When we first started to get tablets in the classroom I struggled to find the best iPad Apps for kindergarten. They had to be engaging and fun, but they also needed to be done independently. I was also looking for apps that had a lot of academic content that was gamified for student interest.
Today I’m going to share with you my favorite iPad apps for a wide range of subjects. I often have parents ask me what apps they can use with their children to practice a particular skill. I’ll also share a letter you can send home to parents listing these resources!
Apps for Beginning Reading Skills
When it comes to laying the foundation for literacy, “Starfall Learn to Read” stands out as a star performer. With captivating animations and engaging activities, this iPad app for kindergarten takes our little ones on a phonetic adventure. From introducing basic letter sounds to blending them into simple words, Starfall ensures that learning to read becomes a joyful experience. The colorful visuals and interactive games make it a favorite among kindergarteners and a valuable asset for teachers aiming to ignite the spark of literacy in their classrooms. Here are some other beginning reading apps I love:
- Reading Raven 1 & 2
- Howie Hungry Monster
- Starfall
- BOB Books
- ABC Mouse
- Teach Your Monster to Read
- Epic
- Lexia
- Raz Kids
- Smarty Ants
- Duoling ABC
iPad Apps for Kindergarten Letter Sounds
For mastering letter sounds in a fun and interactive way, “Gappy Learns Reading” is a top choice. This app offers a comprehensive platform for learning letter sounds in a game-like setting. The interactive nature of Gappy Learns Reading keeps our young learners actively engaged as they explore the world of phonics. With its focus on letter-sound isolation in words, this app is perfect for building letter-sound recognition and beginning reading skills.
Apps for High-Frequency Words
Helping kindergarten students build a solid foundation in high-frequency words is a breeze with Eggy Phonics. This app turns the process of learning sight words into a playful adventure, combining games and flashcards to reinforce word recognition. The gradual progression of difficulty levels caters to individual learning paces, making it an excellent resource for differentiation in the classroom. As our students master these essential words, their confidence in reading and comprehension will soar.
iPad Apps for Kindergarten Letter Recognition
To make letter recognition a delightful experience, Letter School takes center stage. This iPad app for kindergarten focuses on letter formation in a fun and engaging way. They provide letter practice both individually and within a word and offer options for both D’Nealian and Zaner Bloser.
Apps to Improve Math Skills
For honing math skills in our budding mathematicians, “Splash Math” offers a comprehensive curriculum aligned with kindergarten standards. The app covers various math concepts, from counting to basic addition and subtraction, through engaging games and interactive activities. The adaptive learning approach ensures that each student progresses at their own pace, providing targeted practice to reinforce mathematical concepts. With Splash Math, our kindergarteners can dive into the world of numbers with enthusiasm and confidence.
- Eggy Add to 20
- Bugs and Buttons 1 & 2
- Bugs and Bubbles
- Monkey Math School Sunshine
- Bugs and Numbers
- Counting Caterpillar
- Gazzili Shapes
- Gazzili Math
- Eggy Number 1-10
- Eggy Numbers to 100
- Moose Math
- Splash Math
- Rocket Math
- Boddle
iPad Apps for Kindergarten Science Skills:
Code Spark Academy is a fantastic app designed to introduce kindergarten students to the world of coding playfully and interactively. With its user-friendly interface, vibrant graphics, and engaging challenges, Code Spark Academy makes learning to code an exciting adventure for our young tech enthusiasts. The app employs age-appropriate games and puzzles to teach fundamental coding concepts, fostering problem-solving skills and computational thinking. As our kindergarteners embark on coding adventures with characters and stories, they not only grasp the basics of programming but also develop a love for the limitless possibilities of technology.
iPad Apps for Overall Kindergarten Skills
To promote holistic development in our students, “Khan Academy Kids” emerges as a remarkable tool. This app covers a wide range of subjects, including math, language arts, and social-emotional learning. With its adaptive learning activities, Khan Academy Kids tailors content to individual needs, ensuring that each child receives a personalized and enriching educational experience. As teachers, we can track students’ progress and provide targeted support, making this app an invaluable ally in fostering overall kindergarten skills.
Many of these apps offer a lite version so that you can test them out. Some of the lite versions are all you need to help a student review a skill. Other apps will require a complete purchase to fully utilize the program.
If you are looking for an alternative digital tool for your students to use, Boom Cards might be your answer! Boom Cards present a dynamic and interactive alternative to traditional iPad apps for kindergarten, offering a versatile platform for engaging kindergarten students in various subjects.
These digital, self-checking task cards are easily accessible on computers, tablets, and interactive whiteboards, providing flexibility in learning environments. With their user-friendly interface, Boom Cards offer a seamless and intuitive experience for both teachers and students.
The real-time feedback feature allows educators to track individual progress, providing valuable insights for personalized instruction. Additionally, Boom Cards offer a wide array of subjects, from literacy to math, making them a comprehensive tool for reinforcing essential skills. As an excellent alternative to iPad apps, Boom Cards promote active learning, individualized pacing, and an innovative approach to education in the kindergarten classroom. Check out my wide array of Boom Cards decks!
Incorporating these iPad apps into our kindergarten classrooms can transform learning into an exciting adventure for our little ones. From building foundational reading and math skills to nurturing their curiosity in science, these apps cater to the diverse needs of our students. Embrace the possibilities that technology offers, and watch as our kindergarteners embark on a journey of discovery, growth, and joyful learning. Here’s to creating a bright future for our young learners!
For a free copy of the letter home to parents just fill out the info below:
I hope you find this list useful. I am always on the lookout for new, amazing apps, so please share if you have any to add to the list.
Want to learn about some other great apps for the classroom? Check out the posts below: