Learning for Kids

My daughter did great with abcmouse.com at that age. There are a TON of free sight words apps for phones.
Readwritelearn.org and Starfall are free educational websites.

He will get bored with anything-even cell phones. But ABCmouse.com worked great for us and kept her attention while teaching her.
Another thing I did was label stuff in the house with index cards-window, door, lamp, tons of written words. Try and mix it up and not just rely on electronics.

Have him watch Sesame Street every day.
And read to him. A lot.

I'm not cell phone savvy but I know there are ZILLIONS of games like this. Lots of free ones and if he gets bored, there are plenty more.

how about encouraging him to learn with manipulatives, books and other things not related to cell phones?
but there are a gazillion apps if that's the route you want to take.
khairete
S.

I know cell phone/ipad/computer apps have their place for learning.
But nothing compares with sitting with a child and reading to/with them.
With our son I carried a book with me (usually a Dr Seuss book - we have them all) at all times and whenever we had to wait for anything (drs appointments, etc) - we'd read!
There's no reason story time has to be only for bedtime.
It's for when ever you have 15 or more minutes to open up a good book.
The interaction with an adult is the best teacher.
Our son LOVED it - and although he's 16 now, he always carries a book with him everywhere he goes and is an avid reader.

Why does it have to be an electronic item? Flash cards, puzzles, activity books, etc. are all great learning choices. A small backpack with 10 learning activities is a wonderful gift. Save the technology for when he is a little older :)

Good luck in your search!

buy the DVD Leap Frog Letter Factory and have him watch that over and over and over and he'll learn it

starfall.com is great but, showing him letters and having him feel textures and smell things, etc (I'm sure you get the point) is WAY better. If only you posted this before he was hooked on his phone at 4. To much phone is a bad thing and I'm speaking from experience with my 5 yo. It was like he was addicted to it in a short time.

What about a V-Tech kid laptop? Not handheld but good for little kids.

How much can you spend? There are tablets for children that have access to thousands of games. Your grandson can use it for years. I think they cost around $150-200. They come with a bumper case to protect them in falls.