Top Learning Apps for 8 to 12-Year-olds

Description: Duolingo is an effective microlearning, language-learning app offering more than 30 languages for kids to explore. Through its series of bite-sized lessons, kids experience the joy of learning a new language at their own pace, making the language-learning process accessible and enjoyable.

Editor’s Top Tips: Duolingo offers an effective way for kids to learn and practice new languages. It offers quick and focused 10-15 minute learning sessions.

Cost: Free

Awards won: iPhone App of the Year, The world's most downloaded educational app, Crunchies Best Education Startup

Subject: Language

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Description: The National Science Foundation presents a comprehensive educational app that explores a wide range of scientific topics, including biology, chemistry, robotics, and engineering. Utilizing videos and scientific explanations, it offers an engaging learning experience for kids and adults alike.

Editor’s Top Tips: Kids get to discover and learn different topics in science, including biology, chemistry, robotics, and engineering. The app may take a bit of time to load due to its vast content, but every video and scientific explanation is educational and provides kids with an exciting opportunity to explore the world around them.

Cost: Free

Awards won: The Best Mobile App Awards Gold award

Subject: Science

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Description: Monster Physics challenges kids to use problem-solving skills by using building materials to create movement and direction. Designed to be engaging and educational, this app requires children to be able to read the instructions, encouraging them to develop their literacy skills while having fun with physics.

Editor’s Top Tips: Kids learn to follow clear and concise instructions. They learn to understand objectives and goals at each game level. Increased difficulty at each level means Monster Physics is suitable for both younger and older kids.

Device: iPhone, iPad

Cost: $1.99

Awards won: Children's Technology Review, Editor's Choice Award

Subject: Physics

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Description: Kids can challenge themselves with a classic puzzle game featuring a variety of intricate physical puzzle rooms that must be solved in order to advance to the next level.

Editor’s Top Tips:  This game does incorporate elements of horror. It is designed for mature kids who can handle it without being frightened.

Cost: $1.99

Awards won: Apple's Best of 2013 Awards, nominated for BAFTA 2014, PocketGamer iOS Game of the Year, CNET Editor's Choice

Subject: Puzzle

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Description: Kids can explore the world of app development with Swift, the powerful programming language developed by Apple. From building the hottest apps in the App Store to crafting their own innovative ideas, this app helps kids to master the art of Swift coding. 

Editor’s Top Tips: Swift Playgrounds allows kids to develop their own apps and share them with the world. Available in multiple languages, this platform empowers kids to create innovative apps with ease, regardless of their location or language. Once their app is ready, kids can share it on the App Store and showcase their talent to a global audience.

Device: iPad

Cost: Free

Subject: Coding, Programming

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Description: With Simply Piano, young musicians can master the fundamentals of playing the piano through clear and concise instructions and illustrations available on the app. Enjoy a seamless learning experience that guides kids through every step of the way.

Editor’s Top Tips: Kids can discover an effortless method to learn to play the piano with this simple, and user-friendly app. While younger children can easily follow along, the app is particularly suited for older kids (10+) who are more disciplined in their practice.

Cost: $149.99/year

Awards won: Apple's Editor's Choice Award, Parents' Choice Award, Best App from Google Play

Subject: Piano

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