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Received a grant to purchase dash and dot. Will use the hour of code in December and then in January plan to code Dash and Dot to get kids motivated. Will add lessons about storyboarding, set design, coding, and filming. In the works :) WIll try this with grade 4 and 5. Also, will participate in creation stations every 6 weeks for kids to collaborate, create, and problem solve. Kids will have option to code during this time.
M. Meloy, School LIbrarian

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Mildred Johnson, North Salisbury Elementary School

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Code with Google’s goal is to make sure everyone has access to the collaborative, coding, and technical skills that can unlock opportunities in the classroom and beyond.

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Download the photos/videos in a folder (.ZIP)

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Download the movie in video format (MP4), standard resolution

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Download the photos/videos in a folder (.ZIP) The person who made this creation did not activate this feature. You can ask this person to activate this option by sending a message. This is a free feature.

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I have 2 monthly coding challenges in our makerspace that I create instructions, gather needed supplies and then record a “how to” video. We have K-4 students so I make 1 challenge for K-2 and 1 for 3-4. Students visit once a week with their classroom teacher.  It has been awesome to see our coding resources in use! Here is an example using Bee Bots and Bloxels.

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Coding with Python is a great way to learn a language that is used today in many gaming and business apps. Here is a cool site that grades 4-12 and even adults can enjoy to try.

https://codecombat.com/home

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I teach music and we are learning to use scratch and makey makey instruments.

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I teach music and we are learning to use scratch and makey makey instruments.

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After School coding clubs for 3rd - 8th graders at our school. Google has created the self driven curriculum that interfaces with Scratch.mit.edu

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Received a grant to purchase dash and dot. Will use the hour of code in December and then in January plan to code Dash and Dot to get kids motivated. Will add lessons about storyboarding, set design, coding, and filming. In the works :) WIll try this with grade 4 and 5. Also, will participate in creation stations every 6 weeks for kids to collaborate, create, and problem solve. Kids will have option to code during this time.
M. Meloy, School LIbrarian

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I have used this simple program to introduce people to programming. Mostly art & design students (UG), but I feel that young learners would have no problems playing with it. And I feel it is less patronising than other platforms designed "for children"...

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Context Free is a program that generates images from written instructions called a grammar. The program follows the instructions in a few seconds to create images that can contain millions of shapes.

Look

The gallery contains almost a thousand works of art created by artists from around the globe.

Create

Context Free is, well, free! You can download the software and start creating art on your computer right now.

Read

Now available: A 150 page printed book featuring some of the best work from the Context Free Art gallery.

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Context Free is a program that generates images from written instructions called a grammar. The program follows the instructions in a few seconds to create images that can contain millions of shapes. The gallery contains almost a thousand works of art created by artists from around the globe.

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At Jackson Avenue School we partner with a company called kidOYO (@oyoclass) and they built a platform that integrates digital badges and scratch among lots of other coding languages. Check them out ! http://www.noizivy.org/

Our focus with the coding has been projects through scratch that support social studies.

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A free resource to support children and young people's coding progression from 4 to 14. This site has lesson plans for the UK National Curriculum exploring visual and LOGO programming.

https://www.j2e.com/j2code/

John Jefferies

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This is based on Scratch but is available as an app for the iPad. A great visual coding tool using blocks of code to develop children's understanding for the principles of coding.

John Jefferies

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I'm also teaching a coding unit using the Core Studio 1 on code.org. I really like how they break down the fundamentals of programming using authentic vocabulary. I get so excited when I hear my Grade 2's using debugging and loops in conversations!

I have a coding club after school for Grade 2 for additional practice.

@therealmserin

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Hey,

I would like to start coding in my classes but I do not know where to start.Could someone help me,please?Thanks in advance.

Ms Gökçe

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https://santatracker.google.com/#codeboogie

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I have a lunch time AdaClub for girls coding.

Used Scratch this month to create animated Christmas Carols.

School-wide Robotics as part of the mathematics programme

@JillPears

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I love using Scratch (http://scratch.mit.edu) because it is so open-ended. However, it is nice to have some example projects with directions to guide us, too. Code Club World (https://codeclubworld.org/) has great projects that kids can use and expand on.

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Free Coding Games for Kids | Learn to Code | Code Club World

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Code Club World helps you make cool stuff while learning to code, with free coding games and activities for kids to explore. Learn Scratch, Python, HTML and CSS.

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Scan To "Learn How To Code".....Something Special To Give Your Students During The Hour Of Code

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Scan To "Learn How To Code".....Something Special To Give Your Students During The Hour Of Code

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http://vanmeterlibraryvoice.blogspot.com/2015/12/scan-to-learn-how-to-codesomething.html

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Have you checked out the #HourofCode  quest? 

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Have you checked out the #HourofCode  quest? 

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from Connecting Creativity in Iowa

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Connecting Creativity_December's Quest: Written with Code

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"Inside Out" Hour of Code...Made With Code from Google 

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"Inside Out" Hour of Code...Made With Code from Google 

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More than 65% of young people will work in jobs that don't currently 1. Learning computer science skills helps students thrive in a rapidly changing world. Yet our research with Gallup shows that many students aren't getting the Computer Science (CS) education they need-and teachers don't have sufficient resources to provide it. Code with Google helps to ensure that every student has access to the collaborative, coding, and technical skills that unlock opportunities in the classroom and beyond-no matter what their future goals may be.

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More than 65% of young people will work in jobs that don't currently 1. Learning computer science skills helps students thrive in a rapidly changing world. Yet our research with Gallup shows that many students aren't getting the Computer Science (CS) education they need-and teachers don't have sufficient resources to provide it.

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Learn about computers, programming and technology through these free, fun activities.

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Welcome to the whimsical world of computing. Hello Ruby is a children’s book and an app that teaches programming fundamentals through stories and kid-friendly activities. It’s suited for kids between 5 and 8 (but even adults might learn something new).

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Monster Coding - Fun Programming for Kids

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Coding and programming lessons for all children and students, including videos and interactive activities teaching the basic terms needed to succeed in computer science. Includes a multilingual Hour of Code tutorial teaching programming in 8 languages.

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Article from The Examiner

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Why Programming Is The Core Skill Of The 21st Century

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Why Programming Is The Core Skill Of The 21st Century

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Article from ReadWrite

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In the 20th Century, meaningful education was all about learning your ABCs. Today, it's centered on Alphas, Betas and C++.

Programming skills are becoming ever more important, quickly turning into the core competency for all kinds of 21st Century workers. That inescapable fact is leading individuals to seek out new ways of learning to code, startups and non-profits to find ways to help them and businesses to search for innovative approaches to finding the coders they so desperately need.

When daily deal site Living Social couldn't find the coding help it needed, for example, the company took matters into its own hands and successfully created its own qualified programmers. Through an experiment called Hungry Academy, Living Social paid 24 people to learn computer programming within five months. All two dozen passed the class and became full-time developers at Living Social following their graduation.

"We believe that intelligence and passion are far harder to hire for and much more important than a specific technical skill," Chad Fowler, LivingSocial's senior vice president of technology, told the Washington Post last year. "We have enough of the kind of DIY sort of mentality here and, maybe it's a little bit of hubris, we can teach faster than the industry."

Likely due to Living Social's larger troubles, the company won't be repeating the experiment. However the concept it nurtured - teaching untechnical people technical skills - is gaining in popularity in a wide variety of ways. Learn-to-code programs bent on teaching anyone, even children, programming skills are on the upswing, at non-profits, at startups and at companies that need to hire programmers.

See also:
Plenty Of Ways To Learn Programming

Mark Lassoff, founder of Learntoprogram.tv, believes it's not the place you learn to code that counts. It's the portfolio you can show potential employers.

"People think you have to go back to school to learn programming and other computer skills, but you don't," he said in a statement. "There's also the myth that you have to be some kind of math or science genius to learn it. Not true. You just need to learn the process, and then practice it. You can build a portfolio by doing volunteer work for a church or charity."

Ordinarily, newly minted developers would be less desirable than experienced ones for employers. But the current developer drought means there are far more jobs that require programming skills than people who have those skills. So companies are more accepting of programming newbies.

Lots Of Coding Jobs Going Begging
(See also Don't Look Now, But We Might Be In A Developer Drought.)
The number of coding jobs is only expected to increase over time. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 913,000 computer programmer jobs in 2010. That number is expected to jump 30% from 2010 to 2020. Meanwhile, the average growth of all other U.S. jobs is predicted to be just 14%.

"There aren't enough people to fill these jobs because technology and the job market are moving much faster than education in high schools and colleges," Lassoff said.

How Coding Can Boost Everyone's Career

Developer and mentor Joe O'Brien believes that computer skills are essential even if you've already got a non-technical job.

"We all interact with computers in such a way that they're no longer this extra thing you do on the side," O'Brien told ReadWrite. "Computing is a vital part of what everybody does nowadays.

"Not that we want everyone to go out and create Web programs and write the next Twitter, but I think having a base understanding of what happens behind the curtain can be huge," he added.

O'Brien never graduated from college, but he did recently sell Edgecase, the software development company he founded and operated himself. He thinks that his programming skills made him a better CEO than he would have been without them. Today, he mentors aspiring programmers in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio.

"Even if a CEO never codes for her company, just understanding what is happening is going to be huge for her from a risk standpoint, from an understanding standpoint," he said. "CEOs need to have a lot of knowledge of a lot of different things and programming is a large part of that."

Teaching Programming Is Big Business

CEOs who think like O'Brien might be the reason that learn-to-code startups have been able to fundraise millions in venture capital. Investors seem to realize that companies like Treehouse and Codecademy don't just train the next generation of developers, but that the skill they teach are essential for managers, too.
(See also There's A Boom In Teaching People How To Code.)
Whether to boost your career or just to keep pace with the rest of the world, learning to code has never been more important or more accessible. If you haven't started yet, what's stopping you?
Second image courtesy of Team Round of APPlause. Final image courtesy of Girls Who Code.

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Why Programming Is The Core Skill Of The 21st Century - ReadWrite

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In the 20th Century, meaningful education was all about learning your ABCs. Today, it's centered on Alphas, Betas and C++. Programming skills are becoming ever more important, quickly turning into the core competency for all kinds of 21st Century workers.

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BotLogic.us is an educational puzzle game that challenges kids and adults to tackle complex logic problems while teaching valuable programming concepts. Using simple commands (and eventually code), players program their bots to navigate through progressively challenging mazes. As their skills improve, players earn rewards by using the fewest number of commands and go head-to-head with friends in programming tournaments.

It's smart. It's fun. BotLogic.us is all about helping children and adults to develop and maintain strong logic and spatial reasoning skills that will benefit them for a lifetime.

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BotLogic.us - A Fun, Challenging, and Educational Puzzle Game for Kids

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BotLogic.us is an educational puzzle game that challenges children to tackle complex logic problems while applying programming concepts. Using simple commands, kids program their bots to navigate through progressively challenging mazes. As their skills improve, players get higher scores for completing the game faster and using fewer commands and compete with other users for high scores on the leaderboards.

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The easy way to learn programming.

Turtle Academy makes it surprisingly easy to start creating amazing shapes using the LOGO language.

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New York Times Article

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International Education

LONDON - Estonia is teaching first graders how to create their own computer games and offering scholarships to entice more undergraduates into technology-driven disciplines. In England, an updated national curriculum will soon expose every child in the state school system to computer programming, starting at age five. The American "Hour of Code" effort says it has already persuaded 28 million people to give programming a try.

Around the world, students from elementary school to the Ph.D. level are increasingly getting acquainted with the basics of coding, as computer programming is also known. From Singapore to Tallinn, governments, educators and advocates from the tech industry argue that it has become crucial to hold at least a basic understanding of how the devices that play such a large role in modern life actually work.

Such knowledge, the advocates say, is important not only to individual students' future career prospects, but also for their countries' economic competitiveness and the technology industry's ability to find qualified workers.

Exposing students to coding from an early age helps to demystify an area that can be intimidating. It also breaks down stereotypes of computer scientists as boring geeks, supporters argue. Plus, they say, programming is highly creative: Studying it can help to develop problem-solving abilities, as well as equip students for a world transformed by technology.

"We don't teach music in school to make everyone a concert violinist," says Clive Beale, director of educational development at the Raspberry Pi Foundation, a nonprofit organization based near Cambridge, England that promotes computer studies in schools. "We're not trying to make everyone a computer scientist, but what we're saying is, 'this is how these things work, it's good for everyone to understand the basics of how these things work. And by the way, you might be really good at it."'

On top of that, the supporters say, children love it.

"Kids these days are all stuck to their phones, their tablets, and are constantly using technology, but very few of them are learning how to create it," said Roxanne Emadi, a strategist at Code.org, an advocacy group based in Seattle that is behind the Hour of Code effort. "Even if it's something simple, like a kid programming a maze or programming a robot, when you can see your work brought to life, that's where light bulbs go off."

Teachers "are using it like candy: 'If you finish your work, we can do 10 minutes of the computer science tutorials at the end of class as a treat,"' she said. "When you're teaching 8-year-olds, the stereotypes haven't set in yet."

In Estonia, widely regarded as one of Europe's technology-savvy societies, raising computer literacy even higher is a top national priority. Before becoming technology skills coordinator at the country's Ministry of Economic Affairs, Ave Lauringson led ProgeTiiger, a project training schoolteachers to engage pupils with programming and other high-tech areas.

The effort, she said, is continuing to grow, along with demand. "Parents are looking for after-school activities for their kids and asking 'Where can I put my kids to do coding?' Or 'Where is a robotics class?"'

A joint public-private effort called the IT Academy is concentrating on the university level, seeking to improve fields like software engineering and cybersecurity by hiring more professors, recruiting students from abroad and offering scholarships for graduate and undergraduate studies.

Kristiina Rahkema, studying for masters' degrees in software engineering and math at the University of Tartu, Estonia, said she relished the opportunities opened by computing skills.

"If I had a good idea, I could just start a company," she said. Anyone who can code, she said, "will never have trouble finding a job, all of the companies are searching for candidates."

She said she hoped to see girls in particular let go of preconceptions about programming as a boring grind: "It is a lot more fun than they think. You have an idea, you write some code and it actually works," she said. "That's a really good feeling."

Britain's education secretary, Michael Gove, seems to agree. He has pushed hard to rewrite a computing curriculum that he has said has bored youngsters with mundane instruction on how to operate outdated programs. The new curriculum, which comes into effect in September, will take a more rigorous approach. Starting at age five, all students in England will learn the basics of coding, and beginning at 11 they will be instructed in the use of at least two programming languages.

The Raspberry Pi Foundation is offering lesson plans and other resources to teachers, especially those at the primary level who lack specialized training. Projects like setting up a camera by a bird feeder, and programming it to post photos online, can quickly help students see the potential uses of coding.

"Instead of passively using a tablet or a laptop, it's the first time they've made a computer do something," said Clive Beale, the foundation's director of educational development. "The end goal might be to send a camera into near space as part of a science project: It can be investigating math, it can be robotics and there's some fantastic art stuff," along with applications in music - and even gym class.

Singapore, too, is planning to introduce coding to schoolchildren. Even in such a technology-friendly society, the field's image is improving only slowly, said Min-Yen Kan, a computing professor and assistant dean at the National University of Singapore.

One big factor in a recent growth of interest is the availability of programming resources online, letting those new to coding try programs out in a web browser and see right away whether they work, he said.

Professors at the university are reaching out to students in fields like biology, engineering, chemistry and medicine with instruction in the programming languages that predominate in their fields, Mr. Kan said.

With the work world becoming ever more tech-focused, "we have to match that in the education sector," said David Rossiter, a professor of engineering education at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, which recently introduced a requirement that all science and engineering undergraduates study programming in their first or second year.

Now, with demand also coming from students in other areas such as the humanities, "the queues are more than we can handle," Mr. Rossiter said. "I have to turn down 200 students this semester who are trying to take my course."

Undergraduate computer science enrollment has generally been cyclical, tracking the fortunes of the technology industry through its boom and bust years, said Peter Harsha, director of government affairs at the Computing Research Association, a group of North American university departments and other tech research institutes.

That now seems to be changing: In the 2011-2012 academic year, the number of computer science majors in the United States rose by 29 percent, and forthcoming figures seem likely to show a sixth consecutive annual increase, he said.

He hopes efforts like Code.org will get more young people interested. "When you see the sad state of K-12 computer science, you see that there's room to grow in a big way," he said, using a shorthand term for education from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Code.org is pressing to get computer science into every American school, and it is working on teacher training with some of the country's biggest school districts, including New York, Chicago and Broward County in Florida. More than 35,000 teachers have signed up to use its tutorials in the classroom, Ms. Emadi said.

More work is crucial if technology is to continue to develop, said Mr. Beale: "If we run out of computer scientists and engineers, there will be no new devices."

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Adding Coding to the Curriculum (Published 2014)

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International Education LONDON - Estonia is teaching first graders how to create their own computer games and offering scholarships to entice more undergraduates into technology-driven disciplines. In England, an updated national curriculum will soon expose every child in the state school system to computer programming, starting at age five.

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Hello Ruby is the world's most whimsical way to learn about computers, technology and programming. The story started with a book, and now Ruby continues her adventures in exercises, games and apps. It’s suited for kids age 5 years and older (but even adults might learn something new).

Author's site http://lindaliukas.fi/

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Hello Ruby for homeschoolers - Computer Science in One Minute! Watch now "

Hello Ruby is the world's most whimsical way to learn about computers, technology and programming. The story started with a book, and now Ruby continues her adventures in exercises, activities and videos. It's suited for kids age 5 years and older (but even adults might learn something new).

"Hello Ruby is way more than a children's book"
Fast Company

"The heroine of Liukas' book is a girl, but it's not a book for girls."
Guardian

"Hello Ruby has obviously struck a chord. "
Wired

"Getting girls into programming, one children's book at a time "
TechCrunch

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Welcome to the whimsical world of computing. Hello Ruby is a children's book and an app that teaches programming fundamentals through stories and kid-friendly activities. It's suited for kids between 5 and 8 (but even adults might learn something new).

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Below are Codecademy's resources to help instructors teach computer science to students of all ages and backgrounds.

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With PBS KIDS ScratchJr, kids can create their own interactive stories and games featuring their favorite characters from Wild Kratts, Nature Cat, WordGirl and Peg + Cat! The storytelling possibilities are endless with this creative coding app for children ages 5-8.

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Create interactive stories and games featuring PBS KIDS characters!

With PBS KIDS ScratchJr, kids can create their own interactive stories and games featuring their favorite characters from Wild Kratts, Nature Cat, WordGirl and Peg + Cat! The storytelling possibilities are endless with this creative coding app for children ages 5-8.

By snapping together colorful programming blocks, children can make characters move, jump, dance and sing. In the process, kids will learn to solve problems, design projects and express themselves creatively on a tablet. With PBS KIDS ScratchJr, children don't just learn to code, they code to learn.

Features:

Colorful Programming Blocks - Snap together the color-coded motion, sound, look, trigger and control blocks to create sequences of actions that cause characters to animate and interact in fun and exciting ways.

PBS KIDS Characters and Backgrounds - With 150+ PBS KIDS characters, children can create projects based on their favorite shows and can mix-and-match as much as they'd like!

Paint Editing - Create your own characters and backgrounds.

Voice Recording - Use the recording tool to add sounds and your voice to projects.

Story Starters - Looking for inspiration? Eight story starters in the app are a great place to start. Each Story Starter features a different set of characters and is designed to encourage children to edit and complete the story however they'd like.

For more PBS KIDS apps, visit http://www.pbskids.org/apps

For more on ScratchJr, visit http://www.scratchjr.org

Our support email is scratchjrsupport@pbs.org. Please reach out with feedback and suggestions!

Privacy

Across all media platforms, PBS KIDS is committed to creating a safe and secure environment for children and families and being transparent about what information is collected from users. To learn more about PBS KIDS' privacy policy, visit pbskids.org/privacy.

We've put together some helpful hints to help resolve common issues. Visit our help section for more device assistance. Tips & helpful hints.

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PBS KIDS ScratchJr Mobile Downloads | PBS KIDS

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Create interactive stories and games featuring PBS KIDS characters! With PBS KIDS ScratchJr, kids can create their own interactive stories and games featuring their favorite characters from Wild Kratts, Nature Cat, WordGirl and Peg + Cat! The storytelling possibilities are endless with this creative coding app for children ages 5-8.

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https://www.madewithcode.com/

Check out some of the amazing things you can do with code. There are so many awesome projects here.

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And learn more with Google's Made With Code.

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Explore, play and learn with Santa's elves all December long

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Sign up your kids for a free one-hour workshop at your local Apple Store on December 10 to learn the basics of computer programming.

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Bee-Bot is an exciting new robot designed for use by young children. This colorful, easy-to-operate, and friendly little robot is a perfect tool for teaching sequencing, estimation, problem-solving, and just having fun!

At our school, all the students get to code with the Bee Bots that our PTO so graciously bought for us. The Bee bots actually move across a grid that can be programmed for any skill.

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In this video, they will walk you through the 14 Minecraft themed code.org hour of code activities from WAMS Game Design.

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The official YouTube series starring Dash, Dot, Wally, and Mimi! New episodes every two weeks!

http://play.makewonder.com/dash--dot-show.html

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Code.org

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Learning to code is the best shot our children have at success in the 21st century -- and it must start with hands-on play at a young age.

Dash and Dot are real robots, with ease of use of a toy, and they come with hundreds of games and puzzles for children to learn on their own through hands on play. Thoughtful balance of unstructured and guided play guarantees that fun keeps pace as your child grows. No camps, assembly, or instructions needed.

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6 Tips for Success with Tynker Hour of Code 2015

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6 Tips for Success with Tynker Hour of Code 2015

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6 Tips for Success with Hour of Code | Tynker Blog

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6 Tips for Success with Hour of Code

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Coding and Robotics Community from edWeb.net

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Coding and Robotics Community from edWeb.net

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Coding and Robotics is not about creating the next generation of game creators but preparing students for 21st century careers. Bringing coding and robotics into the classroom will help students develop math, logic, critical thinking and problem solving skills, and challenges them to think creatively. For teachers, they are new and exciting tools to engage students in creative instruments that combine computational thinking with real world application.

This community will bring together thought leaders, technical experts, leading-edge educators, and industry leaders to provide teachers new information, resources, ideas and a place for discussion on how to teach coding and robotics, and how to integrate computer science and coding theory into core subjects.

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Teaching coding through creativity.

What's "creative coding"?  Vidcode focuses on project-based learning through creative art projects.  That means kids can make super cool things like a motion reactive videos using computer vision or animated video filters using advanced JavaScript.

http://www.vidcode.io/

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http://thefoos.com/webgl/

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Flocabulary

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computer programming - computer programming career - Flocabulary

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Learn about the five steps of computer programming with Flocabulary's educational hip-hop song and video.

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From Flocabulary

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Coding: Conditionals - Coding for Kids - Computer Programming Terms - Flocabulary

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Learn about a basic coding concept, conditional statements, with Flocabulary's educational hip-hop song and activity.

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Tynker is proud to announce a collaboration with Mattel to create engaging new content to teach children how to program.

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Tynker is proud to announce a collaboration with Mattel to create engaging new content to teach children how to program. We are excited about this partnership because it supports our mission to provide high-quality programming education to all children. We believe learning to program with Tynker prepares children for 21st century careers, challenges them intellectually, and gives them tools to become "makers." We have created four free Tynker programming activities for the Hour of Code using two of Mattel's most popular brands, Monster High and Hot Wheels.

Obstacle Course
Students complete a set of 20 coding puzzles to navigate a Hot Wheels racecar through increasingly complex tracks.

Hack the Track
Students create and publish their own fun racing game. They choose a background, draw the track, add cars and code them, then they can play!

Scavenger Hunt
Students solve 20 coding puzzles to help their favorite Monster High characters as they try to find all the school crests.

Music Video
Students can make their own Monster High music video, using code blocks to add music, choose a background, choreograph the ghouls, and more!

See All Hour of Code Activities

Teachers, be sure to check out our Monster High and Hot Wheels teacher guides.

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Tynker Teams Up With Mattel to Teach Coding

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Tynker is proud to announce a collaboration with Mattel to create engaging new content to teach children how to program. We are excited about this partnership because it supports our mission to provide high-quality programming education to all children.

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Their games ignite curiosity about computer science.

In the award-winning game, The Foos, kids learn the ABC’s of computer science.

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Can't wait to introduce my students to these droids next week!

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Sphero makes remarkably cool, programmable robots and STEAM-based educational tools that transform the way kids learn, create and invent through coding, science, music, and the arts. Using information available, combined with skills acquired, can help make good decisions. That's the basic process of critical thinking. Critical thinkers can solve problems by keeping a clear mind and rational thoughts that will help you analyze a situation and make a sound decision.
STEM teaching is the hands-on exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics concepts, and it's becoming an increasingly important part of modern-day education. STEM skills grant students the 21st-century abilities needed to perform a wide range of both essential and highly-skilled jobs.
Risk-taking, leaping, trying again, and failing are part of our genetic material. Without it, humans would not have inhabited every corner of this planet. Oftentimes we can see failure, particularly in exams, as negative - one of the worst things we can allow students to experience. But what if we allow students to fail in a safe space and make learning a personal endeavor? Go #BeyondCode and enrich your learning experience with engaging STEAM activities that foster creativity and collaboration.
Sphero makes remarkably cool, programmable robots and STEAM-based educational tools that transform the way kids learn, create and invent through coding, science, music, and the arts.
Using information available, combined with skills acquired, can help make good decisions. That's the basic process of critical thinking. Critical thinkers can solve problems by keeping a clear mind and rational thoughts that will help you analyze a situation and make a sound decision.
STEM teaching is the hands-on exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics concepts, and it's becoming an increasingly important part of modern-day education. STEM skills grant students the 21st-century abilities needed to perform a wide range of both essential and highly-skilled jobs.
Risk-taking, leaping, trying again, and failing are part of our genetic material. Without it, humans would not have inhabited every corner of this planet. Oftentimes we can see failure, particularly in exams, as negative - one of the worst things we can allow students to experience. But what if we allow students to fail in a safe space and make learning a personal endeavor?
Go #BeyondCode and enrich your learning experience with engaging STEAM activities that foster creativity and collaboration.
Sphero makes remarkably cool, programmable robots and STEAM-based educational tools that transform the way kids learn, create and invent through coding, science, music, and the arts.
Using information available, combined with skills acquired, can help make good decisions. That's the basic process of critical thinking. Critical thinkers can solve problems by keeping a clear mind and rational thoughts that will help you analyze a situation and make a sound decision.
STEM teaching is the hands-on exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics concepts, and it's becoming an increasingly important part of modern-day education. STEM skills grant students the 21st-century abilities needed to perform a wide range of both essential and highly-skilled jobs.
Risk-taking, leaping, trying again, and failing are part of our genetic material. Without it, humans would not have inhabited every corner of this planet. Oftentimes we can see failure, particularly in exams, as negative - one of the worst things we can allow students to experience. But what if we allow students to fail in a safe space and make learning a personal endeavor?
Go #BeyondCode and enrich your learning experience with engaging STEAM activities that foster creativity and collaboration.

Sphero makes remarkably cool, programmable robots and STEAM-based educational tools that transform the way kids learn, create and invent through coding, science, music, and the arts.

Using information available, combined with skills acquired, can help make good decisions. That's the basic process of critical thinking. Critical thinkers can solve problems by keeping a clear mind and rational thoughts that will help you analyze a situation and make a sound decision. STEM teaching is the hands-on exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics concepts, and it's becoming an increasingly important part of modern-day education. STEM skills grant students the 21st-century abilities needed to perform a wide range of both essential and highly-skilled jobs. Risk-taking, leaping, trying again, and failing are part of our genetic material. Without it, humans would not have inhabited every corner of this planet. Oftentimes we can see failure, particularly in exams, as negative - one of the worst things we can allow students to experience. But what if we allow students to fail in a safe space and make learning a personal endeavor? Go #BeyondCode and enrich your learning experience with engaging STEAM activities that foster creativity and collaboration. Sphero makes remarkably cool, programmable robots and STEAM-based educational tools that transform the way kids learn, create and invent through coding, science, music, and the arts. Using information available, combined with skills acquired, can help make good decisions. That's the basic process of critical thinking. Critical thinkers can solve problems by keeping a clear mind and rational thoughts that will help you analyze a situation and make a sound decision. STEM teaching is the hands-on exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics concepts, and it's becoming an increasingly important part of modern-day education. STEM skills grant students the 21st-century abilities needed to perform a wide range of both essential and highly-skilled jobs. Risk-taking, leaping, trying again, and failing are part of our genetic material. Without it, humans would not have inhabited every corner of this planet. Oftentimes we can see failure, particularly in exams, as negative - one of the worst things we can allow students to experience. But what if we allow students to fail in a safe space and make learning a personal endeavor? Go #BeyondCode and enrich your learning experience with engaging STEAM activities that foster creativity and collaboration. Sphero makes remarkably cool, programmable robots and STEAM-based educational tools that transform the way kids learn, create and invent through coding, science, music, and the arts. Using information available, combined with skills acquired, can help make good decisions. That's the basic process of critical thinking. Critical thinkers can solve problems by keeping a clear mind and rational thoughts that will help you analyze a situation and make a sound decision. STEM teaching is the hands-on exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics concepts, and it's becoming an increasingly important part of modern-day education. STEM skills grant students the 21st-century abilities needed to perform a wide range of both essential and highly-skilled jobs. Risk-taking, leaping, trying again, and failing are part of our genetic material. Without it, humans would not have inhabited every corner of this planet. Oftentimes we can see failure, particularly in exams, as negative - one of the worst things we can allow students to experience. But what if we allow students to fail in a safe space and make learning a personal endeavor? Go #BeyondCode and enrich your learning experience with engaging STEAM activities that foster creativity and collaboration. Sphero makes remarkably cool, programmable robots and STEAM-based educational tools that transform the way kids learn, create and invent through coding, science, music, and the arts. Using information available, combined with skills acquired, can help make good decisions. That's the basic process of critical thinking. Critical thinkers can solve problems by keeping a clear mind and rational thoughts that will help you analyze a situation and make a sound decision. STEM teaching is the hands-on exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics concepts, and it's becoming an increasingly important part of modern-day education. STEM skills grant students the 21st-century abilities needed to perform a wide range of both essential and highly-skilled jobs. Risk-taking, leaping, trying again, and failing are part of our genetic material. Without it, humans would not have inhabited every corner of this planet. Oftentimes we can see failure, particularly in exams, as negative - one of the worst things we can allow students to experience. But what if we allow students to fail in a safe space and make learning a personal endeavor? Go #BeyondCode and enrich your learning experience with engaging STEAM activities that foster creativity and collaboration. Sphero makes remarkably cool, programmable robots and STEAM-based educational tools that transform the way kids learn, create and invent through coding, science, music, and the arts. Using information available, combined with skills acquired, can help make good decisions. That's the basic process of critical thinking. Critical thinkers can solve problems by keeping a clear mind and rational thoughts that will help you analyze a situation and make a sound decision. STEM teaching is the hands-on exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics concepts, and it's becoming an increasingly important part of modern-day education. STEM skills grant students the 21st-century abilities needed to perform a wide range of both essential and highly-skilled jobs. Risk-taking, leaping, trying again, and failing are part of our genetic material. Without it, humans would not have inhabited every corner of this planet. Oftentimes we can see failure, particularly in exams, as negative - one of the worst things we can allow students to experience. But what if we allow students to fail in a safe space and make learning a personal endeavor? Go #BeyondCode and enrich your learning experience with engaging STEAM activities that foster creativity and collaboration. Sphero makes remarkably cool, programmable robots and STEAM-based educational tools that transform the way kids learn, create and invent through coding, science, music, and the arts. Using information available, combined with skills acquired, can help make good decisions. That's the basic process of critical thinking. Critical thinkers can solve problems by keeping a clear mind and rational thoughts that will help you analyze a situation and make a sound decision. STEM teaching is the hands-on exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics concepts, and it's becoming an increasingly important part of modern-day education. STEM skills grant students the 21st-century abilities needed to perform a wide range of both essential and highly-skilled jobs.

STEAM Learning Solutions

We offer coding robots and STEAM (STEM + Art) educational tools that transform the way kids and teens learn, create, and invent through coding, science, engineering, and the arts. Looking to inspire your whole class? Shop our education packs.

STEAM Activities & Resources

The Sphero ecosystem of tools and the Sphero Edu platform gives kids, teachers, and parents of all learning and coding abilities a blank canvas to solve challenges at home, in school, and beyond.

At School Sphero Team

Math puzzles and brain teasers are the academic version of sneaking veggies into a slice of cake. Kids have so much fun solving problems and playing games that they won't even realize they're applying mathematical concepts, practicing computation skills, and using logical reasoning.

At School Sphero Team

Modern technology has an enormous influence on the changes in our society. Kids must learn how to code and be familiar with coding concepts to thrive in this digital world.

At School Sphero Team

Learning programming gives kids critical skills in an increasingly digital world, but standard text-based programming languages can be a challenge for people of all ages. Block-based coding can be the solution that makes the learning curve more gradual. Not only is it fun to learn, but it also provides a sound foundation for learning other programming technologies.

Looking to Bring Sphero to your Classroom?

Our team of education experts is here to help. Contact us today and get a demo.

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STEM Kits & Robotics for Kids | Inspire STEM Education with Sphero

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Sphero makes remarkably cool, programmable robots and STEAM-based educational tools that transform the way kids learn, create and invent through coding, science, music, and the arts. Using information available, combined with skills acquired, can help make good decisions. That's the basic process of critical thinking.

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My students and enjoying learning what these robots can do!

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IN THE CLASSROOM

"Wonder Workshop's engaging approach to coding and robotics helps my students develop the fundamental skills of collaboration, problem-solving, and persistence through engaging, hands-on activities that enhance lessons in all subjects."

TIFFANY HOGG
First-grade teacher, Pennsylvania
SCHOOL-WIDE

"We are doing students a disservice if we teach today the same way as we taught yesterday. Robotics is a great way for students to exercise their critical thinking skills through programming, and watch it come alive through robots."

CARRIE WILLIS
Technology Director, California
DISTRICT-LEVEL

"Wonder Workshop's approach to teaching coding and robotics allows my students to build and develop computer science skills, while also learning the fundamental skills of critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and creative storytelling."

KENT STEEN, Ph.D.
Curriculum Specialist, Nebraska

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IN THE CLASSROOM "Wonder Workshop's engaging approach to coding and robotics helps my students develop the fundamental skills of collaboration, problem-solving, and persistence through engaging, hands-on activities that enhance lessons in all subjects." TIFFANY HOGG First-grade teacher, Pennsylvania SCHOOL-WIDE "We are doing students a disservice if we teach today the same way as we taught yesterday.

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Kodable... Teaching Kids to Code:

Programming Curriculum for Elementary.

We use the Kodable app with our K students and then the Hour of Code with the First and Second Graders.

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Programming for kids, made with love. Easy to follow lessons focused on student outcomes so you can teach your students to code.

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I just started using code.org with my students in grades 2- 6. They are enjoying solving the puzzles and learning coding at the same time.

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We've had 4th grade students use Scratch for an interactive book report and to explain the French Revolution. Some of our students have created their own Scratch accounts. We use Bee-Bots, iPad apps, Tynker and Code.org

in 1st and 2nd grade, then board games and Scratch in 3rd and 4th grades.

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Expand your child’s horizons with the help of Ozobot Bit - the tiny tinker robot. There is no end to the possibilities, as your child creates a different landscape of adventures, games and coding with Ozobot Bit. Imagine, a learning toy that opens the doors of computer science, STEM education, robotics and coding, making your child one step ahead of the learning curve in school and in life.

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Ozobot makes desk-friendly coding robots that come with infinite ways to create, learn, and share. Learn more about Ozobot for grades K-12.

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Hackety Hack will teach you the absolute basics of programming from the ground up. No previous programming experience is needed!

With Hackety Hack, you'll learn the Ruby programming language. Ruby is used for all kinds of programs, including desktop applications and websites.

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Kano is a computer and coding kit for ages 6-12

Make a computer, learn what's inside, play with code. Spark a lifelong passion for code, computing, and the arts.

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Coding for Kids Revisited

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While it feels like we just wrote 7 Apps for Teaching Children Coding Skills, it's been a year, and as we know, that's a couple of lifetimes in the technology world! Over the past year, we've discovered even more fabulous sites for teaching coding.

With programs like the Hour of Code and other sites, it looks like many children have been exposed to computer programming, but we feel that we still have a long way to go. Graduates with programming skills are in high demand, and it's clear those numbers will only increase. In addition, the skills acquired through programming, like logical thinking, problem solving, persistence, collaboration, and communication, can be applied to any grade level, any subject area, and in every part of life. Programming isn't just limited to computer science majors in college. Like we said a year ago, kids can code -- we have the sites and resources to make it happen. And it's never been more important to provide students with opportunities to be exposed to programming, especially girls and minorities. In the interest of space, we've limited our list to resources for coding with elementary students (ages 5-11), and best of all, free resources!

Hopscotch

Platform: iPad
Cost: free
Hopscotch is still a favorite for us. We talked about this last time, but it's still free, and they've added so many new features for both building and sharing that we can't imagine it not being at the top of our list. The block coding makes it easy for early readers to program, but the complexity keeps it engaging and challenging for older students, too. Users can create games, stories, interactive art, apps, and more!

ScratchJr

Platform: iPad
Cost: free
Scratch remains a free go-to online app, and now there's ScratchJr! ScratchJr is a free iPad app that brings coding to students as young as age five. Like Hopscotch and Scratch, this uses block coding, but instead of words, the blocks have icons. The blocks snap together to create a program, allowing students to build their own stories and games. Though the program uses images instead of words, it still has some complexity with loops. We feel that, rather than letting kids start with exploration, direct teaching would be the best way to start with this program.

Kodable

Platform: iPad
Cost: free with premium services
One app that we wish had made the cut for our original list was Kodable. (Unfortunately, we discovered it almost immediately after the article posted.) Kodable is another picture-block coding app for the iPad, but this one teaches programming more directly. Students are presented with a series of puzzles increasing in difficulty and complexity, and they have to use the programming blocks to navigate their little fuzzy monster. Kodable differs from the previous apps in that students don't create things, but rather program to solve puzzles. The app has both a free and a premium version, comes with learning guides for teachers and parents, and should be considered a great way to introduce the concepts of programming.

Run Marco

Platform: iPad, Android, Kindle Fire, web
Cost: free
We just learned about Run Marco this week, and while we haven't had much time to dig deep, we like what we've seen so far. Marketed as an "adventurous coding game," it's something that students can play on an iPad, Android, Kindle Fire, or online. This is similar to Kodable in that players learn coding by advancing through a game, and there doesn't seem to be a way of creating your own code from scratch. The blocks, however, have words as well as pictures. While the words are more prominent, the pictures are obvious enough and should be easy for pre-readers. At the time of this writing, only the first ten levels are available, with more to come soon.

Code Studio

Platform: web
Cost: free
We're very excited to share more resources specific to elementary teachers from Code.org! The site now features Code Studio, a K-5 curriculum that has both unplugged and digital resources for teaching coding. There are three courses, with about 20 lessons per course. The courses use block programming that looks similar to Scratch, but students will see familiar characters from games such as Angry Birds and Plants vs. Zombies. Teachers can sign up for a free account that allows them to track student progress and access lesson plans and resources. You might even find free face-to-face professional development in your area! And although labeled for K-5, the second and third courses could be used with middle school students who have not been exposed to coding.

CS-First

Platform: web
Cost: free
Finally, we want to mention CS-First. This computer science program is sponsored by Google and offers free materials for helping students learn to code using Scratch in a fun, supportive club atmosphere. The materials are often used by students age 9-15 and provide everything needed for learning to code, so no computer science background is necessary for the instructor. There are currently four themes: Game Design, Storytelling, Fashion & Design, and Music & Sound. The program can be implemented as an after-school club or integrated into instruction -- and did we mention that it's high quality and free?

We hope that you'll try out some of these resources and, if you haven't already, that you'll seriously consider incorporating coding into your curriculum. Not only can you align lessons to your standards, but this is also a great way for teaching problem solving and critical thinking, and for sparking creativity. Best of all, teachers don't need a coding background. All of these tools provide tutorials and instructions so that anyone can do it. Let's get coding!

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While it feels like we just wrote 7 Apps for Teaching Children Coding Skills, it's been a year, and as we know, that's a couple of lifetimes in the technology world! Over the past year, we've discovered even more fabulous sites for teaching coding.

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Helps kids learn to code and create.

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Over 5,000 Award-Winning Lessons

Tynker empowers over 100 million students and serves over 150,000 schools worldwide.

Mod Minecraft

Make your own skins and experience basic Minecraft modding with Tynker.

Learn Python

Learn to code browser-based games using Python, pen drawing and Turtle graphics.

Explore AI

In this exciting elective course, you'll explore artificial intelligence and machine learning - with JavaScript.

Empower the Next Generation with Tynker -
Unleash Creativity and Innovation in Kids Everywhere

Approved by Educators.
Loved by Kids

Story Based Lessons

Kids learn with block-based coding before transitioning to text-based languages like JavaScript and Python.

Built-in Tutorials

Tynker's interactive lessons break down coding fundamentals as they solve fun puzzles.

Interactive Assessments

Quick practice quizzes and assessment tests evaluate's a child's comprehension of subjects taught.

Explore Curriculum

Why Should Kids
Learn to Code with Tynker?

Because technology is so integrated into virtually every aspect of our lives, learning about it is more important than ever. Our coding platform makes it convenient and fun for kids and teens to gain knowledge that will serve them well throughout their lives. You can count on our trusted methods to help them develop and grow their capabilities with computers.

Tynker isn't just for schools and coding camps, though. Parents who value STEM education and want their children to know how to code should know that our kids programming platform can be used at home, too. Tynker offers a range of coding for kids solutions with icon-coding for pre-readers, block-based coding, and advanced courses in Python, JavaScript, data science, art, and image processing. There are quarterly, yearly and lifetime plans which include access for up to 3 children, and our online classes for all ages are an excellent way for them to gain the supplemental STEM skills needed for their future.

Trusted by Leading Brands

Our methods for learning to code all are provided within a safe, moderated community that is built around encouraging students to gain confidence in their abilities and do so without fear of failure.

Frequently asked questions

Is coding good for kids?

We're living during a high-tech revolution, witnessing life-changing advancements in medicine, environmental conservation, and much more. At the core of all these amazing projects and discoveries is CODE. Code can be the thing that differentiates your child from peers and allows them to stand out as an asset for companies when they are looking for employment. The children who learn to code today will become the creators of the technology tomorrow. Learning how to code can help children make a major contribution to the world that they live in and make a lasting impact.

As kids and teens learn to code, they also build essential skills like critical thinking, logic, and problem-solving. They learn to logically sequence events, create playable games, tell good stories, and model real situations. They also learn computational thinking by developing algorithmic and design thinking abilities. Coding for kids has become an essential element of a child's education and an excellent way to express their creativity and imagination.

How do I start my child coding?

Coding, otherwise known as programming, is a creative activity for all children. Your child might not care about writing data processing algorithms, but they might enjoy creating games, programming music, designing websites, or just playing with code. Learning to code is for everyone; you don't have to be good at math or a "techie" to learn how to code. Kids as young as five can learn to code and pick it up faster than most adults.

When your kids are starting, pick a program like MIT's Scratch or Tynker Junior app. The visual style of these programs makes it easy for young children to learn to code. Scratch and Tynker have a graphical interface that works. Drag-and-drop code blocks snap together. Pieces of code that don\'t make computational sense won't fit together, making syntax errors impossible.

Older children can learn to code with Python by building games, art, music, and more. Some programs like Tynker offer a placement test to set your child on the right track for their age and experience level.

What age is best to introduce coding to kids?

Every child learns at their own pace. They can learn different subjects at varying rates and ways. Experts believe that children should learn coding at an early age. According to MIT, the best age for kids to start learning coding languages such as Scratch Jr or Tynker Jr is from 5 to 7. Many programs allow your children to progress at their own pace or hire an instructor to help them move along.

With Tynker, a placement test will place your child on the correct path based on age and skill level, and Tynker supports children up to age 18 with real-world text languages like Python and JavaScript. Children progress to more difficult coding courses with the support of interactive tutorials and video instructions at their own pace.

Which is the best coding for kids program?

With so many great services available, learning to code has never been easier! For example, Scratch and Tynker provide innovative visual coding languages that make coding fun. Coding is a great way to broaden your child's worldview and develop their creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Here are a few coding for kids options to review:

Game-based learning -Game-based platforms such as Tynker and the challenges on Code.org motivate kids to use code to complete game levels.

Independent learning with Scratch -Scratch from MIT is a great way of getting started with code. Although they don't have courses, there's a vibrant community to learn from.

Online courses-Enroll in a Python or JavaScript course on Codecademy or Tynker or learn to code with Processing on Khan Academy. Tynker offers advanced courses like Processing 1, using p5.js to introduce the foundational concepts of art and computer science.

Build an app-Learn to build your own iOS app using Swift. Install the Swift Playgrounds app by Apple.

Use a book-Learn by following along with books like Mission Python, Super Scratch Programming Adventure, or Coding with Minecraft. Tynker has a series of super-informative coding activity books, including Code These Games, Code These Minecraft Mods, and Code This Art.

Why is coding needed?

Coding is the method of giving a computer instructions to perform a specific task. You may also hear coding referred to as software programming or computer programming. These instructions are communicated using a language that computers can understand, like visual blocks, JavaScript and Python.

Coding for kids lays the groundwork for our world's technology, from microprocessors in everyday items like refrigerators and water heaters to sophisticated programs that run our cars and buildings. Learning to code is a great opportunity for children of all ages to develop their problem-solving and critical thinking skills, while building the necessary focus and organization to see projects through to completion.

Coding usually begins with drag-and-drop visual programming in which children connect blocks together to make programs. Visual programming teaches the fundamental concepts without typing or syntax by placing the focus on the logic behind the code. Once they've learned the basics, children can transition to real-world programming languages like Python, JavaScript, and C.

From online coding courses and games to offline learning, from in-person coding instruction to live online tutoring, there are endless coding resources available. The best coding platforms and programs like Scratch, Code.org and Tynker give children of all ages and experience levels the ability to code while making the process fun and engaging.

Why should we use Tynker coding for kids?

Tynker is the world's number one coding platform for children ages 5 to 18 for a reason-it works! Tynker powers the creativity of over 100 million students and serves thousands of schools and educators worldwide.

Tynker's award-winning, gamified courses and coding for kids activities encourage kids to complete projects as they have fun, allowing them to progress from novices to experts using languages like Python. Tynker's interactive lessons have built-in tutorials for all ages and skill levels. Our highly-rated mobile app (4.7 stars) lets students take Tynker on the go. Learning how to code with Tynker unlocks and empowers children's creativity, teaching them life-long skills they can use today and into the future.

How do I teach my 7 year old code?

Learning to code is for everyone; you don't have to be good at math or a "techie" to learn how to code. Kids as young as five can learn to code and pick it up faster than most adults. Tynker Junior is a fun, interactive way to spark your kid's interest in coding. Kids (ages 5-7) learn coding basics by connecting picture blocks to move their characters. Tynker's immersive game-like coding courses and interactive lessons with built-in tutorials are perfect for beginners 5+ through experts 18+.

What options are there for coding for teens?

Code.org has a year-long course in Computer Science Principles that introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world.

Tynker has coding for kids courses that align with subject standards like CCSS-ELA, CCSS-Math, NGSS and CS standards such as CSTA, ISTE, CA CS, UK National Curriculum, and several state-level standards like TEKS.

Tynker is recognized by College Board as an endorsed curriculum provider for AP Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science A.

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Coding For Kids, Kids Online Coding Classes & Games | Tynker

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Tynker makes it fun and easy to learn computer programming. Get started today with Tynker's easy-to-learn, visual programming course designed for young learners in 4th through 8th grades.

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Coding for Kids: Free Websites That Teach Kids Programming

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Coding Programs for Kids: Free and Cheap Websites for Programming - Mommy Poppins

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Basic programming has become an essential skill and there are tons of coding programs for kids. Here are 13 of our favorites to hone this valuable skill.

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Learn Computer Coding without a Computer

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Learn Computer Coding without a Computer

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11 fun kid activities to learn coding without a computer.

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Computer coding is essentially a language that computer uses. When we think about helping kids learn computer coding, we automatically think we need a computer first. But in fact, there are many ways to learn computer coding without a computer, as many thinking and coding approach can be learned in different activities off-screen. Today we share some off-screen activities that teach kids computer programming.

Learn Computer Coding without a Computer

Unplugged Activities for Computer Coding Skills

One of the important coding skills is to break a big task into smaller actionable steps. It is called to decompose. This is a skill kids can learn and practice in many daily life activities. This morning routine practice is particularly designed to prepare kids for coding. The article explains some key points to note and to add to the daily practice. You can even download a free template for your kids.

Another unplugged activity to learn decomposition skill is this game of teaching robot making hot dogs. Kids will quickly realize it is not that easy to teach machines or someone who doesn't have any background knowledge doing a job that is so easy for us humans or someone with prior knowledge. After making hot dogs, you can try instructions of making a peanut butter sandwich. Once the instruction is finished, ask another child to perform the task strictly following the instruction. I can guarantee there will be some key steps missed.

One big concept in coding is the abstract thinking skill of using a symbol to represent something. I found this decoder is a fun activity to help kids learn the concept. For younger kids, you can build it into something like a scavenger hunt, a good example is this egg hunt.

A good computer programmer needs to be able to anticipate all potential scenarios and to incorporate all into the coding. To see what this means, try this coding game for critical thinking skill. This is such an important skill, not just for coding, but also for many other career fields.

Coding is basically a step-by-step guide for computer to accomplish a task, one practice for young children to understand coding, is to play Instructed Map Route. Mark on the floor the starting and ending points, and set a couple obstacles on the route. Have a child close eyes and follow the instructions from another one. The instructions are like these: step forward 3 steps, turn left and walk 2 steps, turn right and walk 6 steps, ... When playing, remember to point out that the number of steps should be adjusted for the size of the steps. For early elementary school age kids, you can try this Hot Dog Coding Game (the download link is at the end of the article) that move the bread to the hot dog with provided coding blocks, while avoiding tables and chairs. For older kids, you can try this , to go through the maze with clear instructions.

An important element in coding is to find the pattern in the seemingly irregular events. For young children, you can do some pattern games. For example, you can ask the child to line up a group of blocks that to have 1 green block for every 3 yellow blocks. You can find a calendar, then ask kids to color the days that he has math classes with one color, and the days he has English classes with another color, then ask the child to identify the pattern. There could be more than one patterns, for example one could be every Monday, Wednesday and Friday he has Math classes. Another pattern could be he has math classes 3 times a week.

Debug, diagnose what is wrong and correct mistakes, is an important task in coding, even more important than writing the codes. This printable Debug Coding Game teaches kids how to debug. It is essentially a problem solving skill that is useful for any job.

Unplugged Activities for Computer Coding Language

We all know original computer codes are binary. Now it is still binary, but more coding programs make it a little easier so coders don't have to write binary codes. But it is still helpful for kids to understand how binary codes work. This fun coding activity lets kids code their names into necklaces using beads of different colors. It makes the binary concept easy for kids understand.

A very commonly used command in coding is "If ... Then ...". It tells the computer to execute an action when something happens. For example, if someone type the letter A, then show letter A on the screen. A fun way to teach kids the language is to play the "If - Then" game. You can play it in the backyard, or in a park, or any open space. I like the ability to adapt to kids of different age.

These two coding activities with LEGO are great for those hands-on kids who loves LEGO. Kids learn the binary codes and basic coding commands while moving the LEGO mini figure around.

If you are looking for a good board game for kids to learn coding, Code Monkey Island is a great game for kids to learn computer coding logic and even some code syntax.

Robot Turtle is another fun board game for kids to learn programming fundamentals and language. Kids as young as preschool can play.

Would like to download the Free Hot Dog Coding Game mentioned above? You want to first visit the post 5 Crucial Coding Skills You Can Teach at Home for ideas on how to use the game. Then you can download the game at the bottom of that post.

Looking for more resource for kids to learn computer coding? Check out our picks ofBest Learning Tools for Kids for Computer Coding. However, before jumping into any of these tools, you may want to read 5 Crucial Coding Skills You can Teach at Home without a Computer, why and how to teach these skills. What is a better way to learn than playing? Check out 12 Toys Teaching Kids Computer program and Coding.

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11 Kids Activities to Learn Coding without a Computer

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Computer coding is essentially a language that computer uses. When we think about helping kids learn computer coding, we automatically think we need a computer first. But in fact, there are many ways to learn computer coding without a computer, as many thinking and coding approach can be learned in different activities off-screen.

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Teaching kids to code.

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"Geek Culture" is popular right now. There's the Big Bang Theory on TV, SO many people referring to themselves as "geeks", and the Star Wars and Star Trek franchises have been getting reboots in the movie theaters. One thing is certain, and that is that "geeks" rule the world. While, of course, I'm very passionate about STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math), I agree that the schools could definitely do more to teach our kids these things.

The great thing, though, is that we don't have to wait for the schools to get on board to get our kids passionate about technology and coding. There are some great tools out there to help us teach our kids more about using the computer and programming their own games and applications! When I was in high school, we didn't have super cool programs like this to help teach us, yet we still figured out how to write programs on our graphing calculators. My TI-83 still has a program that when I run it, it displays a favorite quote of mine. It also has other programs I have written to make certain equations go faster.

So, there are definitely options out there these days to make it easy and fun for your kids to learn coding, starting at a young age too!

First check out Tynker. Mainly for grades 4th-8th. This course will definitely get your child the groundwork that is so important to learning how to code effectively.

Scratch is a project from MIT that can help kids create programs as early as 8 years old.

If you don't want to download something to your computer, you can play around with Waterbear

Another option for a little bit older kids (around age 11) is Alice.

Create iOS games with Stencyl.

High School kids can really get into it from CodeHS

For older kids, or even for you, you can learn a lot from Khan Academy's Computer Science area. (Khan Academy is good for SOOOOOOOO many subjects as well)

You can also find tutorials, lessons, and resources at Code.org.

Coding is an essential part of a child's education. It can help with problem solving skills, and other life skills that have nothing to do with the computer. Take it from Bill Gates...

"Learning to write programs stretches your mind, and helps you think better, creates a way of thinking about things that I think is helpful in all domains."

Even singer will.i.am agrees kids should get into coding - "Here we are, 2013, we ALL depend on technology to communicate, to bank, and none of us know how to read and write code. It's important for these kids, right now, starting at 8 years old, to read and write code."

See more quotes from famous folks about coding on code.org.

I encourage you to help your kids get on these programs, even if you don't know much about technology yourself. You can help put them on a great path to furthering their education, and furthering their career, and you might end up learning some coding in the process!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive compensation if you make a purchase using the links.
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"Geek Culture" is popular right now. There's the Big Bang Theory on TV, SO many people referring to themselves as "geeks", and the Star Wars and Star Trek franchises have been getting reboots in the movie theaters. One thing is certain, and that is that "geeks" rule the world.

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STEM Fun for Kids: Code Your Name in Jewelry

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Introduce kids to binary code by teaching them to code their names - in jewelry! Plus more STEM fun for kids. You might also enjoy this collection of STEM activities for kids using household items.

Did you know that you an write your name in binary (the language computers speak) using the ASCII code that computers read? Emma got to do this fun name coding STEM activity through our local church group. She loved it, and it's a great way to introduce kids to computer brains.

Computers assign a string of 0s and 1s to different letters, symbols, and instructions, and this is called binary code. Emma was given a list of all the letters of the alphabet, and then she got to pick one color of bead to represent 1 (she picked red) and another color to represent 0 (she picked black). The blue beads are spaces between the letters of her name.

You can read more about this project and find the ASCII code you can use on this blog. Emma's name is short, but kids with longer names will need to make necklaces.

Looking for materials for this activity? Here are our recommendations:

Computer coding is a big deal here in Silicon Valley. My kids do simple coding in computer class at school, and their dad is a computer scientist. Binary code was something Emma had heard about before, but this activity helped solidify the concept in her mind.

I especially love that this activity is one that easily engages girls (read why I believe that STEM is important for girls).

Did you know that the raised and lowered dots of braille are another form of binary code? So is Morse Code! You could easily adapt activity to teach kids Morse Code (assign one color for dashes and another for dots).

More STEM Fun for Kids

Check more fun STEM activities for kids - from my blog:

And my friends:

What are your favorite STEM activities for kids? Have you introduced your kids to binary code yet? Share comments and feedback below, on my Facebook page, or by tagging me on Instagram. Sign up for my newsletter to receive book recommendations, crafts, activities, and parenting tips in your inbox every week.

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Code Your Name in Jewelry STEM Fun for Kids

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Introduce kids to binary code by teaching them to code their names - in jewelry! Plus more STEM fun for kids. You might also enjoy this collection of STEM activities for kids using household items. Did you know that you an write your name in binary (the language computers speak) using the ASCII code that computers read?

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Coding for Kindergarteners

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Last year at this time, I was trying not to think about kindergarteners. I was still teaching ninth grade English and had just accepted a job teaching technology to K-5. I was excited about the challenge, and I knew that I'd bitten off more than I could chew.

Developing the tech curriculum challenged me to teach programming or at least computational thinking at each elementary grade level. Our school is mid-pivot in technology -- we're in our second year of a middle school 1:2 iPad program, our first year of having a cart of iPads available for elementary, and our last year of two PC labs for the students to use (next year we'll have only one lab). Knowing this, I wanted to design a program that mostly used tablet-based tools.

Challenges and Resources

I was really excited when I was introduced to the apps Daisy the Dinosaur and Hopscotch. Both use visual blocks to represent commands. This approach to syntax is physical, like puzzle pieces. The commands fit together if they work together and are grouped into color-coded families. These features are great for kids. Color helps them navigate, and the physical syntax guides them toward success. From a teacher perspective, it's much easier to find errors in this physical syntax. (I don't know how many missing semicolons I could find in a class period.)

With these apps, I was confident that I had a good entry point for grades 1 and 2. Working with a kindergartner during coding club, I asked her to find the block that ended with the word "up." Now, in my defense, I thought chances were pretty good that she'd know such a likely sight word. She was incredulous. "I can't read!" So here was my challenge: can I teach programming to students who do not yet read? Of course, I looked beyond this challenge to see the next: can I use programming to support and deliver literacy instruction?

I'm happy to report that, my own surprise, the first challenge has been met. There are many ways to get pre-reading students to engage in meaningful coding challenges that develop computational thinking. My short list includes Kodable, LEGO MINDSTORMS Fix the Factory, and Bee Bots. With Tynker and the planned release of Scratch Jr, it seems like there are new platforms to support young coding all the time. As a critical and reflective teacher, I know that any of these tools is only as good as the lesson it supports.

As a push-in tech teacher, I work closely with the classroom teachers to create lessons that dovetail with and support their lessons. Real-world programming with students or with robots can create great opportunities for content integration. My first graders program a robot to fly to the planets in order (see the video below). I use the content as the surface on which the robot operates. This format also creates social learning opportunities. Since it's challenging for a group of six students to work on a robot, I plan for four to a robot. So in many ways technology class is a communication workshop and a crash course in ninja-level sharing. I am grateful that my teachers stay to help me out. We often have three adults in the room with 24 kids and six robots.

Practical Tips for the Early Grades

Elements of Programming That Support Pre-Readers

Sequence

The concept of code (written language)

Cause and effect

Counting

Planning

Left-to-right reading

Problem solving

How Programming Supports Social Learning

I was looking for standards about social and emotional learning, but they are not nearly so common as other standards. My school values social and emotional growth, and it's an important part of all classes, tech included. If you've never handed out devices to students, you may not know the almost universal body language of pulling the device close in and turning away from other students.

The Power of Pairs

Until my students really understand an app, I like to have them share an iPad. We always have to discuss how to talk to your partner about sharing and offering help. I really appreciate my classroom teachers' knowledge of the students at this point and ask them to pair the kids up. While it's hard to share devices like this, I see a real learning benefit. Most students will stay tuned in to what their partner is doing while waiting for their turn. As they watch, they mentally rehearse and problem solve, building their understanding for their next turn.

When we program robots, we work in groups of four students per robot. This can be challenging and a little chaotic, which is why we take the time to model and rehearse some group communication skills and sentence stems. When we give each student a specific role (programmer, input engineer, debugger, recorder), some of the students are more successful. In these roles, the programmer is in charge of writing the program. To do this, she lays out the programming command cards left to right. The input engineer presses the buttons on the robot to input the program from the cards. The debugger watches the robot execute the program to check for errors or locate any mistakes in the program.

From Pairs to Parallel Play

The first time we explore an app, we do so in pairs, but once the students seem comfortable with it, we graduate them to working individually. One delightful surprise this year was students asking if they could move their chairs together to work side-by-side even though they had their own iPads.

Keeping Learning at the Center

One challenge of programming with robots and apps is that they are designed to look like toys and games. My goal is to structure an interaction that's thoughtful enough for students to build their understanding of programming and robotics. With the robots we have, you program directly onto the robot using the buttons on the top. I ask my students to use command cards to plan out their programs. The students want to physically steer the bot around and input commands as needed. "But I can do all that in my head," they object. Without a physical record of the commands, there is no way to debug, edit, or even audit the program as it runs. In this case, the cards are the critical difference between learning and play.

To App or to Bot, That Is the Question

Whether it is nobler in the mind to work in groups or alone, to take to desks or abandon them into a sea of learning, these are the choices that wake teachers up at night. When bringing programming to young students, should you use an app or a robot? This decision might be based on what you have available to your class. In a tablet-rich environment, it makes sense to focus on apps, but if you're going to buy some tech, which will give you the most return? Here's a comparison. I like Kodable because it's another great learning resource on my iPad cart. I like the Bee Bots, as I can make some great connections to content.
Kodable Pro

Structured interaction

Built-in tutorials

Graduating complexity

Isolated from class content

Cost per unit: $6.99 per license (up to 10 units)

Bee Bots

Strong content integration

Stand-alone unit, no device needed

Limited complexity

Simple interface

Cost per unit: $90.00

The Bee Bots could be shared effectively between several classes. A good lesson with the robots requires a good deal of prep. This can mean laminating goal cards, creating command cards, building maps for the bots to navigate, and even downloading custom jackets to turn the bees into rockets when needed. You can find materials for this at Primary Treasure Chest.

If you've taught coding to early elementary grades, please tell us about it.

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Last year at this time, I was trying not to think about kindergarteners. I was still teaching ninth grade English and had just accepted a job teaching technology to K-5. I was excited about the challenge, and I knew that I'd bitten off more than I could chew.

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Educational Technology and Mobile Learning

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Educational Technology and Mobile Learning

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Teaching coding in classes: 17 apps to try.

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Educational Technology and Mobile Learning

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November 17, 2014
Today as I was going through my bookmarks, I come across this excellent visual created by Sean Junkins where he features a bunch of powerful apps to help you teach coding in the classroom. Unfortunately, the visual does not render legible enough when turned into large infographic. So instead, I am sharing with you the apps featured in it. I really like how Sean Junkins arranged these apps into different categories which will help you target different areas in the teaching of coding. Enjoy

A- Daisy the Dinosaur
Learn the basics of computer programming with Daisy the Dinosaur! 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. Kids will intuitively grasp the basics of objects, sequencing, loops and events by solving this app's challenges. After playing Daisy, kids can choose to download a kit to program their own computer game.

B- Move The Turtle
Move The Turtle is an educational application for iPhone and iPad that teaches children the basics of creating computer programs, using intuitive graphic commands.
2- Video tutorials

Udacity courses are taught by industry experts from Facebook, Google, Cloudera and MongoDB. The classes range from teaching you the very basics of programming, to more advanced courses that help you make sense of data. Learn to code in HTML, CSS, Javascript, Python, Java and other programming languages.

Whether you want to get promoted, break into a new industry, start a company, continue your education, further a passion, or just accelerate your life, Udemy has a course to help you get there and get there faster.

C- Khan Academy
This is the official iPad app of the popular Khan Academy platform. The app provides you access to a wide variety of video lessons covering multiple subject areas including: math, biology, chemistry, science and many more.

D- Tree House
Learn from over 1000 videos created by expert teachers on web design, coding, business, and much more. The library is continually refreshed with the latest on web technology so you'll never fall behind.
3-Computer languages
A- L2Code HTML
L2Code HTML teaches you how to code with its detailed instructions, step-by-step practice tutorials, and it even checks your work along the way. Many other websites and apps may give you the instructions, but only L2Code HTML includes the one tool you need to successfully learn HTML and build your webpage - a built-in text editor! This feature allows you to test your code immediately to see if your webpage will appear the way you want it. B- L2Code CSS
Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) is the next step after basic HTML. If you want more control over the look and formatting of your webpage, then the L2Code CSS app is for you. It provides step-by-step instructions and practice tutorials to help you master layout, colors, fonts, and more.
LOGO was created in 1967 for educational use, is a computer programming language with functional programming capability. This version of LOGO is an interpreted language, but isn't a lite version. Functional programming with global and local variables is implemented.
4- Game-based coding
A- My Robot Friend
Take control of your robot friend, Alpha-1, using logic, puzzle solving and math skills. Use your arsenal of shrink rays, invisibility cloaks, shields, propeller packs and a whole lot more as you program your way through 80 mind-teasing levels. Program a sequence of instructions for your robot to follow, and earn all 3 ribbons per level by creating efficient programs and collecting all the coins.

Presenting Cargo-Bot. The first game programmed entirely on iPad® using Codea™. Cargo-Bot is a puzzle game where you teach a robot how to move crates.

Lightbot is a programming puzzle game- a game whose game mechanics require using programming to solve levels. Simply guiding a robot to light up tiles and solve levels using commands, Lightbot cultivates a real understanding of procedures, loops, and conditionals for players.

Kodable is a free educational iPad game offering a kid-friendly introduction to programming concepts and problem solving. For kids ages 5 and up, and tools for grownups too!

E- Cato's Hike
Cato is a little boy who just like every little boy likes to go out and play. One fine day Cato was playing outside when a portal to another world opened up in front of him; a portal to another world!

Become the ultimate code warrior and hack your friends with Hakitzu Elite. An epic multiplayer robot combat game, where you learn the basics of coding while battling robots in both single and multiplayer missions. Victory is in the code!

A- HopScotch
Hopscotch is programming designed for everyone. Kids can use simple, intuitive building blocks to create games, animations and apps in this colorful, interactive environment. Program your characters to move, draw, and collide with each other, and use shaking, tilting, or even shouting at the iPad to control them.

Codea lets you create games and simulations - or just about any visual idea you have. Turn your thoughts into interactive creations that make use of iPad features like Multi-Touch and the accelerometer.

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Teaching Coding in Class: 17 Apps to Try

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November 17, 2014 Today as I was going through my bookmarks, I come across this excellent visual created by Sean Junkins where he features a bunch of powerful apps to help you teach coding in the classroom. Unfortunately, the visual does not render legible enough when turned into large infographic.

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Beyond LEGOS: Coding for Kids

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Beyond LEGOS: Coding for Kids - ALSC Blog

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STEM is dominating educational conversations these days. But for those of us in public libraries, how can we integrate the STEM concepts into our work? Lots of children's libraries have LEGO clubs and that certainly is a good start. We may not have a formal learning environment in our public libraries, but we do have high demand for programming.

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Codecademy's resources help instructors teach computer science to students of all ages and backgrounds.

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Kids Code the Darndest Things: 10 Amazing Youth Innovators

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Kids deserve more credit than they get. They're observant, incredibly intuitive and can sometimes figure out what the world needs faster than adults can. With rapid advancements in technology, and coding education geared toward youth, it comes as no surprise that there are kids pushing innovation out there, and creating apps and programs at astonishingly young ages. Here are 10 youth innovators, from ages seven to 15, particularly worth noting and working on projects ranging from games to anti-bullying apps. At only 15, Nick D'Aloisio created Trimit, a nifty iOS app that summarizes web content into short excerpts for various platforms like Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr. It also comes in handy if you want to read abstracts of longform articles. According toFast Company, the app's algorithm took D'Aloisio only a month of research to develop -- the kind of research often conducted in multimillion-dollar programs and PhD theses. On March 25, D'Aloisio sold a later version of the app, Summly, to Yahoo for a reported $30 million. make them," said Thomas Suarez at his TEDTalk in 2011, when he was only 12 years old. Suarez did just that by establishing his own company, CarrotCorp and creating several iOS apps. One app, called Earth Fortune, simply displayed different colors of the planet based on your fortune. His most successful, however, has been Bustin Jieber, a Justin Bieber-themed Whac-a-Mole game. Suarez won a Tribeca Disruptive Innovation Award in 2012. Through the Apps for Good course -- a UK-based program for kids to learn how to make mobile, web and Facebook apps -- teenagers Aaron Sonson, Satwant Singh and Gregory Paczkowski created Stop & Search. The app allows young people to rate their experiences with police after being stopped and search, to find necessary information about their rights and to allow people to map the search (revealing patterns). Each of the three teens from inner London had experienced being stopped and searched several times, and they say on their website that they created Stop & Search with "hopes to bring transparency and fairness to the stop and search procedure." Play Against Cancer, in which players destroy cancer cells illustrated as green ghosts. He also developed The Survivor Games, a social network and online community for teen cancer patients. The Stop & Search app isn't the only innovative idea that came out of the Apps for Good program. Team 2-the-Res-Q, made up of four 14-year-old girls, developed CyberMentors -- an anti-bullying Android app for young people that focuses on building self-esteem and increasing safety. The app includes a messaging feature through which users can talk to a CyberMentor directly about experiences with bullying. The 2-the-Res-Q team worked with Fuerte International, a mobile production agency based in London, to further develop the app. It's available on Google Play, and also on a web-based social platform. Last year, when Daniel Chao was in fifth grade and 10 years old, he invented an app that keeps track of reading homework. Since he and his classmates had to turn in reading calendars every month in school, his app, iRead Monthly, lets a student click a particular date and enter the number of minutes he or she reads that day. At the end of the month, students can email it to their teachers. Chao told CBS Denver that he's proud of the app and glad that Apple accepted his app despite his young age. [brightcove video="2103913343001" /] At only seven years old, Zora Ball is the youngest person to develop a mobile game app. She participated in the University of Pennsylvania's FATE Bootstrap Expo in December 2012 (usually for ages 12 to 16), working with the Bootstrap programming language. According to thePhiladelphia Tribune, the first-grade programmer was able to reconfigure her app immediately after being asked, proving that she did all of the work herself. Doodle Kids, was approved by Apple and uses several simple gestures to mimic how kids learn to draw. Lim is fluent in six programming languages and has completed dozens of projects. As of August 2012, he's working on two new projects, including his first 3D game. When Zach Marks was 11 years old, he went behind his parents' backs to sign up for Facebook, which has a minimum age restriction of 13 years old. After his parents got upset, he decided to create a safe, kid-friendly social network on his own, called Grom Social. As of December 2012, according to USA Today, Marks' site saw about 2,000 unique visitors a day and approximately 6,000 page views. That's pretty impressive, considering that so far, Grom Social has attracted users based mostly on word of mouth and only a small amount of marketing. Grom Social has different verticals -- including "Gaming," "Entertainment," and "Health & Fitness" -- and has strong stances against bullying, drugs and smoking. Marks, now 12 years old, has gotten his whole family involved in Grom Social's development, and it seems to have a lot of promise. Super Slide Puzzle, for example, lets you rearrange shuffled pieces of a photograph of your choice, and you can play with others while utilizing its built-in voice chat. Space - Solar System allows users to tap on beautiful images of any planet and learn more about them. And if creating awesome apps weren't enough, Gonzalez will be 16 years old when he graduates college, and 17 when he gets his master's degree in computer science. Oh, and he dreams in code.

BONUS: 10 Essential Chrome Extensions for Designers

[nggallery id=10219] Image courtesy of Flickr, TEDxSugarLand2012

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Kids Code the Darndest Things: 10 Amazing Youth Innovators

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Kids deserve more credit than they get. They're observant, incredibly intuitive and can sometimes figure out what the world needs faster than adults can. With rapid advancements in technology, and coding education geared toward youth, it comes as no surprise that there are kids pushing innovation out there, and creating apps and programs at astonishingly young ages.

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10 places where anyone can learn to code.

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Teens, tweens and kids are often referred to as "digital natives." Having grown up with the Internet, smartphones and tablets, they're often extraordinarily adept at interacting with digital technology. But Mitch Resnick, who spoke at TEDxBeaconStreet, is skeptical of this descriptor. Sure, young people can text and chat and play games, he says, "but that doesn't really make you fluent."

Mitch Resnick: Let's teach kids to codeFluency, Resnick proposes in this TED Talk, comes not through interacting with new technologies, but through creating them. The former is like reading, while the latter is like writing. He means this figuratively - that creating new technologies, like writing a book, requires creative expression - but also literally: to make new computer programs, you actually must write the code.

The point isn't to create a generation of programmers, Resnick argues. Rather, it's that coding is a gateway to broader learning."When you learn to read, you can then read to learn. And it's the same thing with coding: If you learn to code, you can code to learn," he says.Learning to code means learning how to think creatively, reason systematically and work collaboratively. And these skills are applicable to any profession - as well as to expressing yourself in your personal life, too.

In his talk, Resnick describes Scratch, the programming software that he and a research group at MIT Media Lab developed to allow people to easily create and share their own interactive games and animations. Below, find 10 more places you can learn to code, incorporating Resnick's suggestions and our own.

At Codecademy, you can take lessons on writing simple commands in JavaScript, HTML and CSS, Python and Ruby. (See this New York Times piece on Codecademy and other code-teaching sites, for a sense of the landscape.)
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Stanford University's Udacity is one of many sites that make college courses-including Introduction to Computer Science-available online for free. (See our post on free online courses for more ideas.)
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Through workshops for young girls of color, Black Girls Code aims to help address the "dearth of African-American women in science, technology, engineering and math professions," founder Kimberly Bryant writes, and build "a new generation of coders, coders who will become builders of technological innovation and of their own futures."

While we're at it: bonus! General Assembly offers a variety of coding courses at their campuses across the globe. Additionally, their free online platform, Dash, teaches HTML, CSS and Javascript through fun projects on a simple interface that is accessible from your web browser.

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10 places where anyone can learn to code

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Teens, tweens and kids are often referred to as "digital natives." Having grown up with the Internet, smartphones and tablets, they're often extraordinarily adept at interacting with digital technology. But Mitch Resnick, who spoke at TEDxBeaconStreet, is skeptical of this descriptor.

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Every student in every school should have the opportunity to learn computer science.

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Hour of Code

This year, we're taking Hour of Code to new heights by offering coding opportunities that encompass both artificial intelligence (AI) and non-AI components.

Want to keep learning? Go beyond an hour

Teachers: Host an hour or read the How-To Guide

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Use computer science to explore and learn about AI!

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Use code to join Anna and Elsa as they explore the magic and beauty of ice. Create snowflakes and patterns and make a winter wonderland.

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Zig Zagging Through Education and Techology 

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Zig Zagging Through Education and Techology 

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Hour of Code – A Resource Roundup

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Bluehost - Top rated web hosting provider - Free 1 click installs For blogs, shopping carts, and more. Get a free domain name, real NON-outsourced 24/7 support, and superior speed. web hosting provider php hosting cheap web hosting, Web hosting, domain names, front page hosting, email hosting. We o…

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40 Interesting Ways to use QR Codes in the Classroom

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QR codes are having a mini resurgence lately. We started to use them in class last year as another way of creating self portraits. One of my students took this new found tool to a new level and used it as a way of creating graffiti. It was wheatpasted on so he felt it was a legal form of protest. The poster came off with water and a scrubbing brush.

I was at a conference last term and all the sessions and speaker's details were placed up on a wall in the foyer using QR Codes. It was a great way of distributing the information but it also worked as a conversation starter for many of the participants.

How to make your QR Codes more Beautiful was one of our most popular post in the last month and the ITSC in Philadelphia had multiple sessions on the use of QR codes in the classroom so I thought it might be worthwhile reposting this .

This presentation has been around for quite a while but it is worth revisiting.

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40 Interesting Ways to use QR Codes in the Classroom

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QR codes are having a mini resurgence lately. We started to use them in class last year as another way of creating self portraits. One of my students took this new found tool to a new level and used it as a way of creating graffiti.

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Best Apps and Websites for Learning to Code

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Best Apps and Websites for Learning to Code

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A list of favorite apps and websites for helping kids unlock the logic of code and the basics of programming.

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Best Apps and Websites for Learning to Code | Common Sense Education

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Check out these helpful tools to teach basic programming skills.

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Ideas for teachers and parents to teach their kids to code.

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There is a craze going on. Have you heard? (That was a rhetorical question.) Yes, it is the craze of teaching kids to code and to code EARLY because, well, they are capable of doing it.

This post's aim is to give you a guide on how to teach kids to code. Remember, though, that nurturing a child's creativity and imagination cannot go away - code is a skill you learn while creativity is a quality you nurture.

Here is the thing, though, this craze isn't going anywhere anytime soon. It is here to stay and it is only going to get bigger and gain more momentum. Teaching kids to code is here to stay and so are engineering toys for kids!

So, absolutely count me in as a parent and an educator to help teach kids computer science. Kids should have fun while learning, though. (Actually we all should have fun while learning, right?) Also, I don't want to lose sight of the REAL skill critical in my boys' development: scientific thinking. What does that mean?

The learning is about the process, design, asking the right questions, critical thinking, problem-solving, making decisions, and making iterations until you find success (and sometimes that mean starting over!). Learning to code is great but, as with most things, the process is what really makes an impact on our budding engineers.

Teaching Kids to Code 101

My main goals are 1) keep learning fun and 2) focus on scientific thinking through the design process. Below are a few tools in my toolbox at the moment. Let me know what you think!

Teaching Kids to Code with Games

I recently discovered Dash & Dot Robots

by Wonder Workshop. I am so impressed with this product, I can't wait to see my boys interact with it (using the iPad). The versatility of this product is extraordinary. A child can program the robot to do what he wants. In other words, the child can choose how and what to play based on her interests. Dash & Dot are hands-on and based in reality. Children can program it to be a part of their environment. That's pretty cool. Dash & Dot applies to a wide range of developmental stages. The capabilities will match those of the child. {$$$$}

Related Read: How to Help Kids with Scientific Thinking

Teaching Kids to Code with Sphero

Sphero is an App-Controlled Robotic Ball. Yes, you read correctly. Kids program a ball robot. Sphere offers free lessons to learn code, too, which always comes in handy. Sphero uses one of 25+ apps in its gaming. Children can choose how they want to program the Sphero in a mixed reality setting, unleashing imaginations. Works with a number of mobile platforms and is an open API, which means new and creative apps and games will be coming from gamers. {$$$}

Robot Turtles is a board game that teaches kids programming. Makes sense, right? Young children learn best by beginning with concrete, hands-on materials. Playing a board game is a hands-on and concrete as you get (except maybe to actually be the turtles yourself!). My five-year-old is obsessed with this game. The child acts as the programmer telling the adult (the computer) where to move the turtle. The turtle's goal is to get to the gem. You can set up the game as complicated or straightforward as possible with various obstacles along the way. The creators even found a cute way to integrate "bugs" into the programming. {$}

Related Read: Teaching Kids Computer Science

Teaching Kids to Code with Osmo

Osmo

is another favorite in our home. Both my sons cannot get enough of it. The technology is ridiculously cool using reflection and your iPad. Osmo encourages creative thinking and social interaction. It comes with three "games" including tangrams, words, and Newton (a drawing game). Plus Osmo keeps getting better and better adding more features and excellent learning games. {$$}

My five year old looks forward to his Tinker Crate every month. Tinker Crate is a subscription-based product. There are a variety of options to sign up in terms of pricing and length of time. Typically projects include hands-on building like the Trebuchet and circuit builder. My son was also able to get his hands dirty by mixing up a concoction to make slime and a bouncy ball. The science is exciting and relevant to kids. You won't be disappointed. {$}

I hope you found these ideas inspiring!

Marnie

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Teaching Kids to Code - The BEST Resources for Parents

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There is a craze going on. Have you heard? (That was a rhetorical question.) Yes, it is the craze of teaching kids to code and to code EARLY because, well, they are capable of doing it. This post's aim is to give you a guide on how to teach kids to code.

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Free App: Teach Young Children Computer Coding with Daisy the Dinosaur

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I have introduced several apps teaching kids computer language and coding, including some free apps. Each app has pros and cons, and each app has its target users. Today I have another free coding app teaching kids coding. It is called Daisy the Dinosaur. It is designed by the same developer of Hopscotch, which is also a free app teaching kids coding.

What are the differences between Daisy the Dinosaur and Hopscotch?

First they both are very intuitive to use. Kids don't have to know anything about coding to use the app. Both apps use visual blocks to show kids the logic of the programming language. Also both apps are designed to encourage girls to learn coding. These are reflected in some aesthetics of the app design, such as the color choices of the dinosaur. However, the apps don't alienate boys. Boys and girls will both enjoy the games.

Daisy the Dinosaur is more designed for younger kids. Children as young as 4 or 5 can play with the dinosaur. There are less coding concepts in Daisy the Dinosaur than in Hopscotch. Each concept doesn't go as deep as what is in Hopscotch neither.

There are two options in the app when kids first start the app: Free-Play mode and Challenge Mode. For kids have no coding experience, it is best to start with Challenge mode. It is essentially a teaching mode by offering challenges. The challenges are to make Daisy the Dinosaur make different moves. For example, the first challenge is to move Daisy forward, and the 2 nd challenge is to make Daisy turn 180 degree. Kids will learn the basic programming commends and concepts while working on the challenges.

After they have learned the fundamental concepts and building blocks in programming, kids can move on to Free Play mode, where they can decide how they want Daisy move.

Once they feel they are done with Daisy the Dinosaur, kids can move on to Hopscotch, which is also a free app. In Hopscotch, kids will be able to learn more functions in coding.

Daisy the Dinosaur works on iPad, it is FREE on the App Store.

If you would like to check it out or purchase it, please use the App Store button provided below. The cost is the same to you, but iGameMom gets a small percentage. Thanks for your support! Note: The button works for all countries.

For more coding learning ideas, visit Activities for Kids to Learn Coding without a Computer. For more coding learning tools, check out Best Learning Tools for Kids to Learn Computer Coding. You can also learn coding with toys, visit 12 Toys for Kids to Learn Computer Coding

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Free App: Teach Young Children Computer Coding with Daisy the Dinosaur

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I have introduced several apps teaching kids computer language and coding, including some free apps. Each app has pros and cons, and each app has its target users. Today I have another free coding app teaching kids coding. It is called Daisy the Dinosaur.

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Coding tools, gadgets and robots for kids.

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Secret Codes for Kids – Top Secret Messages

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Looking for secret codes for kids? These 8 fun Codes & ciphers are perfect for kids and are one of my favorite printables!

There are 8 different codes as well as matching ciphers to help your Spy crack the code.

All the hard work has already been done for you. Instantly download the files, open them in Adobe Reader, type in your own Secret Message and it will automatically encrypt the message to match the corresponding Cipher card!

The 8 secret codes for kids include:

Symbol Code

Pigpen Code

Cross Code Code

Polybuis Grid Code

Morse Code

Mapping Decoder

Reverse Alphabet Code

Cut-Out Decoder

Full Instructions

Each of the codes requires the kids to think differently to decipher or decode them. Some codes are well-known secret codes, while others are unique ones that I have come up with and created special fonts for.

The uses for these secret codes for kids are limited only to your imagination! I have used these codes at a Secret Agent / Spy Party as a code-breaking training activity and also at playdates for a fun treasure hunt (with each message leading to the next one).

I think they would also be perfect for teachers to use in the classroom for code-breaking games, or even as a random coded note for your kids!

The age range for these codes is around 8 - 12+ years. Children at the younger end of that range will need some help with some of the more difficult codes. Older kids can be challenged by letting them decide and choose the Cipher card that works for each code.

Reuse the codes over and over too. You can change the secret messages and print them out as many times as you like.

Or see all the detailsHERE IN THE SHOP!

Please note templates CANNOT be edited for color, size, graphics or backgrounds in any graphic design program. Templates will ONLY work in Adobe Reader on your computer or laptop (not on a mobile device).

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Secret Codes for Kids - Top Secret Messages

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Looking for secret codes for kids? These 8 fun Codes & ciphers are perfect for kids and are one of my favorite printables! There are 8 different codes as well as matching ciphers to help your Spy crack the code. All the hard work has already been done for you.

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Teach Coding in the Classroom: Resources from ISTE '14

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I was super excited to attend Hack Education (originally called "EdubloggerCon"), an all-day unconference held the Friday before the formal start of ISTE 2014. This interactive day of learning, now in its eighth year, was touted to me as the event to attend in Atlanta, and it did not disappoint. The informal, small-group conversations were inclusive and welcoming. The "rule of two feet" meant that if you needed to move, you were encouraged. And session topics were diverse -- on the schedule were discussions about maker education, augmented reality, design thinking, game-based learning, coding in the classroom, digital storytelling, and many, many more!

In an attempt to heed Dave Guymon's call to share the ISTE learning (see his blog post on Getting Smart, " Don't Leave Your Learning Behind: What To Do Now That #ISTE2014 Is Over"), here are some resources discussed by a group of elementary and secondary educators during a morning session on coding in the classroom. No matter what grade or subject you teach, you're certain to find something here you can use. Notes from this and several other sessions can be found on the wiki for ISTE Unplugged; also check out the Twitter stream from the event at #HackEd14 or #HackEducation.

Coding Curriculum, Activities, and Projects

Code.org: If you didn't have a chance to participate in " Hour of Code" this year during Computer Science Education Week, consider participating with your class next year. Additional resources have been uploaded to Code.org since the initiative was launched. Check out the free, K-8 Intro to Computer Science course; it includes a mix of web-based and unplugged activities.

Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA): The CSTA website houses information about standards for computer science education in grades K-12. Also see their highlighted resources page.

: Developed by the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab for ages 8-16, Scratch is a free, web-based, visual-programming environment. Users of Scratch can share projects and check out the projects of others in the online community; participation can help students learn important lessons about digital responsibility and digital citizenship. Reference the Scratch curriculum guide and this video overview on Scratch for help getting started.

Computer Science Unplugged: CS Unplugged offers a series of activities for teaching coding concepts to children without technology. For example, in " Harold the Robot," children give directions to a "robot" and learn how instructions are interpreted literally by computers. Be sure to explore other low-tech ways to help children in the younger grades to explore coding concepts, including games; board games (such as the soon-to-be-released Code Monkey Island) are another approach to explore.

Projects and Additional Projects, from Google's Made w/Code: Looking for coding projects designed with girls in mind? These beginning and intermediate coding projects from Made with Code -- an initiative championing creativity, girls, and code -- are an excellent place to start.

Applications for Programming and Teaching Coding

Here are just a few of the other web- and tablet-based applications that were discussed; see some of Edutopia's recent blogs, listed below, for additional suggestions and other resources.

Related Blogs on Coding in the Classroom from Edutopia

Some Final Notes

If you haven't attended an unconference like this one, I highly encourage you to do so! Edutopia's events page, updated weekly, includes a list of upcoming unconferences. The Edcamps page includes more information about Edcamp-style unconferences. Do you know of other helpful resources related to coding in the classroom? We'd appreciate hearing about your experiences, resources, or questions in the comments. And if you attended ISTE 2014, consider participating in Edutopia's community spaces to share your learning from one of education's biggest technology conferences.

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Teach Coding in the Classroom: Resources from ISTE '14

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I was super excited to attend Hack Education (originally called "EdubloggerCon"), an all-day unconference held the Friday before the formal start of ISTE 2014. This interactive day of learning, now in its eighth year, was touted to me as the event to attend in Atlanta, and it did not disappoint.

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5 secret codes for kids to write their own coded letter.

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5 Secret Codes for Kids to Write a Coded Letter <--Shhhh!

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Oh how I loved secret codes when I was a kid. The ability to write a coded letter without anyone but the recipient was just plain fun. Today on Kids Activities Blog we have 5 secret codes for kids to write their own coded letter. Shhhh...don't say it out loud!

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5 Unbeatable Reasons Your Kid Should Be Coding

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5 Unbeatable Reasons Your Kid Should Be Coding

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Starting young has great benefits. Coding at an early age can empower kids in more ways than one. Read on to learn more.

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Anna Chui
Anna is the Chief Editor and Content Strategist of Lifehack. She's also a communication expert who shares tips on motivation and relationships. Read full profile

Scrolling down your Instagram and you see your friends swimming at the beautiful beaches in Spain, visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris or sipping their cup of coffee at a cafe in Italy while you are still sitting at home dreaming about going to Europe, but think you can't?

Think again, because the euro just hits a 20-month low, making it a perfect time for your Europe dream.

As an avid and frequent traveler, I've always loved Europe.

European know how to enjoy life and there're a lot of amazing places to explore in Europe. From the beautiful harbors in Southern France, to the incredible architecture in Spain, the amazing castles in Germany and the stunning alps in Switzerland and more; there's just so much you can see there. And not to mention the food there, just try to think about how persistent Italian are when it comes to the quality of food including the pasta, pizza and even just a cup of coffee.

Having studied in Madrid for half a year, I'd like to suggest you some of the most affordable cities to visit in Europe. You really don't need to spend a lot to have a memorable trip in Europe, here we go:

1. Seville, Spain

▲ Plaza de España

Seville is the birthplace of Flamenco and a day in this passionate city with a double-sized bed will cost you $30 on Airbnb.

Instead of paying to watch Flamenco dancing in the US or your hometown, watch it for free at bars like the famous El Palacio Andaluz or La Carbonería at the birthplace of this hot and passionate dance. If you make it in time in April, you could also go to the festival 'Feria de Abril' in Seville to see the passion and hospitality of Spaniards.

Visit the Plaza de España, Metropol Parasol and Palace of San Telmo to enjoy the not-to-be-missed architecture in this cultural hub of southern Spain. Save your Sunday morning before 2:30pm to visit the Seville Cathedral because it is free!

Do not forget to try out all different kinds of tapas there! (And usually if you order a beer at the bar, you'll get tapas for free!)

2. Porto, Portugal

▲ The port in Porto

Accommodations in Porto are affordable as most of them are priced locally. A decent double bedroom costs you less than $20.

Traveling in this second largest city in Portugal and a world heritage listed by the UNESCO in 1996, you will be able to explore the historical sides of the Europe by visiting the Porto Cathedrals, the beautifully painted São Bento Railway Station which inaugurated in 191 and the Ponte de Dom Luis I bridge that allow you to get the best views over Porto.

The awesome part is, they are all free. If you are up for some wine in this world's top wine destination, pay $3USD to try their the local port wine.

3. Berlin, Germany

▲ Berlin Cathedral

While you might not believe, but it's actually not expensive to travel in the capital of Germany.

A comfy two-person bedroom costs less than $25 on Airbnb and a dinner out in beer halls or average restaurants would be around $8-16.

Being one of the most multicultural cities, not only will you be able to experience the energetic vibes of the Berliners', but also get to try out different kinds of food, be it kebab or currywurst can go as cheap as less than $3. If you are on a budget but still wanna drink, go to those beer halls or bars only in happy hours.

Berlin has many world-class museums which offer student discount for entry, so make sure you bring your student cards when visiting the museums like the Checkpoint Charlie Museum. The Berlin Wall is also a must-go spot - an important symbol of the German unification.

4. Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn is able to offer everything in a much lower price than you find in Western Europe. A double-sized bed costs $20 per day on Airbnb, double if near the old-town center and a budget dinner would cost around $7-14.

The Sõõrikukohvik Donut Cafe is the place to be for a budgeted meal with salads, pancakes, Estonian-styled donuts etc.

Instead of going to towers or hotels to enjoy the views of Tallinn, you can simply go up to the Toompea Hill and enjoy the beauty of Tallinn for free.

Remember to visit the world heritage - the Old Town of Tallinn, join a free tour there to get the most out of it.

5. Prague, Czech Republic

One should not be unfamiliar with the word - Prague when doing budgeted travel. Although the Czech currency has been rising over the years, you could still find cheap, decent and cozy double-bed bedroom for less than $20 per night on airbnb. And it would cost around $6-10 to dine out in Prague.

Make sure you go to see the huge Prague Castle which offer some free parts to enter, a short visit would cost you for only $10.

Also visit The Prague National Gallery which holds the country's most treasured art pieces after 4pm because it would be cheaper. You might also want to try drinking inside a nuclear fallout center in Bunkr Parukarka.

6. Krakow, Poland

Krakow has a lower costs of living than those in Western Europe. Just like Prague, Krakow is listed as the one of the best-valued destination in Europe in 2017.

Visit the known historical monument and world heritage - the Old Town where you can see the historical european monuments and churches showing you the classic Europe.

There are also free walking tours available daily leaving from the main square and one should visit the Auschwitz Concentration Camps for one to understand the painful memories of war for the Pole and the entrance fee is free.

7. Brussels, Belgium

You could get cozy accommodation for two in Brussels for $20 on Airbnb, and a dinner at an average restaurant would cost you from $9 to $17.

Do visit the oldest Musées Royaux Art et Histoire to see the most important art pieces in the world. The Grand Place and Palais de Justice are what you should see too if you're fond on the European architecture. There are also free walking tours available on sites like New Europe Tours.

Do try the locally-made Belgium chocolate at Leonidas too!

8. Granada, Spain

▲ Alhambra Palace

It would cost you $9-16 to dine out in Granada and you could easily find room for two to stay overnight for less than $20.

You must not miss the historical Alhambra Palace, a palace and fortress complex with Arabic architectural style. The tickets get sold out easily, so it's better for you to book your tickets in advance, or you'll have to queue for the tickets at the door very early in the morning.

Remember to visit the Cathedral of Granada as it is the second largest cathedral in Spain and the Royal Chapel to see the historical sides of Spain. They are all under $5.

Go dine at some local restaurants and bars that give you free tapas upon a beer order to save some money!

9. Split, Croatia

Splits in Croatia is known for its blue coastlines and beaches. The accommodations here are in good value, a room with sea views for two costs you less than $30 per day.

Visit the Campanile Bell Tower to walk up to the tower and enjoy the views of Split. Also visit the gallaries there like the Meštrović Gallery and Gallery of Fine Arts for less than $5.

Dinner is ranged from $7-14, at a rather cheap price comparing with dining in the other parts of Europe. Make sure you get seafood from the local restaurants.

10. Naples, Italy

In one of the oldest continuos inhabited cities in the world, Naples has plenty of historical museums and architectures that are worth visiting.

Although you cannot get hotels or hostels as cheap as those in Eastern Europe, it is relatively cheap compared with the northern sides of Italy with less tan $20 for a day in a hostel and less than $40 for a three-started hotel with convenient transportations nearby.

Visit the National Museum of Capodimonte which opened in 1957 for some of the finest Italian paintings .

Food and drinks here are just like the accommodation, reasonable and cheaper than in the cities in the south of Italy.

Now you are ready to go, time to pack your bag, buy your tickets and explore Europe!

Featured photo credit: Everaldo Coelho via unsplash.com

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5 Unbeatable Reasons Your Kid Should Be Coding

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Anna Chui Anna is the Chief Editor and Content Strategist of Lifehack. She's also a communication expert who shares tips on motivation and relationships. Read full profile Scrolling down your Instagram and you see your friends swimming at the beautiful beaches in Spain, visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris or sipping their cup of coffee at a cafe in Italy while you are still sitting at home dreaming about going to Europe, but think you can't?

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Start from Scratch - Computer Programming

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Start from Scratch - Computer Programming - Technology Literacy, Critical Thinking/problem Solving Skills, Creative Thinking, Communication Skills, Collaboration Skills, Self-Monitoring And Self-Direction Skills, Project Management Skills

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How Can You Program A Computer Without Using Computer Code? This extended activity takes 4th and 5th graders through the program Scratch to start learning basic computer programming. Scratch can be downloaded to a school system or just used in your normal online browser.

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7 Apps for Teaching Children Coding Skills

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7 Apps for Teaching Children Coding Skills

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If you’re concerned that a) elementary school students don’t have the ability to code, b) there’s no room in the curriculum, and c) you don’t possess coding chops to teach programming skills, throw out those worries. Explore these free, or almost free, tools, sites and apps that require no coding ba…

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Code activity for kids: Make a spy decoder

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Make your own spy decoder wheel! In just a few steps, you'll be sending and receiving coded messages with the help of this clever device.
The fun part about this decoder is that it provides 27 different codes, making it difficult for someone to crack. If you make two decoders, siblings or friends can send encrypted messages to each other, even if they are not in the same physical location. It might be fun to have friends in another town or cousins in another state print their own decoder, and then the kids can send coded messages back and forth!

This post was originally published in April 2014, and we updated it in June 2020 to provide a printable version of the spy decoder wheel.
To make a decoder, you will need:

Printable template - see the link below

Scissors

A paper fastener

And that's it!

I recommend printing the template on card stock for durability. I had some colored card stock, so we decided to mix and match colors.

To assemble your spy decoder wheel, cut out a top, middle, and bottom circle.

There are two choices for the middle circle. Either use the one with the letters filled in, or use the spaces to draw your own letters or symbols. It might be fun to use symbols like a star, heart, smiley face, etc. instead of letters.

Line up your three circles and attach them with a paper fastener. It's important to have the circles lined up precisely, so you may want to poke the holes one at a time.
To write a message:
First, set the code. You'll need to decide what letter "A" on the outside circle will correspond with.

Some ideas:

Turn the decoder so that the "A" on the outside circle matches up with the first letter of the receiver's name.

Set the decoder so that "A" matches the letter of the current day of the week.

Make "A" match the first letter of a code word that you send along with your encrypted message.

To write a message, find the letter you want on the outside circle and write down the corresponding letter on the middle circle.

To read a message, find the letter on the middle circle, and write down the corresponding letter from the outside circle.
Ready to print your spy decoder template? Click the link below. The file will open, and you can print from there.
CLICK HERE: Spy Decoder Wheel

The Thomas Jefferson Cipher Wheel - Here's an interesting tidbit from history... Thomas Jefferson created a cipher wheel which was used to send encrypted messages in a similar way. The wheel was made from 36 discs on an axle that could be turned to spell out a message. To encrypt the message, the sender would copy down any other row from the cipher wheel other than the intended message (which would appear to be nonsense). The receiver would line up the discs on his (identical) cipher wheel so that they matched the nonsense message and then turn the cipher wheel until they saw a row with the hidden message. Click here to read more about the Jefferson Cipher Wheel - it's quite interesting! You can also purchase a replica (that really works) from monticello.org.
Have fun with secret codes! Looking for more spy and detective activities? We've got several!
Make some Pencil and Tape Fingerprints. It's amazing how much detail you can see!

This Spy Obstacle Course is an absolute blast! Fun for a rainy day, and it would also make a great spy birthday party activity.

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Code Activity for Kids: Make a Spy Decoder Wheel - Frugal Fun For Boys and Girls

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Make your own spy decoder wheel! In just a few steps, you'll be sending and receiving coded messages with the help of this clever device. The fun part about this decoder is that it provides 27 different codes, making it difficult for someone to crack.

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5 Good iPad Apps to Teach Kids Programming ~ Educational Technology and Mobile Learning

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Educational Technology and Mobile Learning

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March 22, 2014
Somebody sent me an email yesterday requesting iPad apps for teaching kids programming. Below is a list featuring the 5 iPad apps that I believe are among the best in this field. I invite you to have a look and if you think I missed a good title to add to this list, please share with us in the comment form below.

Learn the basics of computer programming with Daisy the Dinosaur! 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. Kids will intuitively grasp the basics of objects, sequencing, loops and events by solving this app's challenges. After playing Daisy, kids can choose to download a kit to program their own computer game.

Hopscotch teaches kids to code using simple, intuitive building blocks. Kids can create games, animations and other programs in this colorful, interactive environment. Program your characters to move, draw, and collide with each other, and use shaking, tilting, or even shouting at the iPad to control them. Hopscotch was inspired by MIT's Scratch and gives kids a creative way to learn the fundamentals of computer programming.

Cargo-Bot is a puzzle game where you teach a robot how to move crates. Some of the features that Cargo-Bot:

Beautiful retina graphics

Fiendish puzzles

A game about programming, programmed entirely on iPad

Record your solutions and share them on YouTube

Learn more about how it was made by searching for Codea on the App Store

Solve fun puzzles and learn to code. Simply drag & drop visual code blocks and program your characters to beat the level. The first adventure includes 20 puzzles that are free to play. Additional adventures and puzzle levels are available as in-app purchases.

CoderDojo is a free coding club where kids around the world learn how to express themselves with digital tools, make cool stuff and have fun. The CoderDojo app is a handy way to get the latest news, tweets, images and coding resources from CoderDojos, and also lets you locate the nearest CoderDojo.

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5 Good iPad Apps to Teach Kids Programming

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March 22, 2014 Somebody sent me an email yesterday requesting iPad apps for teaching kids programming. Below is a list featuring the 5 iPad apps that I believe are among the best in this field. I invite you to have a look and if you think I missed a good title to add to this list, please share with us in the comment form below.

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Codecademy's resources help instructors teach computer science to students of all ages and backgrounds.

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Codecademy is the easiest way to learn how to code. It’s interactive, fun, and you can do it with your friends.

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Kids Code the Darndest Things: 10 Amazing Youth Innovators

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Kids deserve more credit than they get. They're observant, incredibly intuitive and can sometimes figure out what the world needs faster than adults can. With rapid advancements in technology, and coding education geared toward youth, it comes as no surprise that there are kids pushing innovation out there, and creating apps and programs at astonishingly young ages. Here are 10 youth innovators, from ages seven to 15, particularly worth noting and working on projects ranging from games to anti-bullying apps. At only 15, Nick D'Aloisio created Trimit, a nifty iOS app that summarizes web content into short excerpts for various platforms like Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr. It also comes in handy if you want to read abstracts of longform articles. According toFast Company, the app's algorithm took D'Aloisio only a month of research to develop -- the kind of research often conducted in multimillion-dollar programs and PhD theses. On March 25, D'Aloisio sold a later version of the app, Summly, to Yahoo for a reported $30 million. make them," said Thomas Suarez at his TEDTalk in 2011, when he was only 12 years old. Suarez did just that by establishing his own company, CarrotCorp and creating several iOS apps. One app, called Earth Fortune, simply displayed different colors of the planet based on your fortune. His most successful, however, has been Bustin Jieber, a Justin Bieber-themed Whac-a-Mole game. Suarez won a Tribeca Disruptive Innovation Award in 2012. Through the Apps for Good course -- a UK-based program for kids to learn how to make mobile, web and Facebook apps -- teenagers Aaron Sonson, Satwant Singh and Gregory Paczkowski created Stop & Search. The app allows young people to rate their experiences with police after being stopped and search, to find necessary information about their rights and to allow people to map the search (revealing patterns). Each of the three teens from inner London had experienced being stopped and searched several times, and they say on their website that they created Stop & Search with "hopes to bring transparency and fairness to the stop and search procedure." Play Against Cancer, in which players destroy cancer cells illustrated as green ghosts. He also developed The Survivor Games, a social network and online community for teen cancer patients. The Stop & Search app isn't the only innovative idea that came out of the Apps for Good program. Team 2-the-Res-Q, made up of four 14-year-old girls, developed CyberMentors -- an anti-bullying Android app for young people that focuses on building self-esteem and increasing safety. The app includes a messaging feature through which users can talk to a CyberMentor directly about experiences with bullying. The 2-the-Res-Q team worked with Fuerte International, a mobile production agency based in London, to further develop the app. It's available on Google Play, and also on a web-based social platform. Last year, when Daniel Chao was in fifth grade and 10 years old, he invented an app that keeps track of reading homework. Since he and his classmates had to turn in reading calendars every month in school, his app, iRead Monthly, lets a student click a particular date and enter the number of minutes he or she reads that day. At the end of the month, students can email it to their teachers. Chao told CBS Denver that he's proud of the app and glad that Apple accepted his app despite his young age. [brightcove video="2103913343001" /] At only seven years old, Zora Ball is the youngest person to develop a mobile game app. She participated in the University of Pennsylvania's FATE Bootstrap Expo in December 2012 (usually for ages 12 to 16), working with the Bootstrap programming language. According to thePhiladelphia Tribune, the first-grade programmer was able to reconfigure her app immediately after being asked, proving that she did all of the work herself. Doodle Kids, was approved by Apple and uses several simple gestures to mimic how kids learn to draw. Lim is fluent in six programming languages and has completed dozens of projects. As of August 2012, he's working on two new projects, including his first 3D game. When Zach Marks was 11 years old, he went behind his parents' backs to sign up for Facebook, which has a minimum age restriction of 13 years old. After his parents got upset, he decided to create a safe, kid-friendly social network on his own, called Grom Social. As of December 2012, according to USA Today, Marks' site saw about 2,000 unique visitors a day and approximately 6,000 page views. That's pretty impressive, considering that so far, Grom Social has attracted users based mostly on word of mouth and only a small amount of marketing. Grom Social has different verticals -- including "Gaming," "Entertainment," and "Health & Fitness" -- and has strong stances against bullying, drugs and smoking. Marks, now 12 years old, has gotten his whole family involved in Grom Social's development, and it seems to have a lot of promise. Super Slide Puzzle, for example, lets you rearrange shuffled pieces of a photograph of your choice, and you can play with others while utilizing its built-in voice chat. Space - Solar System allows users to tap on beautiful images of any planet and learn more about them. And if creating awesome apps weren't enough, Gonzalez will be 16 years old when he graduates college, and 17 when he gets his master's degree in computer science. Oh, and he dreams in code.

BONUS: 10 Essential Chrome Extensions for Designers

[nggallery id=10219] Image courtesy of Flickr, TEDxSugarLand2012

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Kids Code the Darndest Things: 10 Amazing Youth Innovators

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Kids deserve more credit than they get. They're observant, incredibly intuitive and can sometimes figure out what the world needs faster than adults can. With rapid advancements in technology, and coding education geared toward youth, it comes as no surprise that there are kids pushing innovation out there, and creating apps and programs at astonishingly young ages.

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40 Coding Classes, Websites, Games, and Apps for Kids

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Innovative Coding Apps for Kids

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Teens, tweens and kids are often referred to as "digital natives." Having grown up with the Internet, smartphones and tablets, they're often extraordinarily adept at interacting with digital technology. But Mitch Resnick, who spoke at TEDxBeaconStreet, is skeptical of this descriptor. Sure, young people can text and chat and play games, he says, "but that doesn't really make you fluent."

Mitch Resnick: Let's teach kids to codeFluency, Resnick proposes in this TED Talk, comes not through interacting with new technologies, but through creating them. The former is like reading, while the latter is like writing. He means this figuratively - that creating new technologies, like writing a book, requires creative expression - but also literally: to make new computer programs, you actually must write the code.

The point isn't to create a generation of programmers, Resnick argues. Rather, it's that coding is a gateway to broader learning."When you learn to read, you can then read to learn. And it's the same thing with coding: If you learn to code, you can code to learn," he says.Learning to code means learning how to think creatively, reason systematically and work collaboratively. And these skills are applicable to any profession - as well as to expressing yourself in your personal life, too.

In his talk, Resnick describes Scratch, the programming software that he and a research group at MIT Media Lab developed to allow people to easily create and share their own interactive games and animations. Below, find 10 more places you can learn to code, incorporating Resnick's suggestions and our own.

At Codecademy, you can take lessons on writing simple commands in JavaScript, HTML and CSS, Python and Ruby. (See this New York Times piece on Codecademy and other code-teaching sites, for a sense of the landscape.)
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Stanford University's Udacity is one of many sites that make college courses-including Introduction to Computer Science-available online for free. (See our post on free online courses for more ideas.)
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Through workshops for young girls of color, Black Girls Code aims to help address the "dearth of African-American women in science, technology, engineering and math professions," founder Kimberly Bryant writes, and build "a new generation of coders, coders who will become builders of technological innovation and of their own futures."

While we're at it: bonus! General Assembly offers a variety of coding courses at their campuses across the globe. Additionally, their free online platform, Dash, teaches HTML, CSS and Javascript through fun projects on a simple interface that is accessible from your web browser.

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10 places where anyone can learn to code

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Teens, tweens and kids are often referred to as "digital natives." Having grown up with the Internet, smartphones and tablets, they're often extraordinarily adept at interacting with digital technology. But Mitch Resnick, who spoke at TEDxBeaconStreet, is skeptical of this descriptor.

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Best Learning Tools for Kids to Learn Computer Coding on iPad

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Best Learning Tools for Kids to Learn Computer Coding on iPad

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Best learning tools for kids to learn computer coding and programming starting at a young age, learning tools for preschooler to college students.

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Best Learn Coding Websites and Apps for Kids

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Best learning tools for kids to learn computer coding and programming starting at a young age, learning tools for preschooler to college students.

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Best Learn Coding Websites and Apps for Kids

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Coding teaches kids how to think about, analyse and react to their environment. It teaches them how to learn.

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Open up a new world with this Homeschool Unit Study: Coding. The first in a series of posts on the best coding sites, games, and materials for boys.

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Four great apps and websites for teaching young children to write code.

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An MIT project specifically designed for kids ages 8 to 16, Scratch has been used by educators and parents around the world to help kids develop animations, interactive stories, and games through drag-and-drop code blocks.

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Aug 15, 2014 - Invent with Scratch! | Programming screencasts and tutorials for kids with MIT's Scratch 2.0