We’re all glued to our screens these days, and there is a seemingly endless supply of content out there to choose from. Sorting out what’s educational from what’s garbage can be a challenge, especially for parents trying to regulate their kids’ digital intake. Luckily, these apps and experiences have been reviewed and approved by librarians who are members of the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association.
Librarians can play an important role in serving as media mentors for families. All children benefit from guidance when exploring digital content, and skilled children’s librarians have the tools to help parents and caregivers explore apps and experiences that may match or spark their child’s interest.
Check these out today or talk to your local librarian for more information.
Babies – Preschoolers
Duolingo ABC—Learn to Read app
This app teaches young children important literacy skills such as vocabulary and print awareness with the end goal of helping children become readers!
Funbrain
This website for children features cool science experiments, read-aloud videos, and fun games to explore.
The Imagine Neighborhood podcast
Kids will learn about social-emotional skills through stories, songs, and activities, prompting conversations between children and caregivers about big feelings.
Molly of Denali podcast
Listen to the adventures of 10-year-old Molly, an Alaska Native girl who lives with her bush pilot mom, adventure-guide dad, and her dog, Suki, in a small village.
Monterey Bay Aquarium live cams webpage
Jellyfish, sea otters, and sharks, oh my! Learn about and watch live videos with these sea animals and more.
Sesame Street Family Play: Caring for Each Other app
Maybe it takes a screen to help you unplug! In English and Spanish, this app just asks a few questions to guide its suggestions for screen-free games and activities families can do wherever they are.
Wow in the World podcast
A STEM-themed podcast with silly (but scientifically) accurate humor for curious young listeners.
Kindergarteners – Second Graders
Brains On! podcast
A podcast where different kid cohosts take the mic each week to tackle wide-ranging and fascinating science questions from listeners across the country.
Design Squad Global
Kids can take on challenges, watch videos, play games, and be wowed by the power of engineering.
Funbrain
This website for children features cool science experiments, read-aloud videos, and fun games to explore.
Go Noodle
Online videos that inspire movement for kids.
iCivics
Activities and games for both families and educators, all aimed at providing fundamental lessons in civics knowledge.
The Imagine Neighborhood podcast
Kids will learn about social-emotional skills through stories, songs, and activities, prompting conversations between children and caregivers about big feelings.
Molly of Denali podcast
Listen to the adventures of 10-year-old Molly, an Alaska Native girl who lives with her bush pilot mom, adventure-guide dad, and her dog, Suki, in a small village.
Monterey Bay Aquarium live cams webpage
Jellyfish, sea otters, and sharks, oh my! Learn about and watch live videos with these sea animals and more.
NASA STEM @ Home website
For children ages five and up, this website includes many activities both on- and off-screen based around NASA and space. Activities are broken down into three sections based on grade level: K–4, 5–8, and 9–12.
National Geographic Kids website
This fun and educational website for children features games, videos, and brain boosters.
Scratch website
An innovative block-based programming language that allows for the creation and remixing of limitless programming, from games to music to animation.
“Sơn Đoòng 360: Exploring the World’s Largest Cave” virtual tour
Explore the world’s largest cave in Vietnam with National Geographic’s 360-degree tour of Hang Sơn Đoòng, with fun facts, nature sounds, and interactive questions.
Wow in the World podcast
A STEM-themed podcast with silly (but scientifically) accurate humor for curious young listeners.
Third Graders – Fifth Graders
Brains On! podcast
A podcast where different kid cohosts take the mic each week to tackle wide-ranging and fascinating science questions from listeners across the country.
Design Squad Global
Kids can take on challenges, watch videos, play games, and be wowed by the power of engineering.
Funbrain
This website for children features cool science experiments, read-aloud videos, and fun games to explore.
Go Noodle
Online videos that inspire movement for kids.
iCivics
Activities and games for both families and educators, all aimed at providing fundamental lessons in civics knowledge.
I Survived Book Club website
Watch videos and download printable games and resources to go along with the I Survived book series, written by Lauren Tarshis.
Monterey Bay Aquarium live cams webpage
Jellyfish, sea otters, and sharks, oh my! Learn about and watch live videos with these sea animals and more.
NASA STEM @ Home website
For children ages five and up, this website includes many activities both on- and off-screen based around NASA and space. Activities are broken down into three sections based on grade level: K–4, 5–8, and 9–12.
National Geographic Kids website
This fun and educational website for children features games, videos, and brain boosters.
The Past and the Curious podcast
Kids and families can learn about shocking, inspirational, and often humorous historical events and people through short stories, humor, music, and fun.
Scratch website
An innovative block-based programming language that allows for the creation and remixing of limitless programming, from games to music to animation.
“Sơn Đoòng 360: Exploring the World’s Largest Cave” virtual tour
Explore the world’s largest cave in Vietnam with National Geographic’s 360-degree tour of Hang Sơn Đoòng, with fun facts, nature sounds, and interactive questions.
Wow in the World podcast
A STEM-themed podcast with silly (but scientifically) accurate humor for curious young listeners.
For more top resources, visit the ALSC Book and Media Awards Shelf.
Photo by Family First on StockSnap
