5 of the best apps for school children

Fruit Ninja: Puss in Boots Lite (Free)

There are a few different version of the Fruit Ninja game, but we particularly liked the Puss in Boots version. The aim is to avoid the bombs and slice the fruit, with several different levels to play on. The free version has more than enough games to keep most kids occupied, though you will get regular reminders to buy the full game; ensure you turn off in-app purchasing before your little ones get their hands on it. Suitable from 4+.

Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later. Requires Android: 2.1 and up.

Moshi Monsters: Buster’s Lost Moshlings (£0.69)

The aim of the game is to help Buster Bumblechops find all of his missing Moshlings in Monstro City. Now, hands up, we actually found parts of this Where's Wally? type game difficult. But, we imagine kids will have a much better knowledge of the characters and so won’t struggle as much. Some users have suggested you have to pay to unlock levels, but this can be avoided by completing tasks. So we’re told anyway… Suitable from 4+.

Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. Requires iOS 4.2 or later. Currently not available on Android Market.

Times Tables (£0.69)

Getting your kids to learn their times tables can be a bit of a chore (and a bore for them). Up the fun factor with this app, which allows them (and you!) to chart their progress through the levels as well as trying their hand at some timed quizzes. Suitable from 4+.

Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. Requires iOS 3.2 or later. Requires Android: 2.1 and up.

Toca Robot Lab (£0.69)

Popular apps have a habit of being uber-popular before falling face-first into a pit of abandoned iTunes Store misery. Digital toy developer Toca, on the other hand, seems to be getting more popular. Moving on from their Tea Party app, they now bring you the Robot Lab. Kids are provided with a bunch of scrap materials to build their very own robot creation. Once they’re happy with it, it’s sent off for testing to see if it can fly. Hours of fun – and we should know! The best bit is there’s no in app-purchasing prompts or banner advertising. Suitable from 4+.

Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.2 or later. Currently not available on Android Market.