https://withmarble.com/blog/Games, shows and screens for curious kids aged 6 to 12.en-ushttps://withmarble.com/blog/best-learning-apps-for-kids/https://withmarble.com/blog/best-learning-apps-for-kids/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000The best educational apps for kids 6 to 12 in 2026, picked by subject: math, reading, coding, creativity and all-round learning. Prices, ages and ads for Khan Academy Kids, PBS KIDS Games, Beast Academy, Prodigy, Epic, Scratch, Toca Boca, Marble and more.https://withmarble.com/blog/is-ai-safe-for-kids/https://withmarble.com/blog/is-ai-safe-for-kids/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000Is AI safe for kids aged 6 to 12? It depends on the product. General chatbots are built for adults and teens, and safety groups rate several of them unacceptable for minors. Here is what the AAP, Common Sense Media and new laws say, plus a checklist for parents.https://withmarble.com/blog/chatgpt-for-kids-homework/https://withmarble.com/blog/chatgpt-for-kids-homework/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000Is ChatGPT good for kids' homework? ChatGPT is built for ages 13 and up and answers in one line. A 2025 study found students who leaned on it scored 17% worse on exams. Here is what good homework help looks like for kids 6 to 12.https://withmarble.com/blog/best-video-games-for-kids/https://withmarble.com/blog/best-video-games-for-kids/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000We ranked 27 popular video games for kids aged 6 to 12 by what children practice while playing. Minecraft, Zelda and Wii Sports top the list. Roblox, Fortnite and Subway Surfers land in F tier. Here is why.https://withmarble.com/blog/ai-tutor-for-kids/https://withmarble.com/blog/ai-tutor-for-kids/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000Do AI tutors work for kids? The best studies show real gains when AI gives hints instead of answers and kids use it regularly. We review the evidence (Bloom, PNAS, World Bank, Harvard, Khanmigo) and give parents a checklist for choosing an AI tutor.https://withmarble.com/blog/ai-chatbots-and-kids/https://withmarble.com/blog/ai-chatbots-and-kids/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +000058% of 9 to 12-year-olds have used an AI chatbot. We explain the minimum ages, parental controls and known problems for Character.AI, ChatGPT, Meta AI, Snapchat My AI and Gemini, and how to talk to your child about AI friends.https://withmarble.com/blog/educational-screen-time/https://withmarble.com/blog/educational-screen-time/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000How much screen time is OK for kids 6 to 12, and how do you make it educational? The AAP no longer sets an hour limit for this age. Research shows what matters is the type of screen use, co-viewing and what it replaces. Here is a practical plan for parents.https://withmarble.com/blog/how-to-raise-a-curious-kid/https://withmarble.com/blog/how-to-raise-a-curious-kid/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000How do you encourage curiosity in children? Research shows curious kids learn and remember more, and curiosity predicts school achievement. Nine practical habits for parents of kids 6 to 12: answering questions well, wondering out loud, protecting boredom, and more.https://withmarble.com/blog/math-by-grade-k-5/https://withmarble.com/blog/math-by-grade-k-5/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000What math should a kindergartner, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th grader know? A plain-English guide to the Common Core math standards by grade: the big ideas, the facts kids should know by heart, and simple ways to practice at home.https://withmarble.com/blog/child-hates-math/https://withmarble.com/blog/child-hates-math/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000If your child hates math, it is often math anxiety, and it can start in 1st grade. Research shows how parents' own math feelings and homework help affect kids, and what helps: everyday math talk, objects and drawings, strategy over speed, and short regular practice.https://withmarble.com/blog/zone-of-proximal-development/https://withmarble.com/blog/zone-of-proximal-development/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000What is the zone of proximal development (ZPD)? Vygotsky's idea explained simply for parents: the gap between what a child can do alone and what they can do with help. Plus scaffolding, the 85% rule, and how to use it with homework, reading and play.https://withmarble.com/blog/homeschooling-elementary-guide/https://withmarble.com/blog/homeschooling-elementary-guide/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000Thinking about homeschooling your 6 to 12-year-old? A practical 2026 guide: how many families homeschool, the law in your state, how many hours a day elementary homeschool takes, choosing curriculum and apps, co-ops and microschools, and ESA funding.https://withmarble.com/blog/best-cartoons-for-kids/https://withmarble.com/blog/best-cartoons-for-kids/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000Not all kids' shows are equal. We ranked 22 cartoons and TV shows for kids by what they teach. Bluey, The Magic School Bus and Barney top the list. Cocomelon lands in F tier. Here is the reasoning, with the research behind it.https://withmarble.com/blog/best-ipad-games-for-kids/https://withmarble.com/blog/best-ipad-games-for-kids/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000Which iPad games are good for kids? We rated 9 popular ones. Monument Valley is the standout. Candy Crush, Flappy Bird, Talking Tom and Jetpack Joyride land in F tier. Plus a 5-point checklist for any game on your child's iPad.https://withmarble.com/blog/best-movies-for-kids/https://withmarble.com/blog/best-movies-for-kids/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000We ranked 23 Disney, Pixar and Studio Ghibli movies by the lessons they teach kids. Mulan, Zootopia, Inside Out and Kiki's Delivery Service come out on top. Snow White and Cinderella do not. Here is why, and how to pick any movie for your child.