Everyone knows it is not ideal to let children sit in front of a screen for hours at a time. However, sometimes parents need a break. Thankfully, many apps and websites are fun for kids and also teach something. Here are some of our favorite apps for language skills, plus four websites that turn screen time into language practice.
HearBuilder Apps for Language Skills
These four apps are made by Super Duper Publications. They were free to download on Apple and Android devices when we first shared them. Check your app store for current pricing.
HearBuilder Following Directions
This app is recommended for ages 4 to 9. Students pretend to work in a toy factory while they follow different kinds of directions. As a result, the app builds listening skills, memory skills, and understanding of basic concepts. For screen-free practice, see our post on following directions and answering questions.
HearBuilder Phonological Awareness
This app targets many pre-reading skills for ages 4 to 11. Students build a rock band by collecting instruments and band members. Along the way, they work on skills such as rhyming and segmenting.
HearBuilder Auditory Memory
This one tends to be a favorite of many of our students. It is recommended for ages 5 to 14. The app targets short-term memory and also teaches strategies for remembering information on each task. In addition, stronger auditory memory helps students comprehend and follow directions in the classroom and at home.
HearBuilder Sequencing
This app has sequencing tasks for ages 4 to 12, with arcade games as a reward. It targets comprehension and critical thinking.
Websites That Build Language Skills
You do not need an app to practice language. These free websites work well when you sit with your child and talk about what you see.
abcya.com
Visit ABCya for interactive games that expand language or practice following directions. Your child can make pizzas and cakes, build houses or faces, and more. Ask your child to describe what they are doing or to request different parts. You can also have your child follow directions to make an ice cream cone or cupcake of your choosing.
owlieboo.com
Visit Owlieboo for games for little ones. There is so much to talk about and explore here. For example, try the animal games and listen to the animals make different noises. In the RELEASE game, your child matches shapes to a cage to unlock the animals. Have your child request “out,” “get out,” or “help me” as early power phrases.
highlightskids.com
Visit Highlights Kids for many educational activities. For speech and language, we like the Games section, where hidden pictures are great for practice. For instance, your child can use irregular past tense verbs (“I found it”), articles (“I found the pizza”), or prepositions (“I found it under the dog”).
matchthememory.com
Visit Match the Memory for memory games for speech sounds. Search for the sound your child is working on, such as “sh,” “th,” or “s,” and several matching decks appear. Have your child say the word five times when they flip a card, or put it in a sentence. You can also create your own decks if you are feeling creative.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best apps for language skills?
HearBuilder apps are a good place to start. They target following directions, phonological awareness, auditory memory, and sequencing.
How can I make screen time more useful for language?
Sit with your child and talk about what is on the screen. Also, ask them to describe their actions, request items, or follow directions as they play.
When should I talk to a speech-language pathologist?
If your child struggles with listening, following directions, or speech sounds even with practice, an evaluation can help. Apps support therapy, but they do not replace it.
How ETLC Can Help
If your child needs more than an app can offer, our speech-language pathologists can help. Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center has locations in Johnston and North Liberty, IA, with virtual services also available.
Learn more about speech and language therapy at ETLC or schedule a free consultation to talk with a member of our team.
You may also find these pages helpful:
- Follow Directions and Answer Questions
- Language Memory Strategies
- Picture This: Great Games for Visualizing
About the Author
Sonia Strueby, M.A., CCC-SLP, is the founder of Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center. With over 25 years of experience as a speech-language pathologist, Sonia has dedicated her career to helping children overcome complex communication and academic challenges. She has advanced training and a special focus on treating dyslexia and childhood apraxia of speech, and she is passionate about providing families with a clear path to success.
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