While learning can, and often still does, look like a student sitting and learning during a set time, in a set space, and doing a set activity such as reading and writing, learning can also look quite different from the traditional model of education. In fact, one of the main reasons why families choose to home educate is so that learning does look different.
One of the best and easiest ways that we can do that is to incorporate educational apps into our homeschool experience. Not all apps are ad-loaded mindless time wasters. Many are thoughtful, safe zones for children to create and learn. For example, Project Aqua (available on iPhone or iPad) was made by a mom for her own daughter. With it, kids ages 5-12 can bring pictures to life and play with art — all in an ad-free environment. It’s from Adobe, so I imagine it has the potential to ease children into the powerful Adobe suite of graphic and video design tools, laying a foundation for essential skills and possibly a career in design.
Can an app like Project Aqua ever replace glitter pens, glue, scissors, fabric, or other hands-on creative supplies? Of course not! But imagine how Project Aqua could satisfy the creative urges while on a cross country flight or in a doctor’s waiting room where craft supplies are not appropriate or convenient. It includes tutorials, art games, fashion design, 3D art, as well as the standards like coloring and tracing.
60+ Educational Apps by Subject
I’ve searched the web to find more than 60 apps that you can utilize to help your kids learn, digitally. Below they are organized by topic, and by type.
Apps for Teachers
Android
Apps for Pre-School
Apps for Math
Apps for Science
Apps for Reading
Kindle
Apps for Writing
Apps for History & Geography
iTunes
Apps for the Arts
Android
Apps for Foreign Language
Sometimes, homeschooling can seem impossible when life matters get in the way of school matters. Driving all over town for various activities can wreak havoc on the lesson plans. With educational apps, you can utilize digital study resources in fun, kid-friendly ways to fill in gaps, save time, or enhance learning. What’s even better, the kids will be having so much fun, they won’t even realize that they are learning.
Renée Brown is a homeschooling mom to her advanced learning son, blogger, author, and she works online as a virtual assistant. She writes regularly on her blog about homeschooling an only child gifted learner, home and family life, developing and strengthening Christian marriages, and encouragement for living a Christian life.
