Gone are the days when education was confined to textbooks and classrooms. Today, there is a growing emphasis on interactive methods to boost children’s cognitive and social development.
The Amazon FireStick provides access to extensive educational content. This makes it a great tool for parents looking to engage children in a dynamic learning environment even outside the classroom.
Why Parents Should Choose FireStick for Educational Purposes
The FireStick offers unparalleled convenience to parents by enabling them to access several quality educational websites and apps such as PBS Kids, FunBrain, and Kidopia from a single, user-friendly device.
Its compact size (99 x 30 x 14 mm) and lightweight (43.5 g.) means the device is easy to carry. Also, FireStick is very affordable; you can purchase its latest model for only $39.99 from Amazon.
Unlike TVs, the Amazon FireStick remote has minimal buttons, which makes it very easy for children to use it while doing interactive activities on educational platforms.
How to Watch Education Content on FireStick?
With FireStick, parents can access educational content using the Amazon App Store and Amazon Silk Browser.
1. Amazon Appstore
Currently, the Amazon Appstore features roughly 537,299 apps, and a fair proportion of these apps (over 30,000) belong to the education category.
To install educational apps from the Amazon App Store:
- Go to the FireStick Home Screen and click “Search”
- Type the name of the app
- Select the app from the search results
- Click on the “Get/Download” button
2. Amazon Silk Browser
If you do not want to install apps or need educational resources beyond the Appstore, try the Amazon Silk Browser. It lets you visit educational websites just like on a computer.
To use Amazon Silk Browser on FireStick:
- Go to the FireStick Home Screen and click “Search”
- Type “Amazon Silk Browser“
- Select the app from the search results
- Click on the “Get/Download” button
- Once the app is installed, click “Open“
- Now enter the desired URL in the search box
Age-Specific Educational Content on FireStick
We have divided the educational resources into three age-specific categories so that you can find the appropriate content easily:
- Educational Resources for Ages 2-5
- Educational Resources for Ages 6-8
- Educational Resources for Ages 9-12
Educational Resources for Ages 2-5
During 2-5 years, children are highly receptive to new information and learn best through interactive and engaging activities.
The FireStick offers a selection of educational apps and websites designed specifically for this age group. Here is a guide to some of the best resources available:
1. PBS Kids (App)
This app offers a variety of educational shows and games, all for free. It is a great way to introduce preschoolers to learning with characters they love and trust.
2. Nick Jr. (App)
Nick Jr. is another emphasizes interactive learning experiences with familiar TV characters. Though you can use it for free, a cable subscription unlocks additional features.
3. Hopster (App)
Hopster is a paid service that provides curriculum-centric learning games and shows. It is designed to make early learning appealing and is tailored for preschool-aged children.
4. Kiddopia (App)
This app offers a subscription-based suite of educational games focusing on math, language, and critical thinking. Kiddopia’s playful approach helps develop young minds while keeping them engaged.
5. ABCmouse (App)
ABCmouse offers a full curriculum in reading, math, and art through its subscription service. It helps children ages 2-5 learn at their own pace with engaging games and activities that boost essential skills.
6. Sesame Street (Website)
Sesame Street is a free website that allows young children to engage in a variety of art projects and activities. The website is ideal for stimulating children’s creativity and enhancing their motor skills.
Educational Resources for Ages 6-8
For kids aged 6 to 8, it is important to provide resources that challenge their growing skills while still making learning fun and engaging. FireStick offers access to a variety of apps and websites that cater to this age group.
Let’s have a look at some standout educational resources:
1. Stack the States (App)
Stack the States is a premium app that turns U.S. geography into a fun game for kids. As they stack different states to reach a set height, they learn about state capitals, shapes, locations, and flags.
2. Adventure Academy (Website)
Adventure Academy creates a virtual world where children can explore and learn subjects like maths and science at their own pace. It is a paid service.
3. National Geographic Kids (Website)
National Geographic Kids offers free educational content that covers a broad spectrum of topics including space, science, nature, & animals. It teaches children through articles, videos, and interactive activities.
4. FunBrain (website)
FunBrain wide range of games, videos, and books at no cost. FunBrain is organized by grade level and subject, making it easy for parents to find suitable content.
Educational Resources for Ages 9-12
When children are 9 to 12 years old, their learning transitions into more complex subjects, preparing them for higher educational levels.
The following apps and websites on FireStick encourage deeper exploration and understanding across a range of disciplines:
1. YouTube Kids (App)
YouTube Kids is a free platform, which provides a controlled environment for children to explore a broad spectrum of topics. With parental control settings, it also offers customization options to tailor the viewing experience.
2. BrainPOP Featured Movie (App)
With BrainPOP Featured Movie, students have access to animated videos and interactive quizzes. Available on a subscription basis, this platform covers topics titled towards science and social studies.
3. CuriosityStream (App)
With a special Kidstream category, this premium app brings the world of documentaries and series to young viewers. Topics in science, history, and nature help to satiate curious minds.
4. Cool Math 4 Kids (Website)
Cool Math for Kids is loaded with free games that focus on different mathematical concepts including addition, subtraction, and multiplication. It also offers quizzes and brain teasers!
5. PBS Learning Media (Website)
PBS Learning Media is a free website covering science, mathematics, social studies, and arts. Their resources are derived from trusted PBS programs and are augmented with contributions from experts.
6. Time for Kids (Website)
Time for Kids is a free website providing age-appropriate news articles that help young readers understand and think critically about global events.
Best Educational Resources by Subject Area
Here is a chart that categorizes the educational resources by the subjects they cover best:
| Resource | Subjects Covered |
|---|---|
| PBS Kids | General Education, Early Childhood Learning |
| Nick Jr. | General Education, Early Childhood Learning |
| Hopster | General Education, Early Childhood Learning |
| Kiddopia | Math, Language Arts, Critical Thinking |
| ABCmouse | Math, Science, Reading |
| Sesame Street Art Maker | Art, Creative Expression |
| National Geographic Kids | Science, Nature, Geography |
| Adventure Academy | Math, Reading, Science |
| FunBrain | Math, Reading, Problem Solving |
| YouTube Kids | General Education, Variety of Topics |
| BrainPOP | General Education, Science, Social Studies |
| CuriosityStream | Science, History, Technology, Nature |
| Cool Math 4 Kids | Math |
| PBS Learning Media | General Education, Multiple Subjects (K-12) |
| Time for Kids | Social Studies, Current Events, General Knowledge |
Additional Resources for All Ages
Looking for more ways to help your child learn? Here are some great educational resources for kids aged 2 to 12:
Monterey Bay Aquarium (Website)
The Monterey Bay Aquarium offers free virtual tours, online courses, and live cams that revolve around marine life. If your child is a budding marine biologist, you cannot ask for a better platform.
Disney Plus (App)
Disney Plus is a paid platform with a treasure trove of educational content. It includes a huge collection of documentaries by National Geographic, as well as series that explore science, history, and culture.
To find educational programs for kids, you can search for terms like “nature,” “animals,” and “space,” or set up a Kids Profile to see only age-appropriate titles.
Netflix (App)
Netflix is a well-known premium streaming service with a ton of educational shows, movies, and documentaries for kids. To access child-friendly content, parents can set up a Kids profile, which filters suitable content for young viewers.
Netflix also offers different codes for specific genres. For example, if you are using Netflix through the web browser, you may enter www.netflix.com/browse/genre/10659 to see the list of educational programs for children.
Conclusion
With access to a wide range of apps and websites through the Amazon App Store and Amazon Silk Browser, parents can easily find age-appropriate resources for children aged 2 to 12.
Also, its compact size means you can take it anywhere, ensuring learning does not stop while on vacation or visiting family. The simple FireStick setup also makes it easy for parents to get started quickly.