In this new age of virtual learning many parents have been concerned about the amount of time their children spend on their electronic devices. Chromebooks, laptops and iPads have been at maximum use to make the most of the distance learning experience.  In light of this, as well as the sudden changes in our once busier schedules, we as parents have tried to inspire our children to revert back to simpler times. Playing outside, riding bikes, gardening, playing board games and doing DIY activities have all been renewed in today’s households. But as much as we have encouraged our kids to take part in these activities, electronics have not gone away. Our kids will continue to beg and barter their way onto their favorite device. So what as parents can we do to make sure their time spent is useful? Here is a list of 10 FREE apps for younger kids that will help support, encourage and build academic skills while having fun.

These are not sponsored but rather based on games that I have personally played or have been suggested to me.

1. ABCD for Kids: Kids ABC Games Allows kids to learn the alphabet in an easy way by relating each letter with an animal or object.

2. Count With Chef Martin Kids learn to count from 1-10 while helping Chef Martin by choosing the correct number of ingredients in his pantry.

3. DoSolSa- Learn musical notes A music game designed to learn how to read musical notes.

4. Hidden Pictures Puzzle Town- Kids Learning Games Kids can explore an interactive town, playing learning puzzles as they go. They can choose from 5 game types.

5. Hungry Caterpillar Shapes and Colors Kids will solve puzzles and develop their reasoning skills .

6. Kids Computer Teaches the alphabet with objects that have the letter of the alphabet.

7. Learn to Read with Tommy Turtle Invites children to blend sounds into words, read and form simple words, identify spoken words and learn word families.

8. Pinkfong Baby Shark Storybook Kids can read fun stories featuring the Shark Family and play interactive games.

9. Smart Phonics Five-level phonics series, especially developed for young learners.

10. Spelling Learning for Kids  Kids can read, write, spell and pronounce words.

**Extra Mention if applicable

Sesame Street : Divorce Sesame Workshop parents and caregivers with tools to help children cope with the many transitions related to divorce or separation.