There is so much more to manage this school year than in a typical school year, and it can be difficult to stay on track with it all. Luckily, there are some useful apps that can help make this school year a little easier in terms of socialization, parent-teacher communication, and additional learning resources. Give these apps a try to help keep you and your family on track.
Top 3 Social Apps
Home Base by Scholastic
Kids can create their own avatar and interact with some of their favorite book characters in this fun app from Scholastic. They do so by traveling to different islands, each of which represents a different book from some of the most beloved Scholastic book series, such as Goosebumps. They are also able to read excerpts out of those books, so it’s just as educational as it is fun.
Azoomee
Best for ages 6+, kids can safely chat, play games, listen to music, write stories, and more with their friends on this educational app. Games and activities are recommended by age, so you can rest assured that everything is age-appropriate. The chat is also very secure so kids can safely talk to their friends.
Messenger Kids
The creators of Facebook have brought their well-known Messenger app to the younger generation. Kids sign up for an account through their parent or another adult, and that adult then monitors the child’s activity. Kids can chat and use fun filters with their friends, all in a safely-monitored environment.
Top 3 Parent-Teacher Communication Apps
Bloomz
There are many ways for teachers, parents, and students to communicate on this app, including sharing pictures and updates, monitoring a child’s behavior, and setting up volunteer opportunities. It also allows parents to communicate with each other, virtually eliminating the need for any other platform.
ClassDojo
This fun app is designed for younger children, since they can create a cute avatar for their profile. Teachers and parents can email each other, share photos, and more on this handy app. There is also a feed where new information is posted and parents can like and comment on all of the updates shared there.
Remind: School Communication
Teachers, students, parents, and administrators can all use this app to share files, links, and messages. There’s a blog where teachers can share important updates as well as a text messaging feature. This feature sends reminders about upcoming tests, schedule changes, and more. With things constantly changing in the hybrid and virtual learning environment, this is a useful app to help keep everyone connected.
Top 3 Learning Apps
ABCmouse.com
Meant for kids ages 3-8, this app offers many interactive games, books, songs, and more to get kids engaged and learning. There is a nominal fee associated with using the app, but you can try it for free for a month to see if you like it. There are rewards that kids can earn as they go along which they can then exchange for fun virtual prizes. It’s an excellent way to supplement learning for those in preschool through 3rd grade.
PBS KIDS Games
Quality educational television comes to your phone or tablet in this exciting video app from PBS. Kids can watch video clips from some of their favorite PBS shows, all with an emphasis on learning. If your kids enjoy watching television, but you want to limit their screen time, this is a good way to allow them short bursts of educational television in a controlled environment.
Kids ADZ
Also known as Raz-Kids, this app determines a child’s reading level and then recommends books based on that reading level. Children can either listen to the book or read it themselves, then follow up with a short quiz to reinforce reading comprehension. The child’s progress can be monitored by the teacher. So that adjustments in the child’s reading level can be made accordingly.
Let Technology Help Guide You
There are so many apps available to keep kids learning and on track throughout these unprecedented times. By staying connected with teachers and encouraging socialization and fun learning opportunities, you can help your child be successful, whether they are doing hybrid or virtual learning.