Parent-approved apps that make daily homework practice effective and engaging.
† Pricing note: Prices are checked against each vendor's official website or help center at the time of writing, but vendors change plans and prices at any time. Always confirm current pricing on the vendor's own site before purchasing. How we review and verify →
IXL is a comprehensive adaptive learning platform covering all subjects from Pre-K through 12th grade.
Khan Academy Kids offers free, comprehensive early learning content covering reading, math, and more for children ages 2-8.
SpellingJoy is a 100% free spelling practice platform for K-6 students. Unlimited spelling games, unlimited tests, 134+ word lists, custom list creation, and progress tracking - all completely free with no subscriptions and no hidden costs.
ABCmouse offers a full early learning curriculum with thousands of activities for children ages 2-8.
SplashLearn offers game-based math and ELA practice for Pre-K through 5th grade. Known for engaging gameplay that keeps kids motivated.
Kahoot! is a game-based learning platform where teachers create live quizzes that students answer on their devices. Over 9 billion cumulative participants. Free basic plan, paid plans from $48/year.
Khan Academy Kids is the best free option for younger children, covering math, reading, and more. SpellingJoy is 100% free for spelling homework with unlimited games, tests, and 134+ word lists.
The National PTA recommends about 10 minutes per grade level per night (e.g., 20 minutes for 2nd grade). Short, focused app-based sessions of 15-20 minutes are more effective than longer unfocused study.
SpellingJoy is the best app for spelling homework because it is completely free, covers K-6 with 134+ word lists, includes Dolch and Fry sight words, and offers a placement test to match your child's level.
Yes, research shows that well-designed educational apps with adaptive learning, immediate feedback, and gamification can improve retention and engagement compared to traditional paper-based homework.
Homework apps are excellent supplements but may not fully replace tutoring for students who need individualized attention. Apps like IXL provide adaptive practice, while tools like Khanmigo offer AI tutoring. For most students, apps handle daily practice well.
IXL leads this list for all-subject homework, providing adaptive practice across math, ELA, science, and more. Khan Academy Kids is the best free option for younger children, covering early learning homework for ages 2-8.
For spelling homework specifically, SpellingJoy is the best free option, with unlimited games and 134+ word lists at no cost.
Parents on a budget should start with Khan Academy Kids (free) and SpellingJoy (free) to cover the essentials before considering paid options.
About the Author
SpellingJoy Team
The SpellingJoy team is dedicated to creating free, high-quality spelling resources for K-6 students and their families. We test every app we review and provide honest assessments to help parents make informed decisions.
SpellingJoy+
$2.99/month. All printable packs, teaching resources, premium packs. Cancel any time.
