Resources to Teach Kids How to Code
In recent years, coding has become increasingly popular with kids. Children like coding because it offers an opportunity to express their creativity. They can design games, create apps, build websites, and see immediate results of their coding efforts. Kids can learn how to code easily with apps and tutorials specifically designed for them.
Kids can benefit from using technology like coding because of its interactive, engaging, and creative nature, as well as its potential for future career opportunities.
Benefits of Coding
- Develops problem-solving skills: Coding requires kids to think logically and systematically, breaking down problems into smaller, manageable parts. This helps to develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Enhances creativity: Coding also provides an outlet for creativity. Kids can express their ideas and bring them to life through coding, whether it’s creating a game, an app, or a website.
- Builds perseverance: Coding is not always easy, and it often involves trial and error. As kids work through coding challenges, they learn to persevere through difficulties and develop resilience.
- Promotes teamwork: Many coding projects involve collaboration, which helps kids develop teamwork and communication skills.
- Prepares for future job opportunities: In today’s digital age, coding is becoming an essential skill. By learning to code at a young age, kids are better prepared for future job opportunities in a variety of industries.
Best Coding Resources for Kids
CodeSpark
Price: $13.66/mo | Platform: iOS, Android, Amazon | Age Recommendation 5-9
CodeSpark is a coding platform that uses a block-based coding interface, which allows kids to drag and drop commands to create games and animations. The platform focuses on creativity and problem-solving and encourages kids to think critically and develop problem-solving skills. Children will work through coding challenges and create their own games and animations.
Tynker
Price: $20/mo | Platform: iOS, Android, Windows, Mac | Age Recommendation: 7-14
Tynker uses a block-based coding interface that allows kids to drag and drop commands to create games, animations, and interactive stories. Tynker is designed to make coding accessible and engaging for children and offers a range of tools and resources to help kids learn coding concepts.
Kodable
Price: $9.99/mo | Platform: iOS, Android, Windows, Mac | Age Recommendation: 4-10
Kodable is a coding platform designed for kids aged 4-10. It uses a game-based approach to teach coding concepts, which makes it fun and engaging for young children. Kodable’s programming language is based on JavaScript, which is a widely used programming language that is used in many real-world applications.
Scratch Jr.
Price: Free | Platform: iOS, Android | Age Recommendation: 5-7
Scratch Jr. is a visual programming language and platform designed specifically for children aged 5-7. It is a simpler version of Scratch, which is a popular visual programming language and platform developed by MIT for older children and adults. Scratch Jr. uses a block-based coding interface, where kids can drag and drop graphical blocks to create animations, games, and stories.
Scratch
Price: Free | Platform: iOS, Android | Age Recommendation: 8-16
Scratch is a visual programming language and platform designed for children aged 8-16, although it is also used by people of all ages. Developed by the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab, Scratch uses a block-based coding interface, where kids can drag and drop graphical blocks to create animations, games, and other interactive projects.
Hopscotch
Price: $9.99/mo | Platform: iOS | Age Recommendation: 9-16
Hopscotch Coding is a visual programming language and platform designed for kids aged 9-16. It uses a block-based coding interface, where kids can drag and drop blocks to create animations, games, and other interactive projects. Hopscotch Coding is designed to make coding accessible and fun for kids, even if they have no prior coding experience.
Code Monkey
Price: $6/mo | Platform: Web Based | Age Recommendation: 8-14
Code Monkey is an educational platform that teaches kids how to code through game-based learning. It is designed for kids aged 8-14 and uses a combination of puzzles, challenges, and interactive games to teach programming concepts in a fun and engaging way.
