'Mystery Math Town'
Can't seem to get the kids excited about math? That's about to change with this clever app, which has players following a little ghost that rescues fireflies by solving math problems. Kids ages 6 to 12 also can earn talking portraits, which tell them more about the mysterious town, all while learning critical thinking skills along the way.
To buy: Mystery Math Town, $3 (iPad, iPhone)
'TeachMe'
Forget the summer slump with this helpful app, which comes in different versions up to 3rd grade. TeachMe covers the fundamentals of math, spelling and sight words, offering kids encouraging words—and virtual coins to purchase in-game stickers as rewards.
To buy: TeachMe, $2 each (iPhone, iPad, iPod)
'The Land of Me—Story Time'
Geared for younger kids ages 2 to 6, The Land of Me—Story Time is an iPad app that allows players to choose their own story line. Not only can kids pick their own animal hero, but they can also decide if the story will be happy, funny or sad.
To buy: The Land of Me—Story Time, $3 (iPad only)
'Magic School Bus: Oceans'
Your kids will be schooling you on the difference between a whale shark and a blue whale with The Magic School Bus: Oceans app. Based on the Scholastic book The Magic School Bus: On the Ocean Floor, the app offers real photos, videos and games, as kids dive below the surface with Ms. Frizzle and her science class.
To buy: The Magic School Bus: Oceans, $8 (iPad only)
'The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore'
While it doesn't have a curriculum exactly, The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore is a beautiful, engaging app that takes reading to a new, creative level. Kids can interact with the story, using the touchscreen to unlock hidden elements on each digital page. The app, based on a short film, is reminiscent of old black-and-white movies.
To buy: The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore, $5 (iPad only)
'Britannica Kids: Solar System'
For kids who love to look at the stars, the Encyclopedia Britannica's solar system app is beyond cool. Yes, there are puzzles. Yes, there are games and magic squares. What there isn't … is a spotlight on Pluto as a planet. Poor Pluto. Video and photos are included, with captions written for kids ages 8 to 12.
To buy: Britannica Kids: Solar System, $5 (iPad, iPhone, iPod)
'Brain Quest'
Kids can test their skills in everything from math and science to language and history in a series of apps (grades 1 to 5) that also has them traveling virtually through space and over mountains.
To buy: Brain Quest (1st to 5th grades), $3 each (iPad, iPhone, iPod, Nook)
MORE: Kid-Approved iPad Apps
'Kids Vocab—MindSnacks'
Forget flash cards. Your kids can get their fill of vocab-enhancing fun with MindSnacks's word-building app. The games, which include quests and other challenges, were even designed by Ivy League smarties. Created for kids ages 7 to 12, the app adjusts to each player's skill level. Keep in mind that one lesson is free, while access to 25 lessons is $5.
To buy: Kids Vocab—MindSnacks, Free (iPhone, iPad)
'Symmetry School'
OK, so you just saw the word "geometry" and thought I was talking about high school. Not so. I'm happy to report that there are no proofs in this app. What it does do, however, is help younger kids learn to spot patterns and understand symmetrical concepts.
To buy: Symmetry School: Learning Geometry, $3 (iPad only)
'StoryBots Starring You Books'
Kids can make learning a little more personal with the Starring You Books app from StoryBots. From the makers of JibJab, the singing e-card company, StoryBots offers kids the chance to upload their pictures to books to become part of the story, themselves. Keep in mind that one book is free with the app download, while access to others requires a subscription.
To buy: StoryBots Starring You Books, Free (iPad only)
