# data[].attributes.body
Reviews and download links

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
By Christine Elgersma, Common Sense Media

When your kid starts talking about loops, go-to commands, and branches, it probably means she's learning to code, and that's a very good thing. In a technology-fueled world, coding is quickly becoming a prized, 21st-century skill. Plus, it encourages kids to become creators, not just consumers, of the technology they use.

Coding apps come in a range of formats designed for different ages and abilities. They often incorporate bright colors, cute characters, and elements of game design to appeal to kids. Beginners typically learn to create programs by dragging and dropping visual blocks of code. Intermediate users are ready for kid-friendly programming languages, specially designed to train newbies. Advanced coders can start working with real programming languages that have a more gradual learning curve than what the pros use - but still produce sophisticated results.

Whatever your kid's level, there's a tool that will get her behind the computer curtain to actually create content.
Younger Kids

The Foos: Code for an Hour FREE. 5+
Story-based coding game has kids play through increasingly challenging levels.

Kodable Pro. 6+
Solid beginner game that introduces coding concepts and has lots of parent resources.

ScratchJr. 6+
Kids drag and drop blocks of code, snap them together, and watch them work.

Tynker. 7+
Use either the website or app to let your kids learn coding logic through games.

Cato's Hike. 8+
Through it's a story-based adventure, kids learn basic coding concepts.

Older Kids
PIN IT FOR LATER:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Awesome Apps That Teach Kids How to Code

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
By Christine Elgersma, Common Sense Media When your kid starts talking about loops, go-to commands, and branches, it probably means she's learning to code, and that's a very good thing. In a technology-fueled world, coding is quickly becoming a prized, 21st-century skill. Plus, it encourages kids to become creators, not just consumers, of the technology they use.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
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.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
11 Kids Activities to Learn Coding without a Computer

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
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.

# data[].attributes.body
Blog introducing Scratch and how to use it

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
If you're looking for coding or pre-coding classes, games, toys, and apps, for your kids to learn to code, you'll find everything you need here.

But first, let's define terms.

Coding is learning a foreign language - a machine foreign language. Just like any language, the ability to read and write it is a literacy of it's own. The biggest benefit of learning to code is that kids develop their abilities to think logically. LOGIC! That transfers to many other areas of learning, right?

Programming is, according to a Guardian article, " the process and concepts of logic which - when implemented via code - bring digital services to life."

Developing programming and coding skills fall within the broader term called computational literacy (CS)meaning " solving problems, designing systems, and understanding human behavior, by drawing on the concepts fundamental to computer science." CS is understanding how to solve human problems using computers.

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

Whether or not your child is a preschooler or a high school student, there are plenty of options for introducing and developing your child's coding knowledge.

Most of the coding games and coding apps aren't really actual coding, but an introduction to the logical thinking involved in coding. However, the websites and classes are actual coding, even if it's visual coding.

Ready to see all the options?

Coding for Kids GAMES & TOYS

Code-a-Pillar Think & Learn
This is an impressive new STEM learning toy for preschoolers. Arrange the segments in different orders to make the Code-a-Pillar perform different functions. (Ages 3 - 8)

Cubetto Playset Coding Toy
We adore this wooden coding toy with hands-on coding blocks, a coding board, and robot - no extra screens required! It's easy to use and filled with learning opportunities, not just for coding but also geography and science. Full review here. (Ages 3+)

Botley the Coding Robot
We really LOVE Botley! One thing that makes Botley different than most coding toys and games is it's self-contained meaning you don't need another device like an ipad or phone to use it! It's very user friendly and teaches kids about sequential reasoning, looping, and conditions (if, then). This cute little robot comes with many activities, tiles, building pieces for obstacle courses and coding cards. HIGHLY recommended. (ages 5 - 12)

Let's Start Coding Kit
This hands-on kit teaches kids actual coding using a kit of hardware and components and a computer app with lessons and projects. I like that it's a fairly simple set up, the lessons include videos and teach both the code and the concepts behind the code. (Like variables and loops.) ( Buy It Here) I recommend it for elementary and middle school kids who want to learn actual code writing.

Coding for Kids WEBSITES

Coding for Kids APPS

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

Cato's Hike
A little programmer odyssey, simple programming interface using beautiful cards with pictures.

Daisy the Dino (FREE)
This free, fun app has an easy drag and drop interface that kids of all ages can use to animate Daisy to dance across the screen.

Robozzle (FREE)
Robozzle is a social puzzle game which teaches programming. Using only a few simple commands, teach the robot to recurse a tree, follow a linked list, or count in binary.

ScriptKit
ScriptKit is a touchable programming environment for building simple mobile prototypes on iPad using native iOS UI components and social media APIs, available via an intuitive drag and drop interface.

Coding for Kids BOOKS

Girls Who Code is a book that teaches kids the basics of coding. The illustrations, playful design, and teal blue colors of the pages make it an appealing read. The book prompts girls to get into coding themselves by joining a Girls Who Code club or program. It's companion book, Code It! Create It! is a guided journal for your coding ideas.

A Beginner's Guide to Coding Have Fun Using Scratch and Python by Marc Scott, illustrated by Mick Marston
The design of this book is SO kid appealing and it's very well-written in steps with tutorials that lead kids from knowing nothing to doing some amazing functions with loops and music and more. Impressive.

- - - - -

Aren't the coding for kids possibilities pretty great? And mom and dad, maybe we should learn along side our kids so we don't get left in the digital native dust. What do you say?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
40+ Coding Classes, Games, Toys, and Apps for Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If you're looking for coding or pre-coding classes, games, toys, and apps, for your kids to learn to code, you'll find everything you need here. But first, let's define terms. Coding is learning a foreign language - a machine foreign language. Just like any language, the ability to read and write it is a literacy of it's own.

# data[].attributes.headline
This is a place to store resources and ideas relating to our new coding and robotics project

# data[].attributes.subject
This is a place to store resources and ideas relating to our new coding and robotics project