Duolingo ABC

Early reading can be stressful for kids and parents when progress feels slow or battles erupt over worksheets. Duolingo ABC turns pre‑K through first‑grade literacy into short, playful app lessons that teach letters, sounds, and simple words. Built by the team behind the main Duolingo language app with input from literacy experts, it focuses on phonics, handwriting motions, and early comprehension in bite‑size games. We love how lessons are tiny and rewarding, making it easy to squeeze in practice without a fight. It’s ideal for young kids learning to read in English, especially those who enjoy iPad time. As with any app, it shouldn’t replace real books or snuggly read‑alouds, and the pacing may feel too fast or slow for some kids, but it’s impressive for a free tool. Pro tip: use it for 5–10 minutes, then immediately read a simple physical book together so kids can apply new skills off‑screen.