Educating children is a priority for many parents, but it's not always easy to find the best tools to help them learn and have fun.

Fortunately, there is educational software suitable for all ages and levels, which offers fun and interactive activities in various fields: languages, mathematics, sciences, arts, etc.

In this article, we present to you a selection of educational software for children that has proven itself and is appreciated by parents.

Here is a comparison of the 20 best educational software for children !

1. iEducative

iEducatif is free educational software for kindergarten and primary school children. It offers hundreds of educational games and exercises for children aged 3 and over . The games are made with very fun settings and animations. They are accessible from any medium: computer, smartphone and tablet.

All school subjects are covered around math games, French games and games to learn languages . This educational software is completely free and does not require the creation of an account. By creating an account, you can follow the progress of your child or students. A unique progress tracking system allows you to see your child's progress.

This educational software is highly appreciated by parents and teachers.

Strong points

• Free and without advertising
• Suitable for children aged 3 and over
• Covers all school subjects
• Accessible from all media
• Personalized progress tracking

Weak points

• No challenge mode or rewards
• No specific content for middle or high school

Rate

Free

iEducatif educational software : www.ieducatif.fr

2. JeuxPedago

JeuxPedago is educational software for CP through 12th grade . It offers hundreds of exercises in training mode and challenge mode, which is very interesting for gentle learning. The exercises are offered around the following subjects:

• French
• Mathematics
• History
• Geography
• Science
• English
• Spanish
• German
• Italian
• Latin

This educational software is free for personal use. It also offers a subscription plan for teachers who want to create virtual classes and track their students' results.

Strong points

• Free for personal use
• Suitable for children from CP to 12th grade
• Covers all school subjects and several languages
• Offers two game modes: training and challenge
• Allows teachers to create virtual classes

Weak points

• Paid for professional use
• Requires creating an account
• Slightly dated design

Rate

Free for personal use

€9.90 per year for professional use

Here is the address to access the jeuxpedago educational software: www.jeuxpedago.com

3. Kidaia

Kidaia is online educational software for children from CP to CM2 . It offers tailor-made activities adapted to the level and difficulties of each child thanks to artificial intelligence. Your child can work and have fun with educational games , completely independently, with a wide variety of fun exercises .

The main subjects are mathematics and science, but the software also offers activities on the environment, general culture or creativity. Kidaia is accompanied by a personal assistant who encourages and guides your child throughout their journey.

This educational software is paid , but it offers a free month trial.

Strong points

• Suitable for children from CP to CM2
• Offers tailor-made activities using artificial intelligence
• Covers math, science, environment, general knowledge and creativity
• Accompanied by a personal assistant who motivates and helps your child
• Offers one month free trial

Weak points

• Paid after the trial month
• Requires creating an account
• Does not cover all school subjects

Rate

€9.90 per month or €99 per year after the free trial month

Here is the address to access the kidaia educational software: www.kidaia.com

4. Lulu the Mole

Lulu the Mole is educational software for children aged 3 to 10 . It offers educational games, coloring, puzzles, stories and songs. The games are classified by age and theme:

• Logic
• Memory
• Observation
• Language
• Reading
• Writing
• Calculation
• Geometry
• Music
• English

This educational software is free and does not require the creation of an account. It is accessible from all media: computer, tablet or smartphone.

Strong points

• Free and without advertising
• Suitable for children aged 3 to 10
• Offers educational games, coloring, puzzles, stories and songs
• Classify games by age and theme
• Accessible from all media

Weak points

• Does not cover all school subjects
• Slightly simplistic design

Rate

Free

Here is the address to access the lululataupe educational software: www.lululataupe.com

5. Imagemo

Imagemo is educational software for learning to read and write. It is aimed at children aged 4 to 8 , but also adults who are illiterate or learning French. It offers activities based on the association between images and words.

The software offers three game modes:

• Discovery mode : the child discovers the words associated with the images by clicking on them.
• Reading mode : the child must find the word corresponding to the image among several suggestions.
• Writing mode : the child must write the word corresponding to the image using a virtual keyboard.

This educational software is free and does not require the creation of an account. It is accessible from all media: computer, tablet or smartphone.

Strong points

• Free and without advertising
• Suitable for children aged 4 to 8, but also for adults who are illiterate or learning French
• Offers activities based on the association between images and words
• Offers three game modes: discovery, reading and writing
• Accessible from all media

Weak points

• Only covers reading and writing
• Does not offer progress tracking

Rate

Free

Here is the address to access the imagemo educational software: www.imagemo.fr

6. Omnitux

Omnitux is educational software for kindergarten children aged between 2 and 8 years old . It offers varied activities around different themes:

• Animals
• Music
• Geography
• History
• Art
• Logic
• Memory

The activities are of different types:

• Puzzles
• Memory
• Associations
• Coloring pages
• Quiz
• Labyrinths
• Music

This educational software is free and open source . It can be downloaded from the official website or from download platforms. It is compatible with Windows , Linux and Mac OS.

Strong points

• Free and open source
• Suitable for children aged 2 to 10
• Offers varied activities around different themes
• Downloadable from the official website or from download platforms
• Compatible with Windows , Linux and Mac OS

Weak points

• Requires software download and installation
• Does not offer progress tracking
• Slightly outdated design

Rate

Free

Here is the address to access the omnitux educational software: www.omnitux.fr

7. Khan Academy

Khan Academy is an online educational software for children from first grade to 12th grade . It offers courses, exercises and videos on all school subjects, but also on subjects such as IT, economics, the arts or health.

The software offers a personalized path for each child, based on their needs and objectives. It also allows you to track your progress and earn points and badges. Khan Academy comes with a supportive community that allows children to ask questions and interact with other users.

This educational software is free and ad-free. It requires the creation of an account. It is accessible from all media: computer, tablet or smartphone.

Strong points

• Free and without advertising
• Suitable for children from CP to 12th grade
• Offers lessons, exercises and videos on all school subjects and more
• Offers a personalized course for each child
• Allows you to track your progress and earn points and badges
• Accompanied by a supportive community

Weak points

• Requires creating an account
• May be a little complex for younger children

Rate

Free

Here is the address to access the khanacademy educational software: fr.khanacademy.org

8. Scratch

Scratch is educational software for learning to code. It is aimed at children aged 8 to 16, but also at adults who want to learn programming. It offers a graphical environment that allows you to create games, animations, stories or applications by assembling blocks of code.

The software offers a library of projects created by other users, which can serve as a source of inspiration or as a basis for creating your own projects . Scratch comes with an online community that allows kids to share their creations and receive feedback.

This educational software is free and open source. It requires the creation of an account. It is accessible from all media: computer, tablet or smartphone.

Strong points

• Free and open source
• Suitable for children aged 8 to 16 , but also for adults who want to learn to code
• Offers a graphical environment that allows you to create games, animations, stories or applications by assembling blocks of code
• Offers a library of projects created by other users
• Accompanied by an online community that allows you to share your creations and receive comments

Weak points

• Requires creating an account
• Can be a little difficult to get to grips with at first

Rate

Free

Here is the address to access the scratch.mit educational software: www.scratch.mit.edu

9. BrainPOP

BrainPOP is educational software for children from first grade to middle school . It offers animated videos on all school subjects, but also on subjects such as health, civics, art or technology.

The software also offers educational games, quizzes, creative activities and educational resources to deepen the knowledge acquired. BrainPOP is accompanied by a friendly character, Moby the robot , who guides and entertains children throughout their learning.

This educational software is paid, but it offers a free trial period.

Strong points

• Suitable for children from CP to middle school
• Offers animated videos on all school subjects and more
• Offers educational games, quizzes, creative activities and teaching resources
• Accompanied by a friendly character, Moby the robot
• Offers a free trial period

Weak points

• Paid after the trial period
• Requires creating an account
• Available only in French and English

Rate

€9.90 per month or €99 per year after the free trial period

Here is the address to access the brainpop educational software: www.brainpop.com

10. GUnderstood

GCompris is educational software for children aged 2 to 10 . It offers more than 100 fun and varied activities around different themes:

• Discovery of the computer
• Reading
• Writing
• Mathematics
• Science
• Geography
• History
• Music
• Art
• LANGUAGES

This educational software is free and open source. It can be downloaded from the official website or from download platforms . It is compatible with Windows , Linux, Mac OS, Android and iOS.

Strong points

• Free and open source
• Suitable for children aged 2 to 10
• Offers more than 100 fun and varied activities around different themes
• Downloadable from the official website or from download platforms
• Compatible with Windows , Linux, Mac OS, Android and iOS

Weak points

• Requires software download and installation
• Does not offer progress tracking
• A little childish design

Rate

Free

Here is the address to access the gcompris educational software: www.gcompris.net

11. Maxicours

Maxicours is educational software for children from CP to 12th grade. It offers more than 50,000 lessons and 10,000 interactive exercises on all school subjects, in accordance with official National Education programs. It also offers videos , revision sheets , annals and quizzes to revise effectively.

The software offers personalized monitoring of each child, with a assessment , a work schedule dashboard which allows you to visualize their progress. It also allows you to benefit from support from certified teachers, available by chat or by telephone.

Maxicours is paid educational software, but it offers a 15-day free trial period.

Strong points

• Suitable for children from CP to 12th grade
• Offers more than 50,000 lessons and 10,000 interactive exercises on all school subjects
• Offers videos, revision sheets, reports and quizzes
• Offers personalized monitoring of each child
• Allows you to benefit from support from certified teachers
• Offers a 15-day free trial period

Weak points

• Paid after the trial period
• Requires creating an account
• Available only in French

Rate 

€19.99 per month or €199 per year after the free trial period

Here is the address to access the maxicours : www.maxicours.com

12. ABC Mouse

ABC Mouse is educational software for children aged 2 to 8. It offers more than 10,000 fun and varied activities on subjects such as reading, writing, mathematics, science, art or music. It also offers stories , songs , games , puzzles and coloring to stimulate children's creativity and imagination.

The software offers a personalized journey for each child, based on their age, level and interests. It also allows you to create an avatar , choose a pet and decorate your virtual home . It rewards children's efforts with tickets to exchange for objects or clothing for their avatar.

If you want to help them develop and refine their writing skills, we advise you to opt for some of the best writing tablets for children , which are suitable for their size, sensitivity and style. These tablets are interactive, fun and educational, and offer a variety of themes and levels to have fun while learning.

ABC Mouse is paid educational software, but it offers a 30-day free trial period.

Strong points

• Suitable for children aged 2 to 8
• Offers more than 10,000 fun and varied activities on subjects such as reading, writing, mathematics, science, art or music
• Offers stories, songs, games, puzzles and coloring
• Offers a personalized journey for each child
• Allows you to create an avatar, choose a pet and decorate your virtual home
• Reward children's efforts with tickets to exchange for items or clothing for their avatar
• Offers a 30-day free trial period

Weak points

• Paid after the trial period
• Requires creating an account
• Available only in English

Rate 

9.95 per month or 79.99 per year after the free trial period

Website or download link 

Here is the address to access the abcmouse educational software: www.abcmouse.com 

13. Algodoo

Algodoo is educational software for children aged 6 and over. It allows you to create and explore physical scenes , using tools such as pencil, eraser, ruler, compass or spring. It also allows you to add physical properties to objects, such as mass, friction, density or gravity.

The software offers a fun and creative to children, who can invent their own games, machines or experiments. It also offers an educational and scientific , which allows children to understand the basic principles of physics, such as mechanics, optics or electricity.

Algodoo is free educational software.

Strong points

• Suitable for children aged 6 and over
• Allows you to create and explore interactive physical scenes
• Allows you to add physical properties to objects
• Offers a fun and creative experience for children
• Offers an educational and scientific approach to children
• Free

Weak points

• Requires some computer skills
• Available only in English

Rate 

Free

Website or download link

Here is the address to access the algodoo educational software: www.algodoo.com

14. Tux Paint

Tux Paint is educational software that allows children to draw and color on their computer. It is simple and intuitive software that offers an interface suitable for young people. Tux Paint offers a wide palette of colors, various tools like the brush, the stamp, or the magic eraser, and special effects like the mirror, the kaleidoscope, or the blur. It also has a library of images and sounds to enrich children's creations . Tux Paint is free educational software available in French.

Strong points

• Free and available in French
• Allows children to draw and color on their computer
• Offers a simple and intuitive interface suitable for young people
• Offers a wide palette of colors, varied tools, and special effects
• Has a library of images and sounds

Weak points

• May be limited for older or more demanding children

Rate 

Free

Here is the address to access the tuxpaint educational software: www.tuxpaint.org 

15. Kidibot

Kidibot is educational software that allows children to review their lessons while having fun. This is a quiz game which features funny characters, the Kidibots , who must save the planet from the evil Cervellors . The software offers thousands of questions on all school subjects, from CP to CM2. It also allows children to create their own quizzes, challenge their friends, and earn points and badges. Kidibot is free educational software available in French .

Strong points

• Free and available in French
• Allows children to review their lessons while having fun
• Offers thousands of questions on all school subjects , from CP to CM2
• Allows kids to create their own quizzes, challenge their friends, and earn points and badges
• Featuring funny characters, the Kidibots

Weak points

• Requires an internet connection
• Can be repetitive in the long run

Rate 

Free

Here is the address to access the kidibot educational software: www.kidibot.com 

16. Lightbot

Lightbot is educational software that introduces children to computer programming. This is a logic game that involves guiding a glowing robot through levels of increasing difficulty. The software allows children to learn basic programming concepts like sequences, loops, conditions , or procedures . It also develops their ability to solve problems and think algorithmically. Lightbot is paid educational software, but it offers a limited free version.

Strong points

• Introduces children to computer programming
• Offers a logic game that involves guiding a glowing robot through levels of increasing difficulty
• Allows children to learn basic programming concepts like sequences, loops, conditions, or procedures
• Develops the ability to solve problems and think algorithmically

Weak points

• Paying to access all levels
• Available only in English

Rate 

€2.99 for the full version 

Here is the address to access the lightbot educational software: www.lightbot.com 

17. Mathador

Mathador is educational software that allows children to practice mental arithmetic . This is a puzzle game which consists of finding the result of an operation using the four elementary operations ( addition, subtraction, multiplication, division ) and five numbers drawn at random. The software offers three game modes: solo, duo, or chrono. It also allows children to track their statistics and earn trophies. Mathador is free educational software available in French .

Strong points

• Free and available in French
• Allows children to practice mental arithmetic
• Offers a puzzle game which consists of finding the result of an operation using the four elementary operations and five numbers drawn at random
• Offers three game modes: solo, duo, or chrono
• Allows kids to track their stats and earn trophies

Weak points

• Can be frustrating for children who struggle with mental arithmetic

Rate 

Free

Website or download link

Mathador educational software : www.mathador.fr

18. GeoGebra

GeoGebra is educational software that allows children to learn mathematics in a visual and interactive way. It is software that combines geometry , algebra , statistics , and calculus . It allows children to create and manipulate geometric figures, algebraic expressions, graphs, tables, or simulations. It also has a library of educational resources created by the GeoGebra community. GeoGebra is free educational software available in French.

Strong points

• Free and available in French
• Allows children to learn math in a visual and interactive way
• Combines geometry , algebra, statistics , and calculus
• Allows children to create and manipulate geometric figures, algebraic expressions, graphs, tables, or simulations
• Features a library of educational resources created by the GeoGebra community

Weak points

• Can be complex for beginners
• Requires an internet connection to access certain features

Rate 

Free

Here is the address to access the Geogebra educational software: www.geogebra.org 

19. Duolingo

Duolingo is educational software that allows children to learn a foreign language in a fun and effective way. This is software that offers lessons adapted to the level and objectives of each child. He uses various methods such as images, sounds, sentences, or dialogues. It also offers review exercises , level tests , and challenges with friends. It has a wide choice of languages ​​such as English, Spanish, German, or Chinese . Duolingo is free educational software available in French.

Strong points

• Free and available in French
• Allows children to learn a foreign language in a fun and effective way
• Offers lessons adapted to the level and objectives of each child
• Uses various methods such as images, sounds, sentences, or dialogues
• Offers review exercises, level tests, and challenges with friends
• Has a wide choice of languages ​​such as English, Spanish, German, or Chinese

Weak points

• Requires an internet connection
• Can be repetitive in the long run

Rate 

Free

Paying for the premium offer 

Duolingo educational software : www.duolingo.com

20. Pili Pop

Pili Pop is educational software that allows children to practice their speaking skills in a foreign language . This is software that offers fun activities based on voice recognition. It allows children to immerse themselves in a colorful and interactive world where they must speak to move forward. It also offers personalized advice to improve their pronunciation. It has two languages ​​to choose from: English and Spanish . Pili Pop is paid educational software, but it offers a free trial period.

Strong points

• Allows children to practice speaking in a foreign language
• Offers fun activities based on voice recognition
• Allows children to immerse themselves in a colorful and interactive world where they must speak to move forward
• Offers personalized advice to improve their pronunciation
• Offers a free trial period

Weak points

• Paid after the trial period
• Requires creating an account
• Available only in English and Spanish

Rate 

€9.99 per month or €59.99 per year after the free trial period

Pilipop educational software : www.pilipop.com

Good to know: If your child is at secondary school in Hauts-de-Seine . We invite you to use the ENT: Oze 92

FAQs

What are the criteria for choosing educational software for children?

There are several criteria for choosing educational software for children, depending on the child's age, level, needs, and preferences. Here are some examples of criteria:

• Content : it must be adapted to the school program, learning objectives, and interests of the child. It must also be varied, interactive and stimulating.
• Pedagogy : it must be adapted to the pace, style and difficulties of the child. It must also be motivating, fun and personalized.
• Quality : it must be guaranteed by experts in the field, teachers or parents. It must also be verified by reviews, ratings or awards.
• The price : it must be reasonable, transparent, and without commitment. It must also offer good value for money, a free trial period, or a money-back guarantee.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of educational software for children?

Educational software for children has advantages and disadvantages, depending on how it is used. Here are some examples of advantages and disadvantages:

• The advantages : they can promote the child's autonomy, creativity and curiosity. They can also strengthen your knowledge , skills and self-confidence. They can finally diversify their learning sources, supports and activities.
• Disadvantages : They can cause dependence, distraction or frustration in the child. They can also replace human contact , dialogue or cooperation with others. Finally, they can induce errors , gaps or confusion in the child.

How to use educational software for children effectively?

There are several tips for using educational software for children effectively, depending on the context, timing, and duration of use. Here are some examples of advice:

• The context : you must choose a quiet, comfortable and well-lit place to use educational software for children. You should also avoid sources of distraction or interruption such as television, telephone or outside noise.
• The moment : you must choose a time conducive to learning to use educational software for children . It is also necessary to respect the child's biological rhythm and avoid moments of fatigue or stress such as in the evening or before an exam.
• Duration : you must choose a duration adapted to the age and attention of the child to use educational software for children. It is also necessary to alternate work and rest phases and avoid sessions that are too long or too short.

What are the risks associated with using educational software for children?

There are several risks associated with the use of educational software for children, depending on the frequency, intensity, and quality of use. Here are some examples of risks:

• Physical risks : they can be caused by poor posture, poor lighting, or poor distance from the screen. They can result in headaches, back pain, or visual disturbances.
• Psychological risks : they can be caused by social isolation, a loss of temporal or spatial references, or an addiction to screens. They can result in anxiety, depression or aggression .
• Educational risks : they can be caused by a lack of control, a lack of feedback, or a lack of diversity in educational software for children. They can result in dropping out of school, delayed learning, or a drop in motivation .

How to protect children from the risks associated with the use of educational software for children?

There are several ways to protect children from the risks associated with the use of educational software , depending on the role, responsibility and involvement of adults. Here are some examples of means:

• The role : you must be a model, a guide, and a support for children who use educational software. We must also be attentive, vigilant, and responsive to signs of discomfort or difficulty in children.
• Responsibility : we must set rules, limits, and objectives for children who use educational software for children. It is also necessary to monitor, verify, and evaluate the quality and quantity of educational software used by children.
• Implication : we must support, encourage, and congratulate children who use educational software for children. We must also dialogue, exchange, and share with children about their experiences and their learning with educational software.