In this era of pandemic, learning from home, and limited extracurricular activities, your children are probably clamoring for something to do. Don’t worry! Whenever your middle schooler complains, “I’m bored!” we have some solutions for you and your family.
Gameschooling is an excellent way to keep your child engaged with their education. But more than that, by using games as a means of student-led learning, apps can encourage children to develop a life-long love of learning. Whether you homeschool, have your children registered in a learning pod, or use virtual learning or a hybrid system, apps are a great way to allow children to have fun and retain what they learned during their lessons.
Here are some of our favorite educational apps for middle schoolers.
Math Apps
Prodigy
Developed by ProdigyGame.com, this free app is meant for students between grades 1 and 8. The math questions in the game are aligned with the Common Core curriculum so it won’t interfere with how your children ordinarily learn math.
Geometry Pad
Developed by Bytes Arithmetic LLC, this app teaches the finer, more complicated parts of geometry. It’s perfect for students who need a little extra practice when it comes to learning the x and y axis, measurement of lines, definitions, and coordinate systems.
DragonBox Algebra 12+
Developed by DragonBox, this app, available for $7.99, teaches higher level algebra concepts to students in middle school. Using a variety of games, this app reinforces lessons about Addition, Division, Multiplication, Parentheses, Positive/Negative Signs, Addition of Fractions (Common Denominator), Collection of Like Terms, factorization, and Substitution.
BuzzMath
BuzzMath is an app that can be used for students between grades 1-8. The app has a simple interface for teachers and parents to set for their children while allowing children to have fun with their lessons. Meanwhile, parents and teachers can also customize the app to meet their needs. While this app is not free, it does offer a 30 day free trial.
Brainscape
The world’s best flash card app helps students create flash cards to assist them in the memorization of math equations.
Reading / Writing Apps
Vocabulary Builder
This free app, developed by Magoosh, allows students to learn 1200 words chosen by a tutor. These words can also help students prepare for such tests as the GRE, SAT, and TOEFL.
MadLibs
What’s more fun than a game of MadLibs? For children, this game isn’t just fun: it’s also educational. Laugh and giggle as you learn different words, creative writing, and sentence structure.
A+ Writing Prompts
Developed by 21+20 Media, this app helps children learn the finer points of writing and inspires them to come up with their own stories and arguments. Available for $3.99, the app boasts 600 creative writing prompts and different spaces to foster creativity.
Grammar Smash
Developed by Wobble Monkey Studios, this free app re-enforces grammar and English skills for middle school students who may be struggling a little bit with higher level writing and reading.
Reading Comprehension Prep
Developed by Peekaboo Studios, this free app refreshes the number of stories it has available for users to read and learn to piece together. Meant for ages 6 to 16, this app will give your students a better appreciation of what it means to read.
Discover Something New
Note Fighter
For your musically talented student, this app developed by Mythicowl immerses children in classical music and develops an appreciation for the classical symphonies. Available for $1.99, NoteFighter teaches children how to read notes and ends on a fun steampunk twist.
Stack the Countries
Developed by Freecloud Design, this app, available for $2.99, focuses on helping children memorize countries, capitals, and cultures.
Duolingo
Everyone has to learn a language in high school and in college. Why not streamline that process by introducing your middle school student to the basics in any language of their choosing. Duolingo is free, easy to use, and fun!
The Elements
This app, developed by Touch Press, is available for $12.99 and helps students navigate the complicated world that is chemistry with ease. With stories, facts, pictures, and tables for every element, science becomes simple.
Mimo
The digital age is upon us, and therefore any student looking to develop job skills should consider learning how to code. Why not download Mimo, a coding app for middle school students that is free, fun, and easy to use?