Early years apps approved for improving literacy at home

Six new apps have been made available to improve reading, writing and speaking for children at home.

Following a competition to find the best educational apps for parents to engage young children in learning at home, a panel of experts has approved six with a focus on early literacy, language and communication.

These apps cover activities ranging from interactive story books, handwriting exercises using Artificial Intelligence, and educational video games.

The technology announcement comes as new data reveals three quarters of children aged five and under have used smartphone or tablet apps at least once in the last six months to learn.

The 6 apps - published on the Hungry Little Minds website – are part of the government’s drive to help parents make informed decisions about the use of technology in creating positive learning environments at home.

The expert panel who accredited the apps, chaired by Professor Jackie Marsh of the University of Sheffield and appointed by the Department for Education, included children’s digital media consultants, early learning charities and researchers at universities.

The six apps are Lingumi; Kaligo; Phonics Hero; Teach Your Monster to Read; Navigo Game; and Fonetti.

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