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Best Spelling Apps for Kindergarten in 2025

Letter sounds, sight words, and early phonics apps designed for ages 5-6.

SpellingJoy TeamSpellingJoy Team
•Last Updated: January 15, 2025
Kindergarten student learning

Kindergarten is all about building the foundation for reading and spelling. At this age, focus on phonics, letter sounds, and basic sight words rather than traditional spelling.

Our Top Picks:

1

Khan Academy Kids

Khan Academy Kids offers free, comprehensive early learning content covering reading, math, and more for children ages 2-8.

Read Khan Academy Kids Review
Best for - Free comprehensive K content
Price - Free
Grades - Ages 2-8
Platforms - iOS, Android, Amazon

Pros

  • ✓ Completely free
  • ✓ Comprehensive curriculum
  • ✓ No ads

Cons

  • ✗ Only goes to age 8
  • ✗ Not specialized for spelling
  • ✗ No web version
2

Teach Your Monster to Read

Teach Your Monster to Read uses a game-based approach to teach systematic phonics for early readers.

Read Teach Your Monster to Read Review
Best for - Engaging phonics for K
Price - Free (web)
Grades - Ages 3-6
Platforms - Web free, Apps $8.99

Pros

  • ✓ Free on web
  • ✓ Systematic phonics approach
  • ✓ Engaging game format

Cons

  • ✗ Limited age range
  • ✗ Apps cost money
3

ABCmouse

ABCmouse offers a full early learning curriculum with thousands of activities for children ages 2-8.

Read ABCmouse Review
Best for - Complete early learning
Price - $45-59/yr
Grades - Ages 2-8
Platforms - All platforms

Pros

  • ✓ Comprehensive curriculum
  • ✓ Engaging content
  • ✓ Progress tracking

Cons

  • ✗ Requires subscription
  • ✗ Only to age 8
4

Reading Eggs

Reading Eggs provides a comprehensive reading program for children ages 2-13 with lessons, games, and books.

Read Reading Eggs Review
Best for - Literacy foundation
Price - $70-100/yr
Grades - Ages 2-13
Platforms - All platforms

Pros

  • ✓ Wide age range
  • ✓ Comprehensive program
  • ✓ Includes spelling component

Cons

  • ✗ Expensive
  • ✗ Can be overwhelming
5

Starfall

Starfall teaches reading through systematic phonics with engaging activities for Pre-K through 5th grade.

Read Starfall Review
Best for - Simple letter learning
Price - $35/yr
Grades - Pre-K-5
Platforms - Web, iOS, Android

Pros

  • ✓ Affordable
  • ✓ Good for early readers
  • ✓ Systematic phonics approach

Cons

  • ✗ Limited for older students
  • ✗ Dated interface
6

SpellingJoy

SpellingJoy is a free spelling practice platform for K-6 students. It offers word lists aligned with US curriculum standards, including Dolch and Fry sight words.

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Best for - Free sight word practice
Price - Free
Grades - K-6
Platforms - Web

Pros

  • ✓ Completely free - no hidden costs
  • ✓ K-6 curriculum coverage
  • ✓ 134+ pre-made spelling lists

Cons

  • ✗ Web-only (no native mobile apps)
  • ✗ Classroom features coming soon

Frequently Asked Questions

Kindergarten focuses on letter sounds (phonics), sight words (Dolch words), and simple CVC words (cat, dog, sun). Apps should emphasize phonemic awareness.

Our Verdict

Khan Academy Kids is the best free option for kindergarten.

SpellingJoy offers free kindergarten sight word lists when your child is ready for spelling practice.

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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.

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