Being a parent in this day and age feels a lot more difficult than it used to be, nowadays, you’ve got your children whining at you to play games on your phone, or if you’ve given in, maybe your child already has their own tablet or phone for them to play games on.
You can begin to develop that guilt that your child is wasting hours playing silly games on their phone, however, there is a solution to this problem. One way to make your child’s screen time more productive is only allowing them to use education apps specially designed for children for them to develop key skills and learn some subjects.
Luckily, there are plenty of free education apps out there for your children to try, whether that’s shapes or numbers games for a toddler or spelling and multiplications for an elementary school level.
We’ve put together a list of our favorite education apps that we know will have your children entertained for hours but still ensuring that they’re stimulating their little brains and learning new things.
OUR TOP PICK
The Vihir Adult Water Sports Helmet sets the standard extremely high when it comes to water-sports helmets. With a hybrid design that is composed of both cold-molding EVA foam and a hard ABS outside shell, we cannot fault the protective quality of this model.
This particular helmet is known for its universal adaptability. Suitable for all sorts of outdoor sports such as biking, skating, skiing, and surfboarding, this multifunctional helmet is brilliant value for money.
As a surfer with safety being your main priority, you will be glad to know that this helmet complies with the helmet standard safety standards and has passed the CPSC test. The intricately placed ventilation system which consists of 11 vents in total works to draw in cool air whilst pushing sweat and moisture out.
The low-profile fit, adjustable straps and quick release buckle makes this helmet one of the sleekest and most practical models on the market. With removable ear protectors, you can tailor your helmet to function exactly how you like, whether that’s keeping them for a snug, warm fit, or taking them off for a cooler, light feel. During the summer months, such an option can be a lifesaver when the temperature rises.
Another highly useful attribute of this helmet is that the outer shell is projected slightly further forward than most models. In direct sunlight, this is incredibly beneficial to protect not only your face and head from burning but your eyes from the direct sunlight.
Overall, this helmet is very hard to fault. In terms of price, quality, and practicality, this model ticks all of the boxes and is highly deserving of its impressive ratings.
Pros
- Impressive ventilation system
- Warm, waterproof earflaps
- Two-way adjustable straps
- Lightweight
- True to size
Cons
- Limited color options
EDITORS CHOICE
If you’re looking for a top of the range, stylish and light-weight helmet that will provide ultimate protection, then this helmet would be ideal for you. Created by the excellent Tontron Sports, this helmet boasts an ABS outer shell and quick dry soft EVA absorption liner- satisfying the necessary criteria of both safety and comfort.
Available in over a dozen colors, the Tontron helmet is suitable for a wide range of not only surfers but canoeists, kayakers, rafters, sailors and water skiers of all genders and sizes.
This universal quality proves brilliant value for money as it allows for the possibility to try out another water sport that you may not have attempted before. With removable ear protection pads and an adjustable back-of-head dial, this helmet is not only adaptable but fits comfortably and snug around the head.
This helmet is rated as being extremely non-imposing due do its lightweight feel, which is exactly what you should be looking for as a surfer who wants no distractions.
You should feel reassured in knowing that this helmet has passed a security testing program which assures that the helmet will protect you against damage when being faced with impact.
Not only is this helmet perfect for keeping you safe, but with its sleek design, impressive air-ventilation system, and impact resistant shell, it proves to be an all-rounder in terms of satisfying your needs as a surfer.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Adjustable straps
- True to size
- Handles elements very well
- Removable ear pads
Cons
- Plastic tension straps around the neck can be uncomfortable
BEST VALUE
This flexible and durable helmet is one of the best in today’s market. Built for a range of water sports, this piece of headwear is equipped to keep you looking great and feeling safe.
Whether you’re a beginner tackling your first wave or a professional looking to play hard, this helmet will provide you with the reliable protection you need.
From a brand known for their recognizable and unique style, this model comes in four finishes, including a ‘satin orange’ which will not only ensure you stand out but can be extremely useful in terms of lifeguard visibility with there are ultra-crowded line-ups.
With its high-density injection-molded ABS shell and its soft, quick-absorbing EVA liner, the helmet provides not only effective protection but comfort around the top of the neck and the ears.
For further comfort, the straps of the helmet are made of a soft, nylon, webbed material rather than the harsh plastic that many manufactures tend to use.
This helmet with its durability, ventilation, and practical composition is one that is known for its mass appeal amongst surfers and water enthusiasts worldwide. If you are looking for a high-standard, substantial value for money model, you will not regret choosing the Pro-Tec Ace Water helmet.
Pros
- Light and comfortable fit
- Closed-cell padding which prevents water build-up
- Safety Standard Certification verified
- Equipped with 15 open vent holes
- Universal and built for a range of water sports
Cons
- Non-adjustable straps
RUNNER UP
The Triple Eight Gotham Water Helmet is one that doesn’t compromise between comfort and protection. With its high-density ABS outer shell and its foam-padded three-layer water liner, with this helmet, we can assure you that you will get the best of both worlds.
Created with medium to high impact water sports in mind, this model is highly commended in the water sports market for its flexibility and adaptability.
Available in four sizes and fitted with adjustable straps, the helmet is suitable for a wide range of people. The suction-like cushioned fit and the snug-fitting straps mean that you wouldn’t have to worry about the helmet moving around your head or coming off with the water.
The Velcro sweat-absorbing halo can be easily removed and washed which is not something that you are typically able to do with protective headwear.
Designed exclusively for water, this helmet not only meets the water sport safety standards but consists of several specific features that have the comfort and safety of surfers like you, in mind.
Overall, if comfort is something that you are particularly drawn to, we suggest you have a good look at this helmet when weighing up your options.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Super comfy
- Reasonably priced
- Stylish, expensive look
- A removable, washable inside layer
Cons
- Sizing seems to be on the smaller side so be careful when ordering
RUNNER UP
This helmet is another amazing option for you to consider in your search. The Pro-Tec Ace has absolutely everything you need when it comes to protective headgear which is why is it no surprise that it is such a popular choice amongst surfing enthusiasts of all levels.
With a high-density injection-molded ABS shell and a dual-density waterproof EVA liner, this helmet is highly equipped to keep your head safe from all sorts of impacts in a wide variety of water sports.
As a surfer, I’m sure you will appreciate the helmet’s 15 open ventilation holes and the highly effective drainage system. Not only that, but its soft, thick cushioned padding and adjustable rear-fit makes for optimum comfort and practicality.
This layer provides an additional level of protection to the highly durable outer shell, allowing for maximum safety and reliability. The helmet also boasts removable cupping ear guards which can be essential to a surfer that is traveling at a high speed amongst the water.
If it’s style that you’re looking for, this helmet is great as it comes in a range of colors at both a matte and gloss finish. If you’re undecided, we think that the matte black option is particularly sleek, unless you want something brighter.
Tried and tested in all kinds of water-based elements and circumstances, this helmet is proven to protect within a range of dangerous conditions.
Pros
- Stylish appearance
- Durable
- Proficient ventilation system
- Extra protection with the deep padding
- True to size
Cons
- Reviews state some issues with the ear coverings
Best Free Educational Apps for Kids Buying Guide
Age
One thing to look out for when deciding what education app to download for your child is what age the app is suitable for. Some apps will have wide age suitability, with different levels and zones within the app that you can pick and choose from.
This also means that your child will be able to use this app throughout their learning journey as they gradually get older.
Make sure to choose one that is suitable and not one that will test your child as if it’s too advanced. Your child will soon become bored because they will struggle to get things right. On the other hand, do not choose an app that is suitable for younger years when your child is slightly older, as this won’t be beneficial for them as they won’t be learning.
Subject
Some educational apps have a wide range of subjects within the app for you to choose from which will allow your children to learn a range of topics and skills.
Early learning apps may have basic topics such as numbers, spelling, and shapes whereas apps suited for older children may be more distinctive with their subjects, for example, just math, English, or science.
As your child gets older, they’ll soon begin learning other subjects in school such as history or geography, and there will be apps available suitable for these subjects.
Content Variety
Children can get bored very easily, so ensuring the educational app you choose has a lot of variety in terms of content/games is critical.
Some educational apps will follow a plot line narrative in which the learner will go through a series of different games and challenges to get to the next level, this is a great and effective way for children to learn as they’ll be eager to enjoy the variety in the tasks and will want to continue to move on to the next stage.
Some ways that educational apps can provide their content are through flashcards, drawing, speaking, music, videos, photos, odd one out, etc.
Progress Monitoring
A good way to see how your child is progressing with the learning on the app is if the app provides a feature that can track what your child has learned so far and how far off they are from getting to the next stage of their learning.
This is beneficial for both you and your child. Some apps will not offer this feature though and their content will just be for clicking and choosing from instead of working your way through the app.
Feedback
Constructive feedback is important for children in their learning and development so try to find an education app that offers some form of feedback.
Many apps will have a voiceover that will tell you if you got the answer incorrect or where you went wrong, therefore, your child should be able to learn from it and get it right the next time.
Platform
When searching on your app store within your smart device, you’ll only be able to find education apps that are compatible with the device that you have. So if after reading this article, you try to look up an iOS compatible app on your Android app store, you won’t be able to find it there.
Some apps will be compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
Ease Of Use
If you’ll want to leave your child alone with their smart device whilst they learn, you’ll want to make sure the app you choose is easy enough for them to use on their own. Other apps may require parents to sit with the children whilst they learn so they can help them navigate their way through the app.
One way of seeing how easy the usability of the app is is by reading the app reviews on the app store, as many parents will give their opinions and experiences of using it.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can a child start using apps for education purposes?
What age your child starts to use educational apps is completely up to you. Most parents will start teaching their babies from as young as six months old to help stimulate their minds.
Some parents are wary about giving their kids a phone or tablet to hold and play with at a young age, but using only educational apps will help them associate the device with learning.
As long as your child can interact with the app and understands what is on the screen or what the person is saying, then they should be able to use it.
Some apps are directed towards certain ages, so make sure you pick an education app that is suitable for your child’s age so they can get the most out of their learning experience.
It may be a good idea to stay beside your child whilst they’re using the apps for learning or check back on them regularly to make sure they’re getting on ok and haven’t found themselves on any other apps.
Are educational apps for kids good?
Your child learning from an education app in the early stages of their life will be nothing but beneficial for them, especially if they’re at pre-school age.
They’ll be able to learn and develop skills that will hopefully help them to progress quicker in school and they’ll also learn how to use this sort of technology, which is becoming increasingly used as a part of children’s learning and everyday life.
