The best games for first graders mix reading practice, such as phonics and short stories, with maths games for addition and subtraction. None of the eight here shows a Contains ads label, and all are rated Everyone. Several open up fully only through in-app purchases, so check what's free first.
First grade is the year a lot of children go from sounding out words to reading on their own, and from counting to their first real sums. A good app can make the practice feel like play.
I went through the Google Play listings for popular first grade learning apps and noted the developer, installs, rating, ads and in-app purchases labels and offline wording. They aren't ranked.
One thing stood out straight away. Not one of the eight shows a Contains ads label, which is rare on Google Play and a relief for parents.
First grade apps side by side
| Game | Developer | Google Play installs | Ads / in-app purchases | Offline wording on the listing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Grade Learning Games | RosiMosi LLC | 1M+ | No ads label, in-app purchases | No offline claim on the listing |
| Starfall | The Starfall Education Foundation | 5M+ | No ads label, in-app purchases | No offline claim on the listing |
| Reading Eggs - Learn to Read | Blake eLearning Pty Ltd | 5M+ | No ads label, in-app purchases | No offline claim on the listing |
| Math & Logic games for kids | Speedymind LLC | 1M+ | No ads label, in-app purchases | No offline claim on the listing |
| Learn to Read: Reading.com | Teaching.com | 1M+ | No ads label, in-app purchases | 'printable reading games & activities for fun offline reinforcement' |
| I Read: Reading Comprehension | Sierra Chica Software SL | 500K+ | No ads label, in-app purchases | 'can be used offline, no wifi needed' |
| Math Games for 1st Grade Kids | Smart Kidz Club: Reading & Learning Books for Kids | 10K+ | No ads label, in-app purchases | No offline claim on the listing |
| Learn to Read. Reading Games | Mahjong Brain Puzzles | 10K+ | No ads label, in-app purchases | No offline claim on the listing |
What each app teaches
First Grade Learning Games
A bundle of games built around first grade lessons, from reading, spelling and maths to fractions, science and compound words. It shows no Contains ads label.
Starfall
Its activities, games and songs cover reading, maths and music from preschool upwards. Its listing says there are no adverts for any user, and some content opens up through in-app purchases.
Reading Eggs - Learn to Read
A reading program with a structured learning path of lessons and games. Much of it sits behind in-app purchases, so check what the free version includes before your child gets attached.
Math & Logic games for kids
SpeedyMind Academy's maths and logic games are aimed at kindergarten up to 4th graders, starting with the basics such as addition and subtraction.
Learn to Read: Reading.com
A phonics program from Teaching.com that a grown-up and child use together. Its listing mentions printable reading games for practice away from the screen.
I Read: Reading Comprehension
A reading comprehension app that turns short stories into a game of discovery. Its listing says it works offline, which suits car journeys.
Math Games for 1st Grade Kids
Smart Kidz Club's maths practice app is made for 1st grade, with simple exercises for the number skills of that year. It shows no Contains ads label.
Learn to Read. Reading Games
A step-by-step reading app that goes from phonics and ABCs towards reading kids' books. Its listing says it's for pre-K and kindergarten as well as early readers.
Two that didn't make the cut
Epic: Kids' Books & Reading came up in my search, but it's a digital library of books rather than a game, so it's not on this list. Fifth Grade Learning Games is from the same team as the first grade bundle, but it's built for fifth grade topics, which is too far ahead for a six-year-old.
Reading apps or maths apps?
Starfall, Reading Eggs, Reading.com, I Read and Learn to Read focus on reading. SpeedyMind and Smart Kidz Club are about numbers. First Grade Learning Games mixes both, which makes it a good single download if you'd rather not juggle apps.
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A child who's racing ahead with reading but finds sums hard will get more from a maths app, and the other way round. Let the teacher's notes guide you.
What free really means on these apps
Every app here is free to install, but most show in-app purchases, and for several the full program sits behind them. That isn't a reason to avoid them. It just means it's worth trying the free part for a week before deciding whether it's helping. Turn on approval for in-app purchases in Google Play so nothing changes without you.
A short daily habit works best
- Keep sessions to a few minutes after school.
- Sit with your child for the first few days.
- Ask them to read a word or solve a sum out loud.
- Stop while it's still fun, not when they're tired.
- Talk about what they learned at dinner.
Offline practice and screen-free swaps
I Read says it works offline, and Reading.com includes printables for practice on paper. For more apps that don't need a connection on a tablet, try these free offline games for iPads and tablets.
If your six-year-old enjoys puzzles too, here's how to pick age appropriate puzzle games for a 6 year old. And for a family evening without screens, these board game ideas for family night are a nice way to keep counting and taking turns.
If you want the full set, start at the Free Games to Play Offline and Online: Every Guide in One Place (2026).
Frequently asked questions
What are the best games for first graders?
First Grade Learning Games, Starfall, Reading Eggs, I Read and SpeedyMind's maths games are popular choices.
Do these first grade apps have ads?
None of the eight shows a Contains ads label on Google Play.
Are these apps free?
They're all free to install, but most show in-app purchases and some keep the full program behind them.
Which first grade apps work offline?
I Read says it can be used offline, and Reading.com offers printable activities.
Is there a maths app for 1st grade?
Math Games for 1st Grade Kids and SpeedyMind's Math & Logic games both cover early maths.
Why isn't Epic on the list?
It's a digital library of children's books rather than a game.
How long should a first grader use a learning app?
A few minutes a day is plenty, and stopping while it's fun keeps them keen.
