While most flashcards are simple in concept, some include extra games and supplementary online experiences to extend the learning. Other important features to look for are easy-to-read fonts, durability, and if they come with a storage solution (ideally, they will fit in the box they come in, but some boxes can be flimsy). We researched popular options for kids of all ages with these features in mind. Here are the best flashcards for kids, by age and category. This award-winning sight words bundle from Think Tank is a great bang for your buck. The set is made for kids aged 2 to 6 years old and has five decks, each with 36 high-quality coated cards that stand up to hours of play. The five decks—alphabet, first words with opposites, colors and shapes, numbers and counting, and rhyming—are designed for different levels of learning. Each set gives your child a solid foundation for more complex concepts like reading, writing, spelling, and math. They are designed with a bolded font that’s easy to read and detailed pictures. For parents and caregivers, the Think Tank Scholar Sight Words Bundle includes 30 teaching methods, 30 fun learning games, a color wheel, shape index, and letter and number charts for easy reference. In addition, the Think Tank website offers more educational games that can be played with the cards. Price at time of publication: $30 The Melissa and Doug Smarty Pants flashcard set contains 120 extra-durable glossy cards, each with multiple activities. The stack stores easily in a fun plastic “smarty pants” case. Designed to inspire kids to become excited about learning, the fun questions on every card are age-appropriate and the pictures are colorful and creative. Price at time of publication: $17 The set, which includes 50 open-ended scenario cards and 50 emotion face cards, is made for kids ages 6 years old and up but can work well for pre-K aged kids too. On the back of the cards there are easy coping strategies for your child to try, like “When I feel grumpy, I can get some rest.” The character illustrations on each card are fun and colorful. Price at time of publication: $25 The set comes with 26 double-sided cards that are sturdy, easy to wipe clean, and perfectly sized for little hands. These cards are also great for travel and taking on-the-go due to a toddler-safe, re-closable plastic ring. You won’t lose these cards, even with toddlers! Price at time of publication: $13 For an affordable price, these 48 double-sided cards have 240 equations and a simple set of rules—cover one corner and try to solve the equation. They’re made to be easy to hold, have more of a game-like feel than your traditional flashcard, and can be used solo, in pairs, or even with a group. Price at time of publication: $13 For ages 4 and up, the set includes 105 glossy flashcards with 122 ASL signs and colorful illustrations. The cards cover the alphabet, numbers, animals, basic words, feelings, and more. They can be used to review and memorize for study or incorporated into a play and learn the game. Price at time of publication: $8 The set includes 82 cards that cover simple skills like colors and shapes. They have rounded edges for easy flipping and are part of a larger collection of skill-building cards. Use them in your classroom or at home for cute and fun learning! Price at time of publication: $10 This variety pack of colorful cards is perfect for words, color, and picture recognition, a building block for reading later on. Price at time of publication: $10 While it may feel most sensible to buy flashcards geared towards your child’s grade level, you want to consider their actual learning level. It’s best to start with where they are academically, whether they are a little behind and need help catching up, or are ahead of the class and need a challenge.
Concepts
Depending on your child’s developmental stage, they may need to sharpen different skills. Whether you want to reinforce their knowledge of the alphabet or help them develop their emotional intelligence, there is a flashcard set out there to help them. Flashcards are designed for many different educational categories, like shapes, math, vocabulary, and so many more. You know your child best and can determine what areas they could use a little extra help with (you can also check with your child’s teacher). Once you’ve determined the areas that need special attention, you can then check out flashcards based on those categories.
Kid Appeal
The beauty of flashcards is that they make learning feel like a fun game. It’s no secret, though, that flashcards can sometimes feel repetitive and not as fun as other activities. Choosing cards that are colorful, fun, and engaging can help encourage your little learner to actually want to use them.
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Deanna McCormack is a freelance writer and creative consultant based in Scottsdale, Arizona. She enjoys working with startups and regularly covers product launches in the lifestyle, beauty, and motherhood space. She has a 3-year-old son and an infant daughter and is the co-founder of Loonie Kid, a Canadian clothing company for kids and toddlers.
