Top Educational Apps for Kids: Boost Speech & Language Development by Age

In today’s tech-driven world, screens are a constant presence. As a speech-language pathologist, I believe that instead of shying away from technology, we can harness its potential to cultivate speech and language skills in children of all ages. By carefully selecting high-quality educational apps for kids and engaging in interactive co-viewing, parents and caregivers can transform screen time into valuable learning opportunities. This article will guide you through age-appropriate app recommendations and practical strategies for making screen time interactive, from toddlerhood to early elementary years.

The Foundation of Educational Apps for Kids: Interactive Co-Viewing Across All Stages

No matter how old your child is, the best way to make educational apps really work is to jump in and play with them! Think of yourself as their language helper, showing them what’s happening on the screen and linking it to things they see and do every day. This kind of hands-on interaction turns screen time into a great way for them to learn and talk. On the flip side, if kids just watch screens by themselves, they miss out on chances to practice talking and interacting with others. Learning language is all about conversations, asking questions, and understanding how things fit into the real world – things they won’t get from just watching. Without your help, screen time can actually slow down their language development, making it harder for them to use new words and understand how they fit into real life. So, while apps can be super helpful, it’s your active involvement that makes them a tool for building language, not a roadblock.

Toddler Tales: Building Vocabulary and Early Communication (18-36 Months)

At this stage, focus on apps that emphasize vocabulary development, simple sentence structures, and early communication skills. Look for apps with bright visuals, engaging sounds, and interactive elements that encourage exploration.

Recommended Apps:

• First Words Animals: This app uses vibrant images and animal sounds to introduce first words. Its simple interface and engaging content make it ideal for toddlers.
  • Interactive Script:
    • Scene: A picture of a cat appears, accompanied by a “meow” sound.
    • Parent: “Look! What animal is that? It’s a cat! Can you say ‘cat’? The cat says ‘meow’! What does the cat say?”
    • Step-by-Step:
      1. Point to the animal and name it clearly.
      2. Encourage the child to imitate the animal sound and the word.
      3. Relate the animal to real-life experiences (e.g., “We saw a cat outside yesterday!”).
• Sago Mini World: This collection of apps offers playful and interactive experiences that promote vocabulary development and imaginative play.
  • Interactive Script:
    • Scene: A character is playing with a toy car.
    • Parent: “Oh look! The car is going fast! Vroom! Where is the car going? Look, the car is red! What color is the car?”
    • Step by step:
      1. Describe the action and objects in the scene.
      2. Ask open-ended questions to encourage conversation.
      3. Use sound effects to enhance engagement.

Preschool Power: Expanding Language and Social Skills (3-5 Years)

As children enter preschool, apps can help them develop more complex language skills, including sentence structure, storytelling, and social communication. Look for apps that encourage imaginative play and interactive storytelling.

Recommended Apps:

• Daniel Tiger’s Storybooks: Based on the popular children’s show, this app features interactive storybooks that promote social-emotional learning and vocabulary development.
  • Interactive Script:
    • Scene: Daniel shares his toy with a friend.
    • Parent: “Look, Daniel is sharing his toy. How does Daniel’s friend feel? Why is sharing important? Have you ever shared your toys?”
    • Step by step:
      1. Read the story together, pausing to point out key social interactions.
      2. Ask questions about the characters’ feelings and actions.
      3. Relate the story to the child’s own experiences with sharing.
• Khan Academy Kids: This app offers a comprehensive curriculum, including language arts, math, and social-emotional development. It features engaging characters and interactive activities.
  • Interactive Script:
    • Scene: A character is telling a story.
    • Parent: “What is the character telling us? What is happening in the story? What will happen next? Can you tell me your own story?”
    • Step by step:
      1. Encourage the child to retell the story in their own words.
      2. Ask questions to promote critical thinking and comprehension.
      3. Encourage the child to create their own stories.

Early Elementary Excellence: Building Literacy and Language Comprehension (6-8 Years)

In early elementary school, educational apps for kids can reinforce literacy skills, expand vocabulary, and enhance language comprehension. Look for apps that incorporate reading, writing, and interactive storytelling.

Recommended Apps:

• Endless Alphabet: This app introduces letter sounds and vocabulary through interactive puzzles and playful animations. It is particularly helpful for children developing phonological awareness.
  • Interactive Script:
    • Scene: The word “monster” appears, and the letters are rearranged.
    • Parent: “Let’s put the letters back together to make the word ‘monster’! What sound does the ‘m’ make? What other words start with ‘m’?”
    • Step by step:
      1. Help the child identify the letter sounds and blend them together.
      2. Encourage the child to use the word in a sentence.
      3. Brainstorm other words that start with the same letter.
• Epic!: This digital library offers a vast collection of ebooks and audiobooks for children of all ages. It provides opportunities for reading comprehension and vocabulary expansion.
  • Interactive Script:
    • Scenario: Reading a story about animals in the jungle.
    • Parent: “What animals live in the jungle? What are they doing? What new words did you learn? Can you retell the story in your own words?”
    • Step by step:
      1. Pause during reading to ask questions about the story.
      2. Encourage the child to make predictions about what will happen next.
      3. Discuss new vocabulary words and their meanings.

General Strategies for Interactive Educational Apps for Kids Use:

• Narrate and Describe: Talk about what you see on the screen, describing actions, objects, and characters.
• Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage your child to think critically and express their ideas. Try to avoid yes/no questions. 
• Expand on Child’s Utterances: Build on your child’s words and phrases to model proper grammar and sentence structure. Add a little more details to what your child provided.
• Connect to Real-World Experiences: Relate app content to your child’s daily life or past experiences.
• Use Sound Effects and Gestures: Enhance engagement with playful sounds and expressive gestures. This helps to make the interaction fun and more engaging. 
• Take Turns and Play Together: Make screen time a shared experience.
• Reinforce Learning: After using an app, engage in related activities to reinforce language concepts.
• Limit Screen Time: Set clear time limits and prioritize real-world interactions.

Creating a Balanced Digital Diet:

While educational apps for kids can be valuable tools, it’s crucial to maintain a balanced digital diet. Remember that real-world interactions, play, and reading are essential for optimal language development.

• Prioritize Face-to-Face Communication: Minimize distractions during conversations.
• Engage in Shared Reading: Read books aloud and discuss the stories.
• Encourage Imaginative Play: Provide opportunities for pretend play and storytelling.
• Limit Background Noise: Create a quiet environment for focused interaction.
• Be a Positive Role Model: Limit your own screen time to model healthy habits.

By thoughtfully selecting educational apps for kids and actively engaging with your child during screen time, you can transform technology into a powerful tool for fostering speech and language development at every stage.

For more information check out these resource:

MDS: The Power of Reading: How Shared Books Boost Your Child’s Language Development

First Words Bright Futures Facebook Page

First Words Bright Futures Instagram Page

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and suggestions. It is not intended as a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment from a certified Speech-Language Pathologist. If you have specific concerns about your child’s speech development, please consult with a qualified professional in your area.