AI Study Buddy for Kids 🎓

An engaging, kid-friendly AI tutor built with Next.js that makes learning fun and interactive.

Features · How It Works · Running Locally

Features

• 🤗 Encouraging Learning Environment

  • Patient, step-by-step guidance
  • Positive reinforcement and celebration of progress
  • Kid-friendly language and engaging emojis

• 🧩 Interactive Problem Solving

  • Breaks down complex problems into manageable parts
  • Uses relatable examples (cookies, toys, etc.)
  • Never gives direct answers - guides students to discover solutions

• 📚 Educational Focus Areas

  • Math problems with real-world applications
  • Science exploration and discovery
  • Pattern recognition and logical thinking
  • Money management and practical skills

• 🛠️ Technical Foundation

  • Built with Next.js for optimal performance
  • AI SDK for natural conversations
  • DeepSeek model optimized for tutoring
  • Beautiful UI with shadcn/ui

How It Works

The AI tutor follows core educational principles:

1. Ask, Don't Tell

   • Uses open-ended questions
   • Encourages critical thinking
   • Helps students break down problems

2. Scaffold Understanding

   • Relates new concepts to familiar examples
   • Builds confidence through gradual progress
   • Makes learning relevant to kids' experiences

3. Step-by-Step Guidance

   • Structured problem-solving approach
   • Regular check-ins for understanding
   • Adaptable to each student's pace

Running Locally

1. Clone the repository:

git clone https://github.com/yourusername/ai-tutor-webapp.git
cd ai-tutor-webapp

2. Install dependencies:

pnpm install

3. Copy .env.example to .env and configure your environment variables:

cp .env.example .env

4. Start the development server:

pnpm dev

Your AI tutor should now be running at http://localhost:3000.

Environment Variables

Create a .env file with the following variables:

# Authentication (required for user sessions)
AUTH_SECRET=your-secret-here

# AI Model Configuration
AI_MODEL_KEY=your-api-key-here

# Database (for storing chat history)
DATABASE_URL=your-database-url

Note: Never commit your .env file or share your API keys publicly.

Contributing

We welcome contributions that help make learning more engaging and effective for kids! Please feel free to submit issues and pull requests.

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.