Are you wondering if screen time can actually be learning time for your preschooler? Many parents share concerns about kids using electronic devices, and it’s wise to be mindful of overuse. However, when used thoughtfully, iPads can be fantastic educational tools. The key is choosing the right apps! For my daughter, Pooky, who is just turning three, the iPad has become a fun way to learn with engaging, educational apps. We’ve explored numerous free options over the last few months, and I’m excited to share our favorite learning iPad apps for pre-k, perfect for your little one too.
Here are Pooky’s tried-and-true favorite free educational apps for the iPad, each designed to make learning fun and accessible for preschoolers.
Engaging Free Educational Apps for Pre-K on iPad
Shapes by Toddler Teasers
“Shapes by Toddler Teasers” is a fantastic app for introducing basic shapes to young children. It uses various interactive formats to help kids recognize and learn circles, squares, triangles, and more. The app also incorporates short, engaging stories that illustrate how shapes are present in our everyday environment, making abstract concepts relatable for preschoolers. This app is a great starting point for early geometry concepts.
Shapes with Sammy & Eve by BabyFirst
“Shapes with Sammy and Eve” is another excellent learning iPad app focusing on shapes, but with an added benefit. This app from BabyFirst encourages kids to practice their fine motor skills. Children drag and drop different shapes into puzzle outlines to create pictures of familiar objects. This interactive approach not only reinforces shape recognition but also provides a fun exercise for developing dexterity and hand-eye coordination, crucial skills for preschoolers.
Monkey Preschool Lunchbox
“Monkey Preschool Lunchbox” has been a long-time favorite in our house. While I initially found the monkey’s voice a bit grating, its educational value is undeniable, and Pooky absolutely loves it. This app is designed to grow with your child. When Pooky started using it around age two, some activities were challenging, but now, as she approaches three, she has mastered most of the skills. “Monkey Preschool Lunchbox” covers a broad range of pre-k concepts, including shapes, colors, matching, size comparison (large vs. small), counting, and even introduces initial consonant sounds. It’s a comprehensive learning app for iPad that keeps preschoolers engaged and learning across various fundamental areas.
Dr. Seuss’s ABC
For alphabet exploration, “Dr. Seuss’s ABC” is a winner. This app transforms the classic Dr. Seuss book into an interactive learning experience. Preschoolers can engage with the familiar characters and rhymes to become better acquainted with the alphabet and letter sounds. The playful and engaging nature of Dr. Seuss makes learning letters a joyful adventure. You can also find other free Dr. Seuss classics in the App Store, expanding your child’s literary and learning iPad app collection.
PBS Parents Play and Learn
“PBS Parents Play and Learn” is a newer app for Pooky, but it’s quickly becoming a favorite as it’s packed with pre-k learning skills. This app covers essential concepts such as location words (in, out, under, etc.), sorting, counting, and categorizing. Developed by PBS, known for its educational content, this app offers a wide range of activities that are both educational and entertaining, making it a valuable addition to your learning iPad for pre-k app library.
Paid Educational Content Worth Considering
While there are fantastic free apps, we’ve also found value in purchasing certain educational content for the iPad.
Purchasing episodes of TV shows through PBS Kids has been a great investment. Pooky particularly enjoys “Daniel Tiger” (inspired by Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood) and “Super Why.” These shows are incredibly educational, covering both academic concepts and crucial social skills like sharing and patience, which can be challenging for preschoolers. Having these shows on the iPad is perfect for entertainment during travel, like road trips or flights. The episodes we’ve purchased have been watched repeatedly over months, proving their lasting value and making them a worthwhile addition to iPad learning for pre-k.
Lastly, for families interested in bilingualism, Busuu Kids is an app worth considering. We are raising Pooky to be bilingual, so we purchased the full version of Busuu Kids (at $9.99) after finding the free version too limited. This app focuses on teaching basic Spanish and features authentic pronunciation. It’s been wonderful to hear Pooky repeat Spanish words as she plays, making language learning interactive and fun. While it may not be for everyone, for families wanting to introduce a second language, Busuu Kids is a valuable iPad learning resource.
This is just a glimpse into the vast world of educational apps available. What learning iPad apps do your preschoolers enjoy? Share your recommendations in the comments below! For more app ideas and resources for tech-savvy kids, check out my Tech Savvy Kids board on Pinterest.
