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Option 1: In a group of 2-4, work together to create a board game on Gamestructor that relates to the novel. For example, you may want to focus on Pony's journey or the Curtis brothers' lives. Or maybe you'd prefer some type of trivia; it's your choice! Be sure to include elements from the story (characters, settings, themes, quotes, etc.). Write out the directions so that we can play in class! Use Google Docs or Google Slides to collaborate.

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GameStructor - the ultimate online board game builder.

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Create your account and start building your online tabletop board games. Play your creation online in real time for free!

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Go outside and gather 5-10 objects  that relate to the story. Create a Google Slide presentation that details a day in the life of Ponyboy Curtis. In the presentation, explain why those objects are important to Pony. For added effect, take pictures of the objects outside in the environment to add to your slides.

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Option 1: Create a new cover for the book. Be sure to include the title, author's name, and lots of color! Use PIXLR or Canva to create a digital poster for your cover. Include a short description of why you chose to make this cover.

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Rewrite the ending to The Outsiders in Google Docs. This should be 2-3 chapters. You may go in any direction you'd like with it. Will your story leave us on a cliffhanger or come to a screeching halt? You get to end the story how you see fit! Use Flipgrid to record yourself reading your final chapter. Be sure to read with expression!

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We express ourselves in different ways. On Flip, you can use our simple and fun built-in camera to record your thoughts, add effects and share within your Flip group as video, audio only or text in your web browser or mobile app.

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Flip is a video discussion and sharing app, free from Microsoft.

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Flip (formerly Flipgrid) is a video discussion and video sharing app, free from Microsoft, built for classrooms and beyond. Learn more.

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Option 1: Write a letter (in Google Docs) from Johnny to Dally explaining the poem, Nothing Gold Can Stay. Give Dally advice about life and try to show him that there is good in the world. But not so fast! You must create a coded language that only two of them would understand. You can use symbols, letters, numbers, or whatever you'd like. Just be sure to give me a key for your creation so I can read it for myself! Use the site below as a resource.

Option 2: Write a letter (in Google Docs) from Ponyboy to Darry thanking him for everything he has done for him. Try and explain your feelings for why you acted the way you did. But not so fast! You must create a coded language that only two of them would understand. You can use symbols, letters, numbers, or whatever you'd like. Just be sure to give me a key for your creation so I can read it for myself! Use the site below as a resource.

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This is a quick introduction to get you started on secret codes for Scout and Cub meetings, which was originally put together for the South African Scout Association. Codes make great games for Scouts and Cubs of all ages, and they're not too difficult to learn.

This collection starts with some beginner codes and secret writing techniques for Cubs and Scouts of all ages, then several "Substitution" codes which are a bit harder, and then a few tougher puzzles...

Finally, follow the link to our special Prize Code. The prize has finally been won (by the first South African Scout to solve the code), but please write to us if you solve it and we will list your name on the site.

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This is a quick introduction to get you started on secret codes for Scout and Cub meetings. Codes make great games for Scouts and Cubs of all ages, and they're not too difficult to learn. This collection starts with "Beginner" codes for Cubs and young Scouts, and "Substitution" codes which are a bit harder, but still suitable for Scouts, and then a few tougher puzzles...

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Choose an important scene from the story and create script that you (and a few of your classmates) can act out. You may want to build (or find) a few props that will make your play come to life! Use the resource below to help guide you through the process. Type out your final script in Google Docs.

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Write a song/rap that focuses on one of the themes from the book. For example, you could write lyrics that discuss the empathy, social classes, acceptance, friendship, loyalty, or growing up. Record your song on Flipgrid or play it live for the class. If you want to get fancy, try using Bandlab to help create your music.

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The cloud platform where musicians and fans create music, collaborate, and engage with each other across the globe

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Option 2: In a group of 2-4, invent a social networking program that includes pictures, posts, and conversations between characters from the story (use the templates below if you need help). You can model your project after Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, etc. Use Google Docs or Google Slides to collaborate.

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Put yourself in the shoes of one of the main characters of the novel. Imagine what it would be like to live through the events that took place in the story. What decisions would you make? How would the story end for you? Create a comic strip using Storyboard that details "your" journey through the most important events in the story.

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Storyboard That: Free Online Storyboard Creator

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Storyboard That: Create free storyboards online with ease. Design visuals, comics, and graphic organizers. Try it now and start creating!

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Option 2: Illustrate one of your favorite scenes from the novel. Be sure to include the title, author's name, and lots of color on your illustration! Use PIXLR or Canva to create a digital poster. Include a short description of why you chose that particular scene.

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Canva is a free-to-use online graphic design tool. Use it to create social media posts, presentations, posters, videos, logos and more.

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We express ourselves in different ways. On Flip, you can use our simple and fun built-in camera to record your thoughts, add effects and share within your Flip group as video, audio only or text in your web browser or mobile app.

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Flip is a video discussion and sharing app, free from Microsoft.

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Flip (formerly Flipgrid) is a video discussion and video sharing app, free from Microsoft, built for classrooms and beyond. Learn more.

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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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Free and Easy Game-Making App | GDevelop

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GDevelop is an open-source, free, and easy game-making app. Find game development tutorials, publish to Android, iOS, and more.

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Scratch is a free programming language and online community where you can create your own interactive stories, games, and animations.