Share high-quality resources with families for interest-driven independent learning.
After a school year dominated by technology, parents and caregivers may be ready for their kids to take a long break from devices. However, students may be eager to flex their tech skills with some interest-driven independent play and exploration. Help guide students' online time this summer by sharing a few well-chosen, high-quality apps and websites with parents and caregivers. Families can download or bookmark these on kids' devices to ensure any screen time kids do have is time well spent.
The apps and websites listed here offer a nice mix of absorbing gameplay and first-rate learning -- sure to please kids and adults alike. Plus, they're all free!
Interest-driven reading
Dotopedia
Good for: Reading, writing, creativity
Grades: 1-5
Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
Based on the character from the Dot. TV show and book, Dotopedia is a collaboration app kids can use to read about everything from butterflies to grandparents, or to create articles of their own.
Global Oneness Project
Good for: Reading, cultural awareness, empathy
Grades: 9-12
Platforms: Website
The stories on this website range from short videos and films to photo essays, articles, and virtual reality experiences. Each offers culturally diverse, inspiring content that helps build knowledge and empathy.
Libby, by Overdrive
Good for: Reading
Grades: K-12
Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
This app allows students to browse and borrow ebooks and audiobooks from public libraries for free. Families can set the audience preference to juvenile or young adult to put some limits on the content kids can access.
Math games
ChessKid
Good for: Critical thinking, math
Grades: K-12
Platforms: Website
ChessKid teaches the game of chess with lessons and videos that cover topics including an introduction of each chess piece, opening offensive and defensive strategies, and common attacking patterns.
Khan Academy Kids
Good for: Math, literacy, social and emotional learning
Grades: Pre-K-2
Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire
This collection of videos, songs, and activities covers a lot of ground in a creative, highly accessible format.
Math Snacks
Good for: Math, critical thinking
Grades: 3-8
Platforms: Website
This fun site offers older elementary and middle schooler students online math games and animations that will keep them engaged with action-packed graphics, witty storylines, and upbeat music.
Pet Bingo by Duck Duck Moose
Good for: Math
Grades: K-4
Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
Pet Bingo by Duck Duck Moose covers a broad range of math skills, from adding one-digit numbers to dividing double digits.
Mental health and emotional well-being
Smiling Mind
Good for: Social and emotional learning
Grades: 8-12
Platforms: iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Android
Teens can learn to focus on their breathing, body signals, and senses with hundreds of meditations for a wide variety of situations.
GoNoodle
Good for: Social and emotional learning
Grades: PreK-6
Platforms: Website, iOS, Android, AppleTV, Roku
GoNoodle's fun exercise program challenges kids to get moving, but their most interesting recent addition is entire section of videos focused on kids' mental health and wellbeing.
STEM and coding
Made with Code
Good for: Coding, creativity, STEM
Grades: 4-12
Platforms: Website
Google's Made with Code introduces students to the world of coding through resources including tutorials, videos, partner projects, and community connections.
Peep Ciencias: Colores
Good for: Science, Spanish
Grades: Pre-K-2
Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
Part of a series of free bilingual learning apps, Peep Ciencias: Colores engages young kids with animated videos about colors. Plus, grown-ups get guidance on how to explore key concepts with kids through questions, conversations, exploration, and activities.
Scratch
Good for: Coding, STEM
Grades: 1-12
Platforms: Website
This free, downloadable application gives students a taste of programming as they combine graphics, photos, music, and sound to create simple, interactive animations and games.
