Best English Learning & Speaking Apps For Kids

‘Speak English like a pro’, ‘Learn to speak English’, ‘Free Spoken English classes’ — do all these phrases ring a bell? If not, then just to remind you, these are advertisements that you come across almost every day. And, until a few years ago, a lot of people did join English-speaking classes, even when they knew that they had to put up with inconveniences like changing their daily schedule or paying a hefty fee.

But, with the advent of screen gadgets and language learning apps, learning English has become so easy for everyone — even for your child. With advancement in technology, it is possible for children to learn English easily with the aid of learning apps that include images, audio lessons and learning videos.

The best English learning and speaking apps for kids are designed to teach every aspect of the language like the letters of the alphabet, phonics, vocabulary, grammar, reading, listening and writing. We have handpicked a few of the best English language apps and English learning videos to help your child master the language.

Ages 6 to 9:

1. Homer Reading: Learn to Read (Free with in-app purchases)

Developer: Homer

Operating system: Android, iOS

Features:

• Personalised learn-to-read program for your child
• Designed by experts
• Variety of stories and songs
• Downloadable worksheets, games and activities
• Parent Dashboard to keep track of the child's progress
• Customisable for up to four members

Aimed at children between 2 and 8, this app can be personalised keeping in mind your little one's age and interests. Homer Reading is an all-in-one app that can teach the letters of the alphabet, spelling, phonics, sight words and so on. With folk songs, poems and stories, this app will keep your child hooked to learning. Homer Reading is rated as one of the best English teaching apps.

Download links: 

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnwithhomer.webapp&hl=en_CA

https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/hom er-reading-learn-to-read/id601437586

2. ABC Spelling - Spell and Phonics (Free)

Developer: RV AppStudios

Operating system: Android, iOS

Features:

• Parent and child can play together
• Parental controls and customisable options for your child
• Report card to keep track of your child's progress

Friendly creatures and colourful graphics in this super-fun app help your child learn to spell. Featuring jumbled letters and fill-in-the-blanks format, with or without clues, this ad-free app could be a perfect launchpad for your future spelling bee champion.

Download links: 

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rvappstudios.abc.spelling.toddler.spell.phonics&hl=en_IN

https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/abc-spelling-spell-phonics/id1186728253

3. Lingokids - English for Kids (Free with in-app purchases)

Developer: Monkimun Inc

Operating system: Android, iOS

Features:

• Around 72 topics to encourage English communication
• Hundreds of songs, stories, audiobooks and videos
• Crafted by experts from Oxford University Press
• Teaches sounds, pronunciation, phonics and intonation of words

From ABCs to writing, this language learning app has it all. With reliable content from Oxford University Press, you can be sure your child only learns from the very best. And, he is sure to have a terrific time learning English under the guidance of some loving furry friends. The app also allows you to know your child's progress through reports.

Download links: 

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=es.monkimun.lingokids&hl=en_CA

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lingokids-english-for-kids/id1002043426

4. Jolly Phonics Lessons (Free with in-app purchases)

Developer: Jolly Futures Technologies

Operating system: Android, iOS

Features:

• Jolly songs for each letter sound
• Uses animation, action image and detailed instructions
• Includes word bank and flashcards

A favourite of teachers and parents from all over the world, you can't go wrong with this 'jolly' phonics app that is full of songs, pictures and stories. Based on synthetic phonics, this thoughtfully crafted app features proven methods that would work for almost every child.

Download links: 

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gilbertjolly.teachphonics.teachers&hl=en_CA

https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/jolly-phonics-lessons/id1149029299

5. Sight Words Sentence Builder: Reading for Kids (Free)

Developer: Sierra Vista Software

Operating system: Android, iOS

Features:

• An interactive model that urges your child to work hands-on
• Colourful graphics and rewards to motivate your child
• Report card to keep track of your child's progress

Has your child mastered phonics? Time for learning sight words. This app helps your child learn Dolch words. These are words which cannot be decoded with sounds or phonics. In this interactive app, your child can construct simple sentences with sight words and gain the confidence to make complex sentences.

Download links: 

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.com.sierravistasoftware.SightWordsSB1&hl=en_CA

https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/sight-words-sentence-builder/id527718967

6. Keba! English for Kids (ESL) (Free)

Developer: Svetlana Kebadze

Operating system: Android

Features:

• An app for children who are not native English speakers
  
• Around 500 beautiful images with three audio lessons available with each slide; for example, a section about animals includes a crowing rooster, a jumping kangaroo, and a squirrel crunching a nut
• Voice instructions are in an easy-to-understand accent

The best part is that it is free with no in-app purchases or pesky ads in between. However, it does require a good amount of storage space on your phone.

Download link:

https://apkily.com/keba

7. Learn English for Kids with Amy (Free with in-app purchases)

Developer: Squins IT Solutions

Operating systems: Android, iOS

Features:

• Learn English for Kids with Amy, helps elementary and primary school children improve their vocabulary and pronunciation
• Has 13 categories, out of which one category (Zoo) is available for free, and the others are available through in-app purchases.
• Very attractive animation and graphics, meant to appeal to young children
• Parents can monitor the progress of their kid through an option that measures the child’s improvement in listening and reading skills

Download links:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.squins.tkl.en&hl=en

https://apps.apple.com/in/app/learn-english-with-amy-lite/id1020959280

Also read: 7 board games to improve your child's vocabulary

Ages 9 to 12:

1. LearnEnglish Grammar (Free)

Developer: British Council

Operating systems: Android, iOS

Features:

• Suitable for different levels of learning English from beginner (CEFR level A1) to advanced (CEFR level C2)
• Over 600 grammar activities to practise
• Test section to check your progress
• UK and US edition to learn British and American English

Downloaded over 5.5 million times, LearnEnglish Grammar helps your child learn English grammar. The app is not only suitable at the beginners’ stage, but also helps your child advance all the way to an expert level. Your child has the option of choosing between American and British English. This reputed app is one of the best English grammar apps for your preteen.

Download links:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=bc.leg&hl=en

https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/learnenglish-grammar-uk-ed/id488099900

2. Grammaropolis (Free with in-app purchases)

Developer: Grammaropolis LLC

Operating system: iOS

Features:

• Innovative, character-based method to teach English
• Curriculum map with videos and quiz questions
• Suitable for different learning styles

With Grammaropolis, your child can go on an adventurous journey, carefully navigating the neighbourhoods of the Parts of Speech like noun, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, conjunctions, prepositions and interjections. In the free version, you can learn all about nouns. Your child can access the other Parts of Speech through the paid version.

Download link:

https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/grammaropolis/id559851814

3. SAS Punctuation Rules! (Free)

Developer: SAS Institute Inc.

Operating system: iOS

Features:

• Includes 22 punctuation rules from commas to parenthesis
• Uses animation to represent each punctuation mark
• Practice and quiz sessions to track progress

This is a simple app that teaches punctuation rules with animation. Your child can understand how punctuation changes the meaning of a sentence in a hands-on way. The app also has quizzes to help your child track his progress.

Download link: 

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sas-punctuation-rules/id1140948915

4. Learn English Vocabulary (Free with in-app purchases)

Developer: Visual App

Operating system: Android

Features:

• Over 3,000 words and pictures with 75 topics
• Includes tests and listening tasks to check progress
• Offline app – Internet connection is not required

Using visual memory technique, the Learn English Vocabulary app helps your child retain information. Suitable for all age groups and skills, your child would find this app simple and visually appealing. The app also works offline which means your child can carry on with her lessons even without an Internet connection.

Download link: 

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.english.vivoapp.vocabulary&hl=en_CA

5. Improve English: Vocabulary, Grammar, Word Games (Free with in-app purchases)

Developer: Knudge.me

Operating systems: Android, iOS

Features:

• Mini lessons to learn new concepts
• Personalised tests to reinforce learning
• Includes word games and quizzes
• 'A Word a Day' feature to learn new words every day

This all-in-one free learning app trains your child in grammar, vocabulary, phrases and idioms. The app also includes a list of commonly confused words. Using an interactive format, this app prepares your child for competitive exams like IELTS, GRE and so on.

Download links:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.knudge.me&hl=en

https://apps.apple.com/in/app/improve-english-by-knudge-me/id1358258808

6. Duolingo English learning app (Free with ads, Duolingo Plus without ads)

Developer: Duolingo

Operating systems: Android, iOS

Features:

• Lessons tailored to suit each kid’s learning style
• Exercises to help the user learn and review vocabulary effectively
• Grading system to enable the user to see which answers are correct
• Motivation provided in the form of virtual coins, unlocking of new levels and so on
• Presents sounds, words, phrases and sentences, and dialogues in a conversational and regular context, accelerating the language learning process

Meant for slightly older kids (8 years and above), Duolingo is an easy to use and fun app. It allows a child to learn the intricacies and grammar of English language through multiple quizzes and games, aided with the charm of completing a particular level and earning a special badge.

Download links:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.duolingo&hl=en_IN

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/duolingo/id570060128

Ages 13 to 18:

1. Cake: Learn English (Free with in-app purchases)

Developer: Playlist Corporation

Operating systems: Android, iOS

Features:

• Simulates scenarios where your child can practise English with native speakers
• Has short English videos to watch every day
• Has AI speech recognition to fine-tune pronunciation

By correcting your child's pronunciation with AI speech recognition, this app will make him sound at a native proficiency level. All your child would need is a few minutes a day to work on this free language learning app.

Download links:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=me.mycake&hl=en_US

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cake-learn-english/id1350420987

2. Rosetta Stone: Learn Languages (Free with in-app purchases)

Developer: Rosetta Stone Limited

Operating systems: Android, iOS

Features:

• TruAccent Speech Recognition Technology
• Features the Rosetta Stone Immersion Method to progress from words to conversations.
• An offline app – Internet connection is not required

Winner of many accolades and awards, this is one of the best English language learning apps for kids. The famous app boasts of teaching your child English intuitively with the world's best speech recognition technology. What's more? The app can fine-tune your child's accent and give practical lessons on everyday English usage.

Download links:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.com.rosettastone.mobile.CoursePlayer&hl=en_CA

https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/rosetta-stone-learn-languages/id435588892

3. Grammarly Keyboard - Type with confidence (Free with in-app purchases)

Developer: Grammarly, Inc.

Operating systems: Android, iOS

Features:

• Clear explanation for every correction
• Advanced grammar, spelling and punctuation checker
• Works with all the apps on your phone

With Grammarly keyboard, your child can type anything on his mobile phone confidently without worrying about making any mistakes. From spelling and grammar to punctuation, this app will check every detail of your child's writing. Soon enough, your child can become a pro in writing.

Download links:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.grammarly.android.keyboard&hl=en_CA

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/grammarly-keyboard/id1158877342

4. English Expressions and Idioms (Free with in-app purchases)

Developer: Basenji Apps

Operating system: iOS

Features:

• Choice of idiom categories
• Tracking of progress in the profile tab
• New content every day

With this app, your child can learn new words and phrases every day. She can pick a theme a day and learn all the idioms related to it. She will especially appreciate the games, where she can check her language skills with idioms crosswords, quizzes and puzzles.

Download link:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/english-expressions-and-idioms/id1436747289

5. Wattapad - Books and Stories (Free with in-app purchases)

Developer: Wattapad Corp

Operating systems: Android, iOS

Features:

• Share the stories with a community of story lovers
• Read undiscovered stories
• Opportunity for your child to connect with others and learn
• Account syncing for mobile, tablet and desktop

Wattapad is a storytelling platform where your teen can read stories from other Wattapaders or write his own story. He can share his story and the other Wattapaders can read and comment on it. The reviews can help your teen hone his English reading and writing skills, and his creativity. This app is suitable for children in their middle or late teens.

Download links:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=wp.wattpad&hl=en

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wattpad-books-stories/id306310789

6. English Listening Step by Step - IELTS Listening (Free with in-app purchases)

Developer: oCoder App

Operating system: Android

Features:

• Contains more than 1,000 audios with tests
• Confusing words can be clicked on and translated into one’s native language
• Listening lessons are divided into many grades such as beginner English listening, intermediate English listening and advanced English listening
• Listening English Level A + Listening English Level B1 + Listening English Level C1 + Listening English Level C2
• Lessons are divided into many interesting topics such as food, family, education, science and storytelling

There are also options to listen to the audio in British, American or International accent. All in all, a wonderful app for anyone wanting to hone their English language skills.

Download link:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ocoder.learn.english.free&hl=en_US

7. Learn English Sentence Master (Free with in-app purchases)

Developer: MasterKey Games

Operating systems: Android, iOS

Features:

• The game consists of putting scrambled words together to form grammatically-correct sentences
• For every mistake, there is a time penalty
• Score is based on how quick a player is in forming a sentence and the total number of errors
• There are various levels from beginner to expert

Learn English Sentence Master is a great game for older kids who want to strengthen their understanding of the English syntax and grammar conventions in a fun manner. This app is excellent for ESL students (English as a Second Language) as it helps them understand how to structure a sentence in English.

Download links:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mojoegames.sentencemaster&hl=en_IN

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/learn-english-sentence-master/id980204043

English learning videos for kids

Like apps, there are many videos available on YouTube to learn English. Here are some of our picks of videos.

Ages 6 to 9

1. WOW English TV

Education and entertainment blend in this channel to make learning English interactive and fun for your school-aged child. Steve and his pet crow Maggie will teach your child using their in-house method called Wattsenglish.

Download link:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx1xhxQyzR4TT6PmXO0khbQ

2. The Talking Dog Cartoons

Martha, a pet dog, eats some alphabet soup and the letters find their way into her brain instead of her tummy. And so, Martha learns to speak. This funny cartoon is sure to make your child laugh and learn English along the way.

Download link:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9X5Cb72t8fQuUPl8RnMAsA

3. Grammaropolis

In this novel app, the Parts of Speech are personified as different characters to sing, talk and interact with your child. The videos are an enjoyable way to learn English seamlessly.

Download link:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdy0QG8BXTCJye2dgBaetIg

Ages 10 and up

1. Easy English

With practical conversations and animated videos, this simple app will enrich your child's vocabulary and help him master proper English usage.

Download link:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTRHegh7UqWuKRymXoqzbzA

2. Speak English With Mr Duncan

Mr Duncan gives practical hints and helpful motivational tips to get your child to sharpen her English skills.

Download link:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8pPDhxSn1nee70LRKJ0p3g

3. BBC Learning English

These videos tackle one topic each day so your teen will have something to learn every day. The videos can be especially handy if your child wants to take the IELTS exam in the future.

Download link:

https://www.youtube.com/user/bbclearningenglish

4. Learn English with EnglishClass101.com

There are many interesting videos in this channel that focus on frequently used phrases, questions and other topics. Your teen can learn English in no time with these well-made videos.

Download link:

https://www.youtube.com/user/ENGLISHCLASS101

5. Oxford Online English

Certified English teachers help your teen learn the nuances of the English language in this premium channel. From everyday English to business English, these videos will encourage your child to develop the right kind of language skills.

Download link:

https://www.youtube.com/user/oxfordonlineenglish

6. Daily English Conversation

Your child can learn grammar rules and correct usage, and practise English lessons with this free channel.

Download link:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV1h_cBE0Drdx19qkTM0WNw

7. Learn English with Let's Talk - Free English Lessons

Just as their tagline says, this channel aims at helping your child talk fluently in English with a neutral accent. These relatable videos are a great way for your teen to learn English with confidence.

Download link:

https://www.youtube.com/user/learnexmumbai

English learning apps and videos are excellent tools to make your child fall in love with the English language. Unfortunately, gadgets can be quite addictive too. So, it is a good idea to keep your child on a tight leash when it comes to using mobile phones or tablets. Set limits on how long your child can use his mobile phone and lay ground rules about the kind of content he should watch. 

Also read: 5 Apps And Gadgets To Keep Your Kids Safe 

Stuck at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic? Family-In-Corona-Out is here to help you beat the blues! 

About the authors:

Written by Sarika Chuni and Aarthi Arun on 3 June 2019; updated on 24 March 2020

Sarika Chuni is a Special Educator (specializing in learning disabilities) and a Management Graduate, with a diverse experience in the corporate and the non-profit sector.

Aarthi Arun is a writer from Chennai, who currently calls Toronto her home. Although she has donned many hats, from a photographer to a librarian to a software engineer, she has learnt the most in the role of a mother. With her 6-year-old son Kathir, she loves going on long walks, building LEGO blocks and reading adventurous stories.

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