These apps and websites cover several of the skills that kids need to become strong writers. Whether you have a preschooler just learning to form letters or an older kid who’s learning the finer points of constructing stories and self-expression through writing, you’ll find excellent learning tools on our list.
FreeWriter is a fully featured writing software suite to assist in writing novels and reports. It provides a fresh, new, graphical approach to writing. It includes our revolutionary 'Thoughts Canvas' technology to. Simply.Write is a 'distraction free editors' that encourages you to get the words out on paper by removing any superficial feature from the screen. You are starting with a blank page and nothing else, you can add some structure later on.
Pre-K
Dora ABCs Vol 1: Letters & Letter Sounds
Easy-to-play games are great practice for pre-readers.
— Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
First Words Deluxe
Great for pre-readers to early spellers, but can get spendy.
This Is My Story (And I'm Sticking To It)
Build (and hear) simple stories by filling in the blanks.
— Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
Feel Electric!
Electric Company app helps kids learn to express emotions.
Free Writing Programs To Download
Growing Reader
Storybird
Create beautiful books to share online and in print.
— URL: http://www.storybird.com
iDiary for Kids
— Devices: iPad
StoryBuilder
Very cool app asks questions, creates stories from answers.
— Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
Free Programs For Writing Books
Tween
Scholastic News Kids Press Corps
Kid reporters (and readers) get schooled in journalism.
— URL: www.scholastic.com/kidspress
New Moon Girls Online
— URL: http://www.newmoon.com/
Free Writing Programs
Teen
Figment
Teen writers express themselves on supportive social site.
— URL: http://www.figment.com
Power Poetry
Online community empowers teen poets; use privacy settings.
— URL: http://www.powerpoetry.org
SMITHTeens
Site challenges teens to summarize their lives in six words.
— URL: http://smithteens.com
Teen Ink
Creative, supportive forum for teens to share their work.
— URL: http://www.teenink.com
Free Simple Letter Writing Program
Looking for more app recommendations for kids? Check out our list of the Best Reading Apps for 4–8 Year Olds.