One of the most memorable experiences for any child is the freedom to play. That is why it is important to incorporate fun and games in their learning process.
Educational games provide a way for learners to grasp important concepts without having to go through a dull process. These games help improve creativity, critical thinking, and social and problem-solving skills.
The games also help improve physical fitness and overall health. Understanding the different types of games available and the impact they can have on learners of all ages can be key in choosing the ideal ones for your kids.
Luckily, we have prepared a list of some of the best free educational games for you. Check it out.
Read on.
Best Language Learning Games
Language learning games are designed to simplify the process of learning a foreign language. These games often take the tension out of the learner and create a friendly environment for everyone involved to interact.
Language-learning games often improve attention span, concentration, memory, listening, and reading skills. Below are three of the best examples of such games.
1. Scrabble Go
Scrabble Go is arguably one of the most popular language-learning games available today. One of the things that make it such a hit is that it is possible for you to take on your friends and relatives in contests.
This can be done on a single device or over a virtual network, depending on what you like. You can also join online contests and compete with people from around the world.
The more words you get correctly using the best boxes on the Scrabble board, the higher your chances of emerging the winner. The best thing is that you’ll get to learn new words as you encounter different opponents and letter combinations.
While playing this game, you even get to determine how fast-paced it should be. Faster games require you to be a focused quick-thinker otherwise you lose.
Scrabble Go is on the App Store as well as Google Play.
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2. Memrise
Memrise is one of the best apps to turn to when you want to learn a new language or if you want to sharpen your skills. There are over 22 languages for you to learn with a few including English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Russian.
The app incorporates short lessons so that you can grasp some of the most important concepts of the language you are learning. You get to watch videos of people talking or singing in the language you are trying to learn.
One of the things that make the app interesting is that you get to watch people interacting in ordinary places such as bus stops, restaurants, beaches, and on the streets. This application works seamlessly even when you are not connected to the internet.
It also lets you practice important things such as pronunciation. Memrise is available on the App Store and Google Play.
3. Mondly
Mondly is another exciting app you can use to learn new languages. It includes over 1,000 language combinations making it possible for you to learn from your native language.
It covers over 50 topics which are aimed at giving you a firm foundation in grasping some of the most-used words. There are also 36 vocabulary builders to help you install words faster.
The app offers quick daily lessons so that each day you learn something new. Additionally, you get to use conjugation tables and grammar features which often make things much easier.
The app supports over 33 languages including English, Chinese, French, German, Spanish, Arabic, and Indian. You can find and download the app on Google Play and App Store.
Best Math and Science Games
Math and science are some of the most important subjects in the world. However, they are not always as popular as they should be.
It is, therefore, easy to understand why incorporating games into studies can be a good way to ensure favorable outcomes. Science and math games help in increasing student interest in STEM subjects.
These games also improve cognitive, collaborative, and creative skills. Below are some examples of math and science games to try out.
1. Bedtime Math
Bedtime Math is an app that incorporates fun and learning. The application is compatible with Android and iOS devices.
It is available in both English and Spanish, so people who are conversant with those languages can take advantage. Once you launch the app, you’ll be free to navigate to the math problem of the day and solve it.
Alternatively, you can choose a surprise math problem to test your preparedness. There is also a math problem archive that you can browse through or filter according to the topic you want to deal with.
The app is built with math problems ideal for kids of anything between three and nine years old. In case you want something for kids aged between four and five, you can always go for the MiniMath app from the same developers.
Bedtime Math is available through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
2. Moose Math
Moose Math by Duck Duck Moose is an excellent free educational game you can get for your kids. The game is set in an exciting region where the player goes on a mathematical adventure.
Players get to make juice smoothies while engaging in things like counting, addition, and subtraction. There is also a level where the player gets to paint a pet by matching the number of dots available.
The app also features a pet Bingo gameplay where the player is required to solve counting, subtraction, and addition problems before they can get Bingo. Another fun thing to do is to play the lost and found game where one gets to sort and match shapes and colors to solve problems.
Finally, the player gets to help Dust Funny to find his way back by connecting the dots accordingly. This game aims to help kids learn the relationship between numbers and quantities.
It also helps them understand word and algebraic problems. After playing for some time, you can expect your kid to start grasping things like geometry, measurement, and counting.
Its report card section is meant for parents and teachers to monitor the progress of the player. Moose Math is available on Google Play, Apple App Store, and Amazon Appstore.
3. Play and Learn Science
Play and Learn Science by PBS is an app that makes it possible for kids to learn important things under the science subject but also incorporates a lot of fun activities. The app includes over 15 educational games that cover topics such as earth, physical, environmental, and life science.
The games incorporate drawing tools and stickers to make them lively and more engaging. They also draw from real-world objects and locations so that kids can easily relate to the different concepts being explained.
The application features a parent section where a parent or teacher can go to learn about some of the most critical tips to use when engaging with kids. It is worth pointing out that the app is developed in collaboration with early childhood experts who provide important input regarding every detail.
If you want a variety of games with important science information, look no further than Play and Learn. It is a cross-platform solution you can find on App Store, Google Play, and Amazon Appstore.
Best History and Social Studies Games
History and social studies games are designed to boost learners’ curiosity about past events while also making them ready to face the future without repeating past mistakes. These games can be in the form of quizzes, puzzles, and arcades.
The games help learners improve their debating skills and social interactions. They also help learners understand cultural values and respect for the law.
1. World History Quiz
World History Quiz is one of the best applications to turn to when you want to increase your knowledge regarding the world’s past. The app supports over 16 different languages so people of different nationalities can jump in and enjoy it.
The game comes in the form of fun trivia questions allowing you to go through many issues within a short time. Some of the topics covered in this game include American history, World War 1 and 2, ancient Egypt, the Cold War, and Chernobyl among many other things.
The app is designed in such a way that you can take the quizzes on your own free time or set up a date so you can go up against your friends and family in a duel to determine who is the best.
In case you get stuck on a quiz, you can press the hint button to reveal something that is likely to point you in the right direction.
You can also skip the question so as to save time. However, skipping also costs you one of your lives. Your lives are displayed in the form of hearts so if you also get a question wrong, you’ll lose one heart.
If you run out of hints, you are free to ask a friend for a hint. There are over 150 unique questions and finishing them will earn you a certificate of completion.
Another thing that makes this app stand out is that it includes fun facts about the various topics covered so you can be sure to enjoy every moment of your gaming and learning experience.
The game is available on the App Store and Google Play.
2. History Quiz: History Trivia
Another impressive game you can turn to when you want to boost your knowledge of the past is History Quiz: History Trivia. It comes in a small file that downloads and installs relatively fast.
The game contains over 2,000 questions based on the history of the United States, Europe, and other parts of the world. It has a simple and intuitive interface so you’ll have an easy time navigating from one section to another.
One of the best things about this app is that it lets you specify the topic you want to handle. That means you can choose things like the Cold War, U.S. independence, and the American Civil War among others.
You can play this game alone or invite a friend or family member to join you. To make things even more fun, you can organize duels to find out who has more knowledge regarding the world’s history.
The app is available for download on Google Store.
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3. Worldle
Worldle can be a fun game to play especially if you want to boost your knowledge with regard to different regions of the world. In this game, you’ll be presented with a variety of clues to help you guess what region you are in.
For instance, you’ll be presented with a flag and you have to guess which country it belongs to. You can also be taken to a famous landmark so you can guess the location.
Sometimes you only get the distance between one country and another as a clue to use. To win more points, you must get as many correct answers as possible without using up too many guesses.
You can compete with friends and other people across the globe in various tournaments. Keep in mind that you only get six tries after which you have to wait for the next day to start over again.
Worldle is available on Google Play and App Store.
Best Art and Music Games
Art and music games are designed to boost curiosity and entertain learners at the same time. These games can be a good way for young learners to discover their talents but also to express themselves in a respectable manner.
Below are a few examples of art and music games.
1. Google Arts & Culture
Google Arts & Culture is an application that avails a variety of games for you to choose from. Some of the games you can expect to find through this app include Blob Beats, In Rhythm with Nature, 3D Pottery, and BTS x Street Galleries.
This app brings together over 2,000 unique stories from 80 institutions around the world into a single place for you to access. While gaming, you can explore unique sites from around the world in a virtual environment.
You can also use your device’s camera to take a photo and turn it into a unique piece of art with just a few clicks of a button. You’ll be pleased to know that the app also includes 360-degree videos that provide an immersive experience when it comes to learning about different types of art.
The app covers a lot of countries and will ensure you get to learn more about different people and cultures. You’ll also get to know about some of the most impactful events in the world’s history.
You can download and install Google Arts & Culture from the App Store and Google Play.
2. Piano Kids: Music and Songs
If you are looking for something to get your kids started with music, Piano Kids: Music and Songs could be your best bet. The game has a wide variety of colorful instruments for anyone to choose from.
These include kids’ xylophone, drum kit, piano, saxophone, trumpet, flute, and electric guitar. With this game, you get to decide which mode is suitable for the moment.
You can switch from Instruments to Songs and Sounds to Play. The game allows the player to use different types of sounds to create music and that can include animals, machinery, and nature sounds.
Not only is this an excellent game for developing music skills, but it also incorporates other important things such as flags, geometric figures, numbers, and letters of the alphabet.
Piano Kids: Music and Songs is available on Google Play.
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3. Rhythm Journey
Rhythm Journey is another excellent music game you can install on your iOS device and have fun while learning more about music. The game requires you to play different instruments as well as you can, to progress.
For instance, you’ll need to learn how to focus on creating some of the best snares and kicks while playing the drums. You also get to specify the genre of music you wish to play. Some of the options available include rock, swing, shuffle, and funk.
An interesting thing about this game is that you are not just playing random rhythms and sounds. Rather, each level includes the story of a character.
You get to know about each character’s story by reading through each song’s lyrics. The game has two controls which make it simple enough for just about anyone to master.
However, the higher levels present quite a challenge due to the variety of rhythms. This game has 162 stages and 32 unique tracks for you to explore and master.
Best Physical Education and Health Games
Some traditional physical education games include things like Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes, Cross the River, and Blob Tag.
These games are aimed at improving overall health. That means they ensure the learners’ bones and muscles are in order. They also help in releasing tension and lowering stress levels.
PE games are also known to boost social skills.
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1. PE Games
PE Games is an application that utilizes AI technology to help anyone plan for physical education lessons. The AI system easily aligns with specific settings, curricula, objectives, and student needs to ensure the best possible outcomes.
The app contains a list of over 200 games across different categories. These include things like chasing games, cooperative games, team games, solo games, racing games, and reaction games.
With this application, anyone can quickly save the most impactful games by adding a star to the side. Users can also remove or move unpopular games down the list as they wish.
Another notable feature of this application is that it allows you to generate a suitable game depending on the equipment you have. All you have to do is enter the name of the equipment and the app will bring up a list of possible games you can play.
The application is ideal for cutting down on time while planning and ensuring that participants get the most out of their lessons. You can download it at Google Play and App Store.
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2. J & J Official 7-Minute Workout
If you want an app that can get you or your students into shape within a short time, look no further than the J & J Official 7-Minute Workout. The app includes 72 exercises and 22 workouts so you’ll have a variety to choose from.
Most of the exercises and workouts do not require any equipment which makes it even more convenient. The app has 72 high-definition video tutorials so you’ll know exactly what is supposed to be done.
Workouts are designed to last anywhere from seven to 32 minutes depending on who is involved and the type of results they want to achieve.
You can find and download this app from Google Play and the App Store.
3. GoNoodle: Kids Videos
GoNoodle: Kids Videos is an application that brings together a wide selection of videos containing a variety of exercises. There are over 300 dance clips, yoga exercises, and mindfulness activities to help ensure participants’ physical and mental fitness.
Kids can watch the videos to learn how to do simple yoga stretches or the more demanding press-ups and pull-ups. Songs are incorporated into the videos to help make the flow seamless.
GoNoodle: Kids Videos is on the App Store and Google Play.
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Free Educational Games – Recap
There are a wide variety of educational games available completely free of charge. You just have to determine which category you want and then sift through the offerings to find the best.
The good news is that we have done all the heavy lifting for you and all you have to do is choose from the games detailed above.
Happy learning!
