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Nowadays, it’s virtually impossible to eradicate screen use completely from our kids’ everyday lives. So instead of trying to do that, let’s focus on making the best of that screen time.
That’s why we’ve done a little research and put together a few of the best apps that are not only entertaining for your children, but also beneficial for their young minds.
If you want to find out more about enhancing the home learning environment of the children at your nursery, check out our latest article on just that.
Age group: 2-5
Main EYFS area(s): Literacy, Maths
In a nutshell – This interactive, colourful app teaches kids to recognise shapes, numbers, colours and letters through a series of mini-games set in a bright, underwater wonderland.
Download it here:
Age group: 3-8
Main EYFS area(s): Literacy, Communication and Language
In a nutshell – A fun, forest-based adventure where kids get a chance to recognise, read and write over 300 sight words.
Download it here:
Age group: 2-6
Main EYFS area(s): Literacy
In a nutshell – Dr. Seuss’ classic turned into an interactive adventure, where users learn new vocabulary with tappable words. Encourage literacy skills with highlighted narration and more! Looking for more literacy activities? Head over to our article to find out about playful ways that make literacy development even more fun!
Download it here:
Age group: 3-6
Main EYFS area(s): Maths
In a nutshell – In Gracie and Friends City Skate, players skate through the city and jump when they see the right number groupings in order to collect items for a birthday party.
Psst, why not combine online learning with some of these creative maths activities?
Download it here:
Age group: 3-6
Main EYFS area(s): Maths, Literacy, Physical Development
In a nutshell – It seems like this app simply has it all. Explore over five thousands games, videos, worksheets and even a personalised learning plan, suitable for little ones across almost all age groups.
Download it here:
Age group: 2-5
Main EYFS area(s): Communication and Language, Physical Development
In a nutshell – This delightfully illustrated app lets kids develop their cognitive skills independently. They are let loose on a digital playground with numerous interactive features and mini-games each focused on things like attention and memory, sorting or visual-motor coordination.
Enough with the screen time? Make the real playground even more engaging with these playful outdoor activities!
Download it here:
Age group: 2-5
Main EYFS area(s): Expressive Arts & Design
In a nutshell – A real stunner. Color Band is a motion-controlled game where kids create artwork that comes to life as music plays when the little conductors wave their hands in front of the screen. We’re hooked.
Download it here:
iTunes
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Age group: 2-5
Main EYFS area(s): Maths
In a nutshell – Adorable monsters and animations bring an end to the dullness of learning number recognition, sequences and quantities.
Download it here:
Age group: 2-5
Main EYFS area(s): Maths
In a nutshell – A new spin on finger counting! The game recognises how many fingers are put down on the screen and displays corresponding drawings, allowing the little players to associate real numbers with the number of fingers they’ve put down.
Download it here:
Age group: 3-5
Main EYFS area(s): Literacy
In a nutshell – The app includes several uniquely drawn scenes with easy steps that make reading and spelling a fun experience! Great for first-time readers.
Download it here:
Age group: 3-7
Main EYFS area(s): Understanding the World, Literacy
In a nutshell – This lovely game lets young explorers discover oceans, their inhabitants and ecosystems as well as submarines and topic-specific vocabulary. How? Through a series of puzzles and free play of course.
Download it here:
Age group: 3-5
Main EYFS area(s): Literacy
In a nutshell – iWriteWorlds took the often tedious experience that is learning to write to a completely new level. Kids drag Mr. Crab with their fingers to collect the numbered balls and draw the letters at the same time. With its memorable artwork, it is an effective and entertaining learning practice.
Download it here:
Age group: 2-5
Main EYFS area(s): Maths, Physical Development
In a nutshell – This one’s all about Elmo and Abby exploring the numbers 1-20! The app includes several games focused on number recognition, simple counting and operations alongside classic Sesame Street video clips and illustrations. Parents get access to progress and general stats too.
Download it here:
Age group: 2-5
Main EYFS area(s): Literacy
In a nutshell – Cute monsters introduce the little ones to new vocabulary and their definitions with captivating puzzle games and charming animations.
Download it here:
Age group: 2-5
Main EYFS area(s): Maths, Literacy, Physical Development
In a nutshell – Wheels on the Bus is an activity centre filled with educational games ranging from sing-alongs and car races to memory matching and tiny trains full of vocabulary.
Download it here:
Guidance from the Danish Health Ministry, translated in full to English.
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The full recommendations from a working group of over 70 nursery chains in the UK.
Please note: here at Famly we love sharing creative activities for you to try with the children at your setting, but you know them best. Take the time to consider adaptions you might need to make so these activities are accessible and developmentally appropriate for the children you work with. Just as you ordinarily would, conduct risk assessments for your children and your setting before undertaking new activities, and ensure you and your staff are following your own health and safety guidelines.
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