desirable than any technology.
jacki w says
Fisher price laugh and learn
Shawnee says
We LOVE Endless ABC!
alexis says
We love the Daniel Tiger apps
Aleesha Grimmett says
My now 3yr old loves ALL of the Endless apps. Yes, you pay for them, but you get what you pay for. He can read and point out several words from the usage of Endless ABC. We also enjoy most if not all of the Sago mini apps. He discovers so many new things with the characters. My most favorite of apps we recently put on the ipad is called Bird Houses by Duckie Deck. He picks a tree, the shape of the bird house and designs it how he chooses.
Tammy says
We like the 123 Tracing & Tally Tots apps.
Cassandra Boyd says
My favorite app for my little guy is the Endless ABC. My guy loves the monsters and I love the vocabulary words!
Kim says
My son loves Barney cookie making and all Nic Jr. Apps!!!
Katie says
My kids love the Dr panda games
Pam says
I love finding great apps to use with my class of preschool special needs students. Thanks for the recommendations!
kristy says
https://twitter.com/bebeeluv/status/542168881616273409
kristy says
We have never tried any apps. No device that uses them :(
Birdiebee says
My favorite app for preschoolers is the Motion Sport App to get young kids moving.
Birdiebee says
Tweeted.
https://twitter.com/birdiebee52/status/542167456295301121
elizabeth r says
I like Todo Math
Stacy (oursafehaven) says
We like Preschool Edupaint.
Julie says
tweeted
https://twitter.com/hbgarden/status/542157600666574848
Julie says
we love the math and reading apps.. My daughter loves math.
steve weber says
favorite app would be paw patrol..
Tabathia B says
tweet https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/542100492973658112
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Tabathia B says
One of my favorites is critter math
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Vikki Billings says
I like the reading and phonics apps.
Jane H says
Animal Hide & Seek seems like the most fun. Thanks for the chance to win it.
jeremy mclaughlin says
Love the ABC apps.
Thomas Murphy says
https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/542020310292107264
Thomas Murphy says
We like reading apps.
Amanda Sakovitz says
tweet
https://twitter.com/aes529/status/542014223308832770
Amanda Sakovitz says
I think numbers and letter games are super important.
melissa Resnick says
love apps that have the ABC
Richard Hicks says
https://twitter.com/ardy22/status/541987541331628032
Richard Hicks says
I like anything educational, but the science and math apps are the best
tina reynolds says
https://twitter.com/eaglesforjack/status/541975785834180609
tina reynolds says
My kiddos like toca bocca and paw patrol
Karen Drake says
My favorite apps would be reading and phonics, my granddaughter is just now learning to read and those would be the best for her.
Betty C says
Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/541890311908126720
Betty C says
I don’t have any young children so I’m not familiar with the apps. I’d like to get this for my granddaughter so she can help her little girl learn more.
Wanda McHenry says
https://twitter.com/myfolly/status/541885748429869056
Wanda McHenry says
I find that the apps to broaden their math skills are most helpful.
Nicole Millheim says
I love apps that have the ABCs in them
Alison L. says
I like the cut the rope game.
Erinn S says
This would allow my son to stay off my tablet :-)
Ellie Wright says
tweeted
https://twitter.com/eswright18/status/541733736178401280
Ellie Wright says
My grandson learned a lot from ABC Mouse. He learns best when there are characters he recognizes involved.
Stephanie Larison says
My daughter likes playing ABCMouse
Kim H says
My favorite part is the body motion! The kids would love this!! [email protected]
Ed says
We heart KidsDoodle!
Dawn Monroe says
I like Kids Academy and Nick Jr.
Melissa L. says
I can’t recall the name of it, but I like a puzzle app my daughter plays. She really enjoys it. Thanks for the great giveaway!
Deb Jackson says
https://twitter.com/devyjackson/status/541602526538117122
Deb Jackson says
They have strawberry shortcake apps.
Tim A says
My son loves ABC Mouse but there are others that he likes to use I am not as familiar with. ABC Mouse is his favorite though.
Lisa V. says
Not really sure what apps my grandchild has, but I’m sure she has a Dora learning game.
tara says
I would love to win this for my son it would really prepare him for preschool thaynk good luck all
Mary B says
KidsDoodle is great for kid’s imagination and creativity.
gina says
https://twitter.com/yummyfaerie/status/541445885968674816
gina says
We love Dr. Panda apps and Abc Mouse.
erica best says
https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/541425560258613248
Erica B. says
I like the picture/flash card games.
erica best says
the one i found that my nephew loves it first grade learning game
Daniel M says
we don’ t own anything that uses apps yet (yeah no smartphone or tablets here)
Delila says
We love abc mouse and bugs&numbers.
Kathy Pease says
https://twitter.com/klp1965/status/541342707344355328
Kathy Pease says
I like any alphabet and learning number apps
Brandi Elam says
We’ve used pbs kids and abc mouse.
Allie says
I like ABC Mouse
Denise C says
We don’t have any favorite apps yet, but I’d love to have a device for my kids to explore them!
Angela Saver says
I tweeted.
[email protected]
Angela Saver says
Our favorite app is ABC Mouse! Thanks for the chance!
[email protected]
margaret peg m says
hi, here is the link to my tweet….https://twitter.com/58mpeg/status/541106890298916865
margaret peg m says
hi, my daughter uses the computer for her 2 girls, ages 2 & 4 and the 4 yr old is a master on the computer. i’m not sure which apps or sites she uses, but this tablet would be a wonderful gift for them!
devin m says
I’m excited because this would be a great way for my kids to have fun on long, snowy days, long trips in the car, or waiting at the dreaded doctors office! :)
Shanna says
I love the apps that teach counting, colors, etc.
Kimberley Meier says
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/MRSMEIER5627/status/540726622773465088
Kimberley Meier says
My son loves Cut the Rope 2!
Kerry says
tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/540680369230446592
Kerry says
My friend recommended EduPaint.
Leah Shumack says
Find It Match It is our favorite app to use with the little ones!
Ashley S. says
Tweeted! https://twitter.com/smash906/status/540342613552168960
Ashley S. says
We don’t have any apps but we use ABCmouse.com on the computer
Becky VanGinkel says
I Tweeted using #SweepstakesEntry here: https://twitter.com/bearyfunscrap/status/539675012106420224
[email protected]
Becky VanGinkel says
This tablet seems sooo awesome!! I’d love to win it for our 4 year old daughter June who started 4K this year. I know she would especially love the interactive games where she moves too because she is SOOOO energetic! lol Thank you so much for the chance :)
[email protected]
Denise B. says
I like that it already comes with all of those games and apps.
mickeyfan says
My grandkids also like A Bee Sees.
Vickie Marks Allbright says
i like the interactive apps best they keep your child exercising without knowing
Tabitha says
we like fruit ninja.
hands and eyes must work together.
nickie says
Robot lab is awesome.
Dwayne Berry says
I’d love to win this for my daughter so she’d leave my iPad alone!
Gina M says
tweet–https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/538946488949563392
Gina M says
My son loves the ABC Mouse app!
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 AT gmail DOT com
Emily R. says
We love Reading Eggs app!
Debbie B says
i posted a tweet here:
https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/538912076840706049
Debbie B says
i’m not familiar with any learning apps in particular but an app that is interactive and involves learning would be great for kids!
Shannon says
My son loves playing Sight Word Ninja! This would be great!!
Denise S says
I like early math and reading apps for preschoolers.
Shannon Bafas says
Ones that teaches letter sounds.
Katherine says
https://twitter.com/mkjmc/status/538407565713874944
Katherine says
Recognizing letters and simple math and counting
Luisa Beckman says
I love using IXL for my first grader. It seems so much easier to use on a tablet vs. a desktop. My 2 year old plays on the Sprout app. He loves it!
sherri crawford says
i have seen the kids playing fruit ninja which teaches hand eye coordination i suppose
ANGEL JACKLYN says
THEY LIKE ANYTHING INTERACTIVE… WHO KNOWS THE FAVORITE THESE DAYS LOL
ANGEL JACKLYN says
https://twitter.com/kytah00/status/538213913943236608
Eva Biggs says
Well my sons favorite learning site is abcya. Not sure what app would be my fave.
Christine V says
Both of my 3year olds love Kids ABC Trains and Zoodles
amber whitehead says
My son has a pirate phonics app he really loves. Not sure of the name though.
Heather Tarver says
tweeted! https://twitter.com/ArtsyMamaandBB/status/537395275766050816
Heather Tarver says
My daughter loves Toddler Games, its a free app that has different puzzles. She solves them fairly quickly but loves to do them over and over.
ashley kirchner says
Robot lab is awesome
Piper S says
I love second language learning apps like duolingo.
Jessica says
I tweeted
https://twitter.com/jjak2003/status/536770944451092480
Jessica says
We haven’t tried any apps yet, but I think my daughter would love Phonics Animals and Motion Sports.
fancygrlnancy says
tweet https://twitter.com/fancygrlnancy/status/536757940657860609
fancygrlnancy says
My son uses the Phonogram sounds app lots for school.
Alena says
My kids love the curious george on the town app.
wen budro says
https://twitter.com/wendybudrow/status/536690320923054081
wen budro says
My favorite learning app is Robot Lab….super cute.
Kristin Goodson says
My favorite apps are animatch, Berenstein Bears give thanks, and the joy of reading.
Janice Cooper says
https://twitter.com/disneyfan40/status/536555400586203136
Janice Cooper says
My favorite learning app s ABC Pocket Phonics
allyson tice says
I tweeted! https://twitter.com/sunflower101398/status/536335033758658560
allyson tice says
My favortie kid apps are Balloony Word, The Magic School Bus: Oceans by Scholastic, and Fish School HD!
Maria B says
I like leapfrog apps.
Nancy says
My favorite app for preschoolers is ABC 123 Bright Start.
Deb Jackson says
We like the Yo Gabba and Strawberry Shortcake apps best
mrsrodjac3 at gmail.com
Sarah Cool says
We love the Yo Gabba Gabba apps!
jennifer says
abc mouse
Holly L says
My kids love one that is a Learning Train that says words on the train and then the child traces and repeat the spelling of each word
Holly L says
https://twitter.com/hollydlteacher/status/534923617977393152
Sarah Yurga says
My daughter has several Yo Gabba Gabba apps on her dad’s kindle that she loves
Kelly says
One of our favorite educational apps for our two-yr old is Endless Alphabet. It works on his puzzle skills, helps him identify the letters, helps him learn the sounds the letters make, helps him to see that letters and their sounds make up words, and help him learn new words and what they mean! It is AWESOME!!
Katy says
We love Wet Dry Try for learning to write letters.
Melissa M says
https://twitter.com/618mom23boys/status/534507901721645056
Melissa M says
I love anything educational.
latanya says
https://twitter.com/sweetums82/status/534497468604358656
latanya says
my son likes G’s kitchen app
Rebecca Graham says
Animatch matching game is a good learning app for preschoolers.
Lesley B says
Can’t wait to check this out. I have been anti technology for my preschooler but am beginning to want to introduce him to it and this looks like a great tool for learning.
Aftin says
That tablet sounds great!
renae burks says
starfall.com
D Schmidt says
My favorite app is Reading eggs
Kathy Anderson says
I like ABCY.com
sarah buki says
my son loves rocket speller and thomas the train apps.
Nichole says
I love apps that teach math. Math can be a challenging subject and I want my kids to have as many learning options as possible. Thank you!
Erika says
Content filtering and screen time limits- they should be on adult’s technology, too! :)
chambanachik(at)gmail(dot)com
BusyWorkingMama says
My 7 year old daughter recently discovered Word Chums. You play scrabble with “friends” you know or just others playing it.
Kathleen Richardson says
https://twitter.com/Sparklezstars/status/533449519665786880
Kathleen Richardson says
My son loves playing games like Minecraft and Angry Birds. My daughter enjoys learning games and art games.
Nicole says
Shared on Twitter: https://twitter.com/lil_lady_dz/status/533414209879412736
Nicole says
My favorite learning apps for preschoolers is Animatch & the wheels on the bus. Great apps that my kids love.
jennifer says
Awesome giveaway! My son would go nuts over this!!! We don’t currently have any favorite apps, as we don’t have anything like this YET!
Deanna Middendorf says
Wow!! Wonderful giveaway, thanks for the possibility of winning something so great. I am a former preschool teacher that retired early due to the need to raise my little grandson. I am minus that income now so I really need this type of thing in my home. I love the fact that it actually gets them up and moving as well. Once again, thank you so much for this opportunity.
Deanna Middendorf says
https://twitter.com/tedricotink/status/533395542551040000
Bobbie Smith says
Here is the link to my tweet: https://twitter.com/spiceyroad/status/533373014256017409
Bobbie Smith says
My granddaughter doesn’t have anything like this, she is 4 years old, but I think she would really like the Touch and Learn.
Carla says
I have to say I haven’t really started my 3 year old on any apps yet, so I don’t have a favorite. I’d like to get going on this, though!
Candice says
They love any learning apps
heather says
Bugs and Buttons is our favorite learning app.
Jenn says
Apps my daughter(4 year old) likes are angry birds, panda pop, little match-ups, and kids math.
angela w. says
What are your favorite learning apps for preschoolers? – my toddler loves endless numbers.
angela w. says
tweeted – https://twitter.com/mykatjimwinner/status/533076327528931328
jitterbug says
I entered on Twitter, here’s the URL: https://twitter.com/cardboardbitch/status/533019015455588353
Thank you for the opportunity!