Coding for Kids
This is a guide for you to help children learn to code, You’ll find classes, games, books, websites, toys and apps here.
Coding is learning a foreign language — a machine foreign language. Just like any language, the ability to read and write it is a literacy of its own. The biggest benefit of learning to code is that kids develop their abilities to think logically. LOGIC! That transfers to many other areas of learning, right?
Programming is, according to a Guardian article, “the process and concepts of logic which – when implemented via code – bring digital services to life.”
Developing programming and coding skills fall within the broader term called computational literacy (CS), meaning “solving problems, designing systems, and understanding human behavior, by drawing on the concepts fundamental to computer science.” CS is understanding how to solve human problems using computers.
Coding for Kids: CLASSES
Learn to code interactively for free.
Code CombatTeaching kids to program in real languages using real syntax.
Code.orgEnroll in 20-hour courses for computer science fundamentals plus Hour of Code and more.
Coding for Kids at Sylvan Learning
Kids in grades 3 – 8 can take video game design and computer programming.
Learn how to program drawings, animations, and games using JavaScript & ProcessingJS, or learn how to create webpages with HTML & CSS.
Learn coding/programming apps, HTML, games,
and more.
Build an app. Program a robot. Control a drone.
Coding for Kids: GAMES & TOYS
Code-a-Pillar Think & Learn (ages 3 – 8)This is an impressive new STEM learning toy for preschoolers. Arrange the segments in different orders to make the Code-a-Pillar perform different functions.
Code & Go Mouse (ages 4+)
Use the illustrated coding cards to plan a path for your mouse, then code that path using the push-button controls.
Cubetto Playset Coding Toy (ages 3+)
We adore this wooden coding toy with hands-on coding blocks, a coding board, and robot — no extra screens required. It’s easy to use and filled with learning opportunities, not just for coding but also geography and science as well. Full review here.
Dash & Dot (ages 5+)
Dash is AWESOME — I’ve seen kids as young as five figure out how to code with these. (After instruction from an adult.) But, they’re really intuitive and easy to use. It’s an impressively intuitive system. Kids use Dash with the free Blockly app.
Botley the Coding Robot (ages 5 – 12)
We really LOVE Botley! One thing that makes Botley different than most coding toys and games is its self-contained meaning you don’t need another device like an ipad or phone to use it! It’s very user-friendly and teaches kids about sequential reasoning, looping, and conditions such as if, then. This little robot comes with many activities, tiles, building pieces for obstacle courses, and coding cards. I HIGHLY recommend it.
Osmo Coding (ages 4+)
Get hands-on with this coding toy and game for Apple devices. Full review here.
Coding Basics Pixel Art Challenge (ages 5+)
In this coding for kids kit, children get challenges that require them to solve math problems and code!
Apitor Building Robot Kit (ages 6+)
Build this robot toy with 233 blocks. It has three modes to control movement and behaviors. Program the toy to move!
Monthly code box for kids.
Kano (ages 6+)
Build a computer you make and code yourself using Raspberry Pi3.
Lego Mindstorms (ages 10+)
Build and command robots with 601 pieces, motors, IR sensors, and more. The robots will be able to walk, talk, grab, and more…
Base Coding Kit (ages 9+)
This hands-on kit teaches kids actual coding using a kit of hardware and components and a computer app with lessons and projects. I dislike the small directions which are not at all appealing but like that it’s a fairly simple set up. The lessons include videos that teach both the code and the concepts behind the code. (Like variables and loops.) I recommend it for elementary and middle school kids who want to learn actual code writing, not block coding.
Robot Turtles (ages 4+)
Inspired by the Logo programming language, the game lets young kids write programs with playing cards. This game wasn’t my favorite, but some people like it.
Coding for Kids: WEBSITES
Carnegie Melon’s Windows, Mac, and Linux desktop app uses a unique 3D programming environment to teach kids the fundamentals of programming. (This is great but better for older kids.)
This series of educational games teaches visual programming.
Have fun and make games, or hack your homework using Ruby.
Website to inspire girls to see that code can help them pursue their passions.
Extend Scratch’s simple block-snapping interface with new functionality and hundreds of ready-to-use blocks for programming game apps.
Coding for Kids: APPS
Cargo Bot (FREE)
Cargo-Bot is a puzzle game where you teach a robot how to move crates. Also, it is the first game programmed entirely on iPad using Codea.
We like this coding app! The simple programming interface uses beautiful cards with pictures.
(FREE)
This free, fun app has an easy drag and drop interface that kids of all ages can use to animate Daisy to dance across the screen. And how cute is Daisy?
Hopscotch (FREE)
Make your own games and publish them instantly for anyone to play! Use the easy-to-follow videos to make games like Flappy Bird, create pixel art, or build something new.
Kodable Pro (FREE)
This award-winning game and the accompanying curriculum is designed to teach the basics of computer coding to kids 5 and up.
Move the Turtle teaches children (ages 5+) the basics of programming.
Robozzle (FREE)
Robozzle is a social puzzle game which teaches programming. Using only a few simple commands, teach the robot to recurse a tree, follow a linked list, or count in binary.
ScriptKit is a touchable programming environment for building simple mobile prototypes on iPad using native iOS UI components and social media APIs, available via an intuitive drag and drop interface.
Coding for Kids: BOOKS
Code This! Puzzles, Games, Challenges, and Computer Coding Concepts For the Problem-Solver in You
by Jennifer Szymanski
In the canon of coding books, this stands apart because it teaches kids computational thinking and coding without using a computer. At all. Grab a notebook and get ready for clear directions and scaffolded instructions to learn algorithms, optimization, loops, constraints, binary code, and much more. Throughout the book, you’ll take an adventure, read your objectives and clear explanations of the concepts then write code. But there’s more. You’ll find activities, puzzles, and biographies. It’s easy-to-follow in bite-sized chunks that sequentially build upon one another.
Girls Who Code is a book that teaches kids the basics of coding. The illustrations, playful design, and teal blue colors of the pages make it an appealing read. The book prompts girls to get into coding themselves by joining a Girls Who Code club or program. It’s companion book, Code It! Create It!, is a guided journal for your coding ideas.
A Beginner’s Guide to Coding Have Fun Using Scratch and Python by Marc Scott, illustrated by Mick Marston
The design of this book is kid-friendly besides being well-written in steps with tutorials that lead kids from knowing nothing to programming amazing functions with loops and music and more. Impressive.
Aren’t the coding for kids possibilities pretty great? And mom and dad, maybe we should learn alongside our kids so we don’t get left in the digital native dust. What do you say?
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