Free PBS Kids Apps for Preschoolers and School-agers

Was one of your resolutions for 2013 to get your mobile app library in order? Or better yet, to focus on finding better quality apps? In a recent survey of parents of kids 2-10, parents reported that the number one factor for selecting an app was the educational quality.

To help parents and kids start the 2013 year off right, PBS KIDS has compiled a list of some of the best FREE and educational apps available to kids. Not only are they learning tools, but they are also fun, engaging and feature some of their favorite PBS KIDS characters. Here’s a look at what should be in everyone’s 2013 App Library….

Free PBS Kids Apps for Preschoolers and School-agers

Fizzys Lunch Lab Fresh Pick: Search for the Next Lunch Labber

Professor Fizzy is holding a competition to see who has what it take to be the next Lunch Labber!

Kids put math and problem solving skills to the test while navigating their way through the grocery store, coming up with the right amount of change in the check-out line, and successfully serving food to a room full of hungry customers.  For iPad, Kindle Tablet and Nook Tablet for kids ages 6 – 8.

PBS Kids Video App

Watch videos from your favorite PBS KIDS television series anytime, anywhere (in the USA). “PBS KIDS Video” features more than 1,000 videos from over a dozen top PBS KIDS and PBS KIDS GO! television series, including Curious George, The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That, Dinosaur Train, SUPER WHY!, Sesame Street and Wild Kratts. For iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch for kids ages 3-6.

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood

“Play at home with Daniel” Playing is learning as kids explore bedtime, bath time ad play pretend doctor at Daniel’s house. For iOS and Android devices, Kindle Tablet and Nook Tablet for kids ages 2+.

Fetch! Lunch Rush

FETCH! Lunch Rush is PBS KIDS’ first mobile app featuring Augmented Reality technology – a term for blending the virtual and real world into a truly engaging experience.  The app will teach kids ages 6 to 8 math skills while blending a virtual world right on top of the real one. The multi-player app is designed as a 3-D game, which helps kids visualize the math problems they are trying to solve.

In the app, Ruff Ruffman is making a movie and needs kids to help him to keep up with lunch orders from the movie’s crew. The challenge is keeping track of how many pieces of sushi everyone wants using augmented reality “markers” or printable hand-outs that prompt ac  tivity within the mobile app.  For iPhone and iPod Touch.

 SUPER WHY! ABC Adventures: Alphabet

Named one of the Top 25 iPad Apps for kids by TIME.com, kids can play five literacy games while mastering the alphabet. On iOS devices for ages 3+.

Electric Company Wordball

“Wordball” aims to help players 5 & up increase their ability to manipulate sounds in spoken words and then map those words to print. Discover the wonders of the silent E, the hard and soft sounds of C (as in “cat” and “ace”), the transforming powers of the letter H (the sounds ch, sh, th), and much more!

Players look out for wordballs and catch them if they can as they groove to 9 game-enhanced music videos starring Ne-Yo, Jimmy Fallon, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and their favorite characters from The Electric Company. For iPhone and iPod Touch.

DINOSAUR TRAIN “Mesozoic Math Adventures”

Kids develop math skills and explore life sciences, vocabulary and concepts alongside Buddy, Tiny and Don. For iPad, Nook Tablet, Kindle Tablet for kids ages 3+.

Martha Speaks Word Spinner

Up to four players can join in the fun, with six interactive mini-games that both kids and parents can enjoy together while building storytelling and vocabulary skills. For iPad for kids ages 4+.

Cyberchase 3D Builder

Kids can help rebuild a town turning 2D shapes into 3D structures while developing spatial and reasoning skills. For iPad for kids ages 6+.

App Selection and Use Tips:

1. Keep it Fresh:

A good app is the perfect combination of education and entertainment, and should be appropriate for your child’s age and stage of development. Kids are most engaged when the features in an app address as many senses as possible and when these features offer variations on a theme, and are not too repetitive. Keep in mind your child’s age and skill set and choose games that present the right amount of challenge without becoming frustrating.

2. Safety First:

Parenting today includes teaching kids how to use digital media responsibly. Help children recognize the difference between information worth sharing and private information. There are many ways you can share your ideas and creativity online, but personal information should remain private.

3. Avoid apps that try to sell:

A six- or seven-year-old can’t be expected to distinguish between an entertaining game and advertising.  Select apps from trusted, reliable sources, and make sure that they are not trying to market to your child.

4. Play Together:

56% of surveyed parents reported that they co-play mobile apps with their children “often” or “sometimes”. This is a great habit to start early in a child’s exposure to media. Talking with kids about the game or activity as you play offers both the opportunity to bond as a family and also identify teachable moments.

5. Set limits:

As with any new toy, parents should set expectations and limitations with their kids. Enjoying downloadable apps and games should be balanced with other offline activities and play.

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. I’m passing along information I received from PBS because I love and use these apps with my kids.