Boosting Your Preschooler’s Brain: Evidence-Based Apps for Adaptive and Cognitive Development

Apr 13

3 min read

If you’re a parent of a preschooler—especially one receiving ESE Pre-K services—you might already be thinking about the “summer slide.” This common learning loss during long breaks can be especially challenging for children with developmental delays or disabilities.

The good news? There are simple, fun, and effective tools you can use right at home to support your child’s growth—without overwhelming your daily routine.

What Are Adaptive and Cognitive Skills?

Before diving into resources, let’s clarify two important types of skills:

Adaptive skills involve how children interact with their world—this includes academics, social skills, and daily living tasks like brushing teeth, getting dressed, or navigating familiar spaces.
Cognitive skills refer to the brain’s ability to think, reason, understand, and remember. These include decision-making, memory, comprehension, and executive functioning.

Between birth and age five, a child’s brain undergoes rapid growth—forming neural pathways that serve as the foundation for future learning. For children with developmental differences, it’s crucial to use the right tools during this critical window.

Learning Through Play: Yes, Even Video Games!

Believe it or not, research shows that “serious” video games (those with educational goals) can improve fine motor skills, academic achievement, and cognitive development. These games are far from boring—they’re engaging and designed to support skills like memory, flexible thinking, and problem-solving.

According to the Child Mind Institute, children under 6 should be limited to around 30 minutes of screen time per day. Why not make those 30 minutes count?

Here are three powerful (and kid-approved) apps that promote adaptive and cognitive development:

1. PBS Kids Games

This free app features beloved characters and research-based games that build language, decision-making, flexible thinking, and creativity.

✅ Free on Apple and Google stores

✅ Designed around educational programming

✅ Backed by research on cognitive development

Learn more: PBS Parents

2. MentalUP

Developed by experts in the UK, MentalUP offers personalized brain training for children. It includes:

Assessments and tailored recommendations
Parent progress tracking
Integration of physical movement into gameplay to enhance cognitive performance

💡 A free version offers basic games; full access is available via subscription.

Explore: MentalUP

3. Khan Academy Kids

This free, standards-aligned app supports not only cognitive and adaptive growth, but also social-emotional learning (SEL).

SEL is a game-changer—research shows that children with strong emotional regulation, communication, and empathy skills demonstrate better academic and cognitive outcomes.

✅ Aligned with Head Start Early Learning Framework

✅ Designed by educators

✅ Fully free and highly accessible

Discover: Khan Academy Kids

Why Fine Motor Skills Matter

Here’s something fascinating: Fine motor skills (like tapping, swiping, or tracing) are strongly linked to cognitive development. A recent study found that while gross motor skills (like running) weren’t tied to cognition, fine motor abilities were predictive of academic and social growth in preschoolers with disabilities.

This is because fine motor activity stimulates the same neural networks involved in decision-making and learning—essentially strengthening the brain like a muscle.

Supercharge Your Child’s Growth

When children practice adaptive behaviors, engage in cognitive challenges, and refine their fine motor skills—especially during early childhood—it “supercharges” their brain’s development.

The right apps can take advantage of this powerful period of growth. They offer interactive, screen-based play that’s fun, meaningful, and research-backed.

Final Thoughts

All three of these apps—PBS Kids, MentalUP, and Khan Academy Kids—are available for download on Apple and Google platforms. Each one provides a unique way to support your child’s learning journey, whether over summer break or throughout the school year.

If you have questions or would like personalized recommendations for your child’s needs, feel free to reach out. Let’s work together to make every minute count!

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