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Kids Education And Early Learning Resource Center

Evidence-based reviews, app roundups, and milestone guides to help your child learn, grow, and thrive from toddlerhood through elementary school

Read our children’s app, phonics, maths and language learning reviews and parent resources below to support your child’s early growth. All our reviews, resources and checklists are trusted and independently verified by our experts and parents too, meaning you can trust us to give you honest evaluations every time.

children learning together

Helping Parents Choose With Confidence

  1. Test Prep Insight produces first class independent reviews of top kids’ learning apps and tools.
  2. We research and provide practical milestone checklists for parents of children of all ages.
  3. Our activities, play ideas, and speech tips are backed by real parents too!

Video Review: Best Language Apps For Kids

In the video above, our team at Test Prep Insight walk you through some of the best kids’ language learning apps out there! We review some of the fun, effective ways children can pick up new languages like Spanish, French, German, and Italian. You’ll see how each app teaches differently, the methods they use to keep kids engaged, and what parents can expect from the lessons. We hope this guide makes it easier for you to choose the right app for your child’s learning journey!

Here’s our full written review, if you would like to read what our parents and team of education experts have picked as their best language apps for children.

Children’s App Reviews

Program review What does it help your child learn?
ABC Mouse logo ABC Mouse Early learning across reading, phonics, maths, science, and basic problem-solving for preschool and early elementary learners.
All About Learning logo All About Learning Structured homeschool curriculum focused on phonics-based reading, spelling, and hands-on language instruction.
Code Monkey logo Code Monkey Introductory coding concepts, logical thinking, and problem-solving through game-based programming challenges.
Crunch Labs logo Crunch Labs STEM learning through engineering projects, critical thinking, experimentation, and hands-on science exploration.
Hooked On Phonics logo Hooked On Phonics Phonics, letter sounds, early reading skills, and confidence-building for beginning readers.
IXL logo IXL Language Arts Standards-aligned reading, writing, and grammar practice.
IXL Maths logo IXL Math Math practice from arithmetic through calculus, aligned to grade-level standards.
KiwiCo logo KiwiCo Creative thinking, STEM concepts, and hands-on learning through age-based science and craft projects.
Lovevery logo Lovevery Early childhood development including motor skills, cognitive growth, sensory play, and age-appropriate learning.
MEL Science logo MEL Science Chemistry, physics, and science concepts taught through experiments, kits, and guided explanations.
Reading Eggs logo Reading Eggs Reading fundamentals including phonics, sight words, fluency, and early comprehension for young learners.
TinyLand logo TinyLand Fine motor skills, imaginative play, problem-solving, and early learning through educational toys.
Wyzant logo Wyzant One-to-one academic tutoring across school subjects, test prep, and personalised learning support.

Children’s Apps Compared Side By Side

Our team has written some detailed comparisons of top childrens apps and tools. From phonics to coding and price points / subscription boxes, we’ll contrast the benefits and downsides so you can easily decide what works best for your family.

toddler using a phonics app
A child discovering the joy of learning on screen

Supporting your Child’s Reading In 1st To 3rd Grade

As your child moves through 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade, it is natural to wonder whether their reading is on track and what you can do at home to help. Our grade-level reading guides walk you through typical skills for each year, signs they might be struggling, and simple, practical ways to support them with reading at home.

From early decoding and sight words to fluency and comprehension, our resources are designed to help you understand what to expect and how to confidently support your child’s progress.

Milestone Resources

We’re building a library of milestone resources to support every stage of your child’s early learning journey, from speech checklists to play ideas and age-by-age guides, these practical tools will be available soon.

Resource What it offers Why we trust it
US Department of Education: family resources Practical information on learning at home, reading, maths, special education, and school support from early years. Official federal guidance built by education specialists and policy teams.
PBS Parents Activities, printables, and media tips that turn everyday moments into learning, from art and science to social-emotional skills. Public-service media supported by educators and child-development experts.
UNICEF USA Evidence-based advice on child health, safety, play, and learning, presented in clear, practical formats for parents. Grounded in global UNICEF research and child-rights expertise.
US Academy of Pediatrics Medical guidance on development, sleep, behavior, nutrition, and safety from birth through the school years. Authored and reviewed by pediatricians and clinical experts.

Disclaimer:

All our reviews are written and checked by real parents like Lara, the owner of Test Prep Insight. As a mom herself, she knows how important it is to find safe, effective, and worthwhile tools for kids, so you can trust our recommendations to be honest and family-first. Read About Our Review Process

Lara DerManuelian - owner of TestPrepInsight
Lara DerManuelian: Mom and proud owner of TestPrepInsight

FAQ

What is phonics, and why does it matter for young kids?

Phonics teaches how letters and sounds work together to make words. It’s one of the most important building blocks for learning to read, because it helps kids sound out words, spell, and build early confidence with books.

How can math apps help toddlers learn early number skills?

Good math apps introduce counting, number recognition, shapes, patterns, and simple problem-solving through short games and repetition. For toddlers, that kind of practice helps make numbers feel familiar and fun.

What kind of science learning is best for toddlers?

For toddlers, science is mostly about curiosity and exploration – cause and effect, noticing patterns, asking ‘what happens if…?’ The best science activities are hands-on: simple experiments, building, sensory play, and observing the world.

What does Montessori-style learning mean for toddlers?

Montessori-style learning focuses on independence, hands-on materials, and letting kids learn at their own pace. For toddlers, that usually means practical life skills, sensory activities, fine motor practice, and learning through real-world routines.

Are learning apps good for toddlers, or should learning be offline only?

Learning apps can be helpful in small doses, especially when they’re interactive and skill-focused. The key is balance: use apps as a supplement, and prioritize offline play, conversation, reading together, and hands-on activities.