# data[].attributes.headline
Parenting 2020: COVID 19 Cheet Sheet Part 1

# data[].attributes.subject
Parenting 2020: COVID 19 Cheet Sheet Part 1

# data[].attributes.body
"Quarentime" Daily Math and Science Videos

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
"jenny ballif" "science mom" "science experiments" "simple science experiments" "science experiments for kids" "science projects" "easy science projects" "ma...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
When my son was in 2nd grade, I volunteered to bring a science demonstration to his class each week, and the kids began calling me "Science Mom." I've been s...

# data[].attributes.body
Draw Every Day with JJK

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Jarrett J. Krosoczka-author & illustrator

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
YouTube channel for New York Times-bestselling author and illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka. Everything from the Punk Farm picture books to the Lunch Lady gra...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Announcing: LUNCH DOODLES with Mo Willems!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Coding for kids is more important than ever. Technology has become a part of our everyday lives. As a result, coding has become a crucial second language for children and adults alike.

However, parents may find it difficult to teach programming to children if they don't have any experience themselves. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help parents bridge that gap and provide a great learning experience for their kids.

There are many online coding programs for kids that provide the structure needed for kids to learn while being flexible enough to meet the demands of the modern family. Not only are there ample options for kids' programming classes, but there are also tons of other free games, websites, apps, and other resources that help kids learn programming skills.

Read on to learn more about how to teach your kids how to code and free resources that can help you along the way.

What is Coding for Kids?

Simply put, coding is how we talk to computers and get them to do what we want. There are different coding languages, and they all have different rules and uses, but they all ultimately give computers instructions for how to do specific tasks.

Technology is all around us and is part of everyday life at this point. Coding allows you to go past just knowing how to use technology and lets you actually make technology do what you want it to do. For kids, it's the difference between knowing how to navigate a website or play a game and building a website or game on their own.

Why Should Kids Learn Programming?

Learning to program is like learning a new language. Young kids can learn languages faster and easier than adults because their developing brains are made for learning, so childhood is a great time to start learning programming concepts. Learning to program helps kids develop skills that will not only benefit them in school but also help them stand out from the crowd in the job market.

Speaking of programming jobs, did you know that half of the highest-paying jobs in America require some coding knowledge? Not only this, but the demand for programming skills continues to grow. According to the latest STEM statistics, In 10 years it's estimated that there will be 1.4 million programming jobs available, but there are currently only 400,000 candidates with the right qualifications to fill those positions. This means that there's a huge supply gap for people with programming skills. Despite this, only 1 in 10 schools currently teaches any programming, meaning it's up to parents to make sure their children have access to the learning resources they need to develop these skills.

Not convinced yet? See our full list of 26 Reasons Why Kids Should Learn to Code.

What Age Should Kids Start Learning to Code?

Kids can start learning the basics of coding as early as first grade. With students this young, the best strategy is to start with directional coding activities that use arrows or symbols to illustrate the very basics of coding.

In third grade, kids can start learning more specifics of coding with simple algorithms and loops. Elementary school-aged kids are more open to new concepts and beginning the discussion around coding at an early age makes it more natural for them to learn more advanced concepts as they get older.

What's the Best Coding Language for Kids?

Block programming languages like Scratch and Blockly are great introductions to coding for kids in grades 3-5. The block interface makes it easy for kids to learn the basics of coding without getting frustrated over typing skills. Block programming also simplifies the process of making animations, games, and other interactive features so kids can easily create a fully functioning game or interactive page.

Python is the next best step after Scratch, this text-based language is a great way to introduce the concepts of lists, tuples, and maps in a way that is easy for kids to understand. Python code is similar to English, which makes it less complicated for kids to learn as well. Python is also a great jumping off point for other coding languages. Python itself has been around for a long time and is still used by professional developers today, both Instagram and Facebook were built with Python.

Discover other great beginner languages for your child in our 10 Best Kids Coding Languages.

How to Teach Your Child How to Code

There's a lot you can do as a parent to introduce your child to coding and get them started learning the basics even if you don't have professional experience as a programmer. Below are some simple tips. You can go even further depending on your particular skill level with coding.

Tip 1 - Introduce Coding Concepts to Kids

Introduce your child to the concept of coding.Some kids might already be familiar with coding and know a little about what it means. Others might have no idea what coding involves or they might think it's something that's too complicated for them to understand. Talking to kids about how coding is just a set of instructions for a computer can help make it something that's understandable to them. Make sure to emphasize that kids just like them are learning to code, too.

Tip 2 - Explain How Coding Connects to the Real World

Connect coding to things that interest your kids.Some kids will jump at the opportunity to learn how to make a computer do what they want it to do, but some kids will need help connecting coding to their daily lives.

Does your child love watching videos on YouTube? Talk to them about how coding can teach them how to make their own website to share their favorite videos. For kids who love playing video games, coding is a natural way for them to progress to making their own games. Budding entrepreneurs can use coding skills to build an app or website for their business ideas.

The possibilities are endless for what kids can do with their coding skills once they learn the fundamentals.

Tip 3 - Learn Coding Basics with Block Based Programming

Use block-based coding languages to introduce the basics.As mentioned earlier, block-based coding languages are easy for beginners and a great place to start for kids. Scratch is the most commonly used block-based coding language and is free to use.

Thousands of games exist on Scratch already, so you can show kids the possibilities of what they can create before diving into building a game themselves. Remixing a current game is also a great option, so kids can see exactly how a game was built and then turn it into something new.

Tip 4 - Study Common Coding Terms for Kids

Introduce some common coding terms.Knowing some key terms and what they mean is a great way to set your kids up for success as they continue their coding journey. There are dozens of different terms used in programming, but here are some good ones to start with.

Variable: For kids, compare this to a container or a box. In coding, a variable stores a particular set of information. Once you give the variable a name, you can use that name to reference that information or change it.

Loop: This is a type of shortcut in coding that lets you repeat a block of code multiple times without having to write it all out every time. It's up to you to decide what the condition is that makes the loop end.

Conditional statement: This is what helps computers make a decision. Using if, else if, and else statements, you tell the computer what to do under different circumstances. For example, you could tell the computer to display one sentence if the user responds "yes" to a question and to display a different sentence if the user responds "no."

Function: This is another type of shortcut in coding, which lets you perform a series of actions instead of writing out the code for all of the actions individually.

Bug: Something every coder has to deal with! Bugs are errors within your code that need to be fixed before the code can run correctly.

Introduce more coding terms with our 200+ Common Programming Terms for Kids.
Depending on your skill level, now might be the time to consider bringing in some expert help to progress your child's coding journey.
How to Choose the Right Coding Classes for Kids

With the myriad of options available to parents these days, it can be difficult to determine which coding program is right for your kid. This decision can be even more daunting for parents that don't have a background in programming. Fortunately, there are several key indicators that you can use to judge the quality of a coding program and help choose the best option for your child.

Use these indicators to determine what program provides the most value for you and your child. For more insights and tips from industry experts, see our full resource guide Choose the Right Coding Class for Your Kid.

Free Resources That Help Kids Learn to Code

CodeWizardsHQ: The Ultimate Coding Class for Kids

If you want more support and a structured curriculum while learning to code, see the online coding classes for kids that we offer here at CodeWizardsHQ. We've adopted a blended method to teach kids and teens programming principles and practices using a combination of small, online teacher-led classes delivered and build-as-you-learn projects.

By completing our structured curriculum, students are introduced to Scratch, HTML & CSS, JavaScript, Responsive Design, App Development, Python, MySQL, and Git.
Programming classes are available for kids in elementary, middle, or high school and no prior experience is necessary.
Kids can start in elementary school with block-based programming and advance to front and back end coding languages in high school. Every student has direct access to a teacher who is an experienced programmer. The instruction and projects are all web-based, so students can attend CodeWizardsHQ from any place where there is a reliable internet connection.

Ready to level up your child's learning experience? Learn more about our coding programs for kids or enroll now.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Coding For Kids: 35+ Free Classes, Websites, and Apps

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Coding for kids is more important than ever. Technology has become a part of our everyday lives. As a result, coding has become a crucial second language for children and adults alike. However, parents may find it difficult to teach programming to children if they don't have any experience themselves.

# data[].attributes.body
Free Daily Online Art Lessons

# data[].attributes.headline
Things to do at home with Teens and Tweens

# data[].attributes.subject
Things to do at home with Teens and Tweens

# data[].attributes.body
Printable Daily Acts of Kindness Calendars

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
PLEASE VISIT OUR NEW SITE: ThatBrickLife.com
Do you have a LEGO fan in your house? If you're following us, you know how much Charlie loves all things LEGO!

Worried about keeping those LEGO bricks clean? Check out our post on how to clean and sanitize LEGO bricks.

Two new LEGO shows just premiered on Netflix: LEGO Friends: The Power of Friendship and LEGO Bionicle: The Journey to One.

To build excitement for their new LEGO shows (not that we needed any), Netflix sent us a couple of LEGO sets! We received the LEGO Friends Birthday Party and LEGO Bionicle Gali Uniter of Water sets.

Be sure to check out the new shows below! Charlie has already watched all of the episodes available for each!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
30 Days of LEGO Play - Free Printable Calendar - The Shirley Journey

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
PLEASE VISIT OUR NEW SITE: ThatBrickLife.com Do you have a LEGO fan in your house? If you're following us, you know how much Charlie loves all things LEGO! Worried about keeping those LEGO bricks clean? Check out our post on how to clean and sanitize LEGO bricks.

# data[].attributes.body
Live Daily Read Alouds on Facebook

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Dan Gutman. 37K likes. Get a My Weird School T-shirt!  Go to: http://www.cafepress.com/theofficialmyweirdschoolshop

# data[].attributes.body
Virtual Storytime

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Going into a self-quarantine can have many complex issues and complications beyond having enough food and supplies for two weeks. In terms of entertainment, it also probably means you're in for a lot of boredom, a lot of Netflix, and a lot of browsing the internet.

But there is a way to get a little culture and education while you're confined to your home. According to Fast Company, Google Arts & Culture teamed up with over 2500 museums and galleries around the world to bring anyone and everyone virtual tours and online exhibits of some of the most famous museums around the world..

Now, you get "go to the museum" and never have to leave your couch.

Google Arts & Culture's collection includes the British Museum in London, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, the Guggenheim in New York City, and literally hundreds of more places where you can gain knowledge about art, history, and science. This collection is especially good for students who are looking for ways to stay on top of their studies while schools are closed.

Take a look at just some of Google's top museums that are offering online tours and exhibits. Museums around the world are also sharing their most zen art on social media to help people cope with staying home. And if that's not enough culture for you, New York's Metropolitan Opera will be offering free digital shows every night at 7:30 p.m. from March 16 through March 22. Now you can even go "outside" with incredible virtual tours of some of America's best national parks.

British Museum, London

This iconic museum located in the heart of London allows virtual visitors to tour the Great Court and discover the ancient Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies. You can also find hundreds of artifacts on the museum's virtual tour.

Guggenheim Museum, New York

Google's Street View feature lets visitors tour the Guggenheim's famous spiral staircase without ever leaving home. From there, you can discover incredible works of art from the Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Modern and Contemporary eras.

National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

This famous American art museum features two online exhibits through Google. The first is an exhibit of American fashion from 1740 to 1895, including many renderings of clothes from the colonial and Revolutionary eras. The second is a collection of works from Dutch Baroque painter Johannes Vermeer.

Musée d'Orsay, Paris

You can virtually walk through this popular gallery that houses dozens of famous works from French artists who worked and lived between 1848 and 1914. Get a peek at artworks from Monet, Cézanne, and Gauguin, among others.

National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul

One of Korea's popular museums can be accessed from anywhere around the world. Google's virtual tour takes you through six floors of Contemporary art from Korea and all over the globe.

Pergamon Museum, Berlin

As one of Germany's largest museums, Pergamon has a lot to offer - even if you can't physically be there. This historical museum is home to plenty of ancient artifacts including the Ishtar Gate of Babylon and, of course, the Pergamon Altar.

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Explore the masterworks from the Dutch Golden Age, including works from Vermeer and Rembrandt. Google offers a Street View tour of this iconic museum, so you can feel as if you're actually wandering its halls.

Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam

Anyone who is a fan of this tragic, ingenious painter can see his works up close (or, almost up close) by virtually visiting this museum - the largest collection of artworks by Vincent van Gogh, including over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and over 750 personal letters.

The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles

European artworks from as far back as the 8th Century can be found in this California art museum. Take a Street View tour to discover a huge collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures, manuscripts, and photographs.

Uffizi Gallery, Florence

This less well-known gallery houses the art collection of one of Florence, Italy's most famous families, the de'Medicis. The building was designed by Giorgio Vasari in 1560 specifically for Cosimo I de'Medici, but anyone can wander its halls from anywhere in the world.

MASP, São Paulo

The Museu de Arte de São Paulo is a non-profit and Brazil's first modern museum. Artworks placed on clear perspex frames make it seem like the artwork is hovering in midair. Take a virtual tour to experience the wondrous display for yourself.

National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City

Built in 1964, this museum is dedicated to the archaeology and history of Mexico's pre-Hispanic heritage. There are 23 exhibit rooms filled with ancient artifacts, including some from the Mayan civilization.

Sadly, not all popular art museums and galleries could be included on Google Arts & Culture's collection, but some museums are taking it upon themselves to offer online visits. According to Fast Company, the Louvre also offers virtual tours on its website.

To see more of Google Arts & Culture's collection of museums, visit the collection's website. There are thousands of museum Street Views on Google as well. Google Arts & Culture also has an online experience for exploring famous historic and cultural heritage sites.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Stuck at Home? These 12 Famous Museums Offer Virtual Tours You Can Take on Your Couch

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Going into a self-quarantine can have many complex issues and complications beyond having enough food and supplies for two weeks. In terms of entertainment, it also probably means you're in for a lot of boredom, a lot of Netflix, and a lot of browsing the internet.

# data[].attributes.body
Life Science Home Projects

# data[].attributes.body
Writing with Ralph Live Facebook Events

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Art event by Ralph Fletcher on Friday, March 27 2020 with 306 people interested and 92 people going.

# data[].attributes.headline
The Science Penguin Outdoor Science Scavenger Hunts 

# data[].attributes.subject
The Science Penguin Outdoor Science Scavenger Hunts 

# data[].attributes.body
Daily Science Activities

# data[].attributes.body
Facebook Live Events and Activities

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
While the Cincinnati Zoo is closed and kids are home from school, let us help make your children's hiatus from school fun and educational.

Join us for a Home Safari Facebook Live each weekday at 3pm ET where we will highlight one of our amazing animals and include an activity you can do from home.

Don't have access to social media? No worries! All videos will be posted to this webpage and to our YouTube channel shortly after the Facebook Live ends.

Tips

Collect some leaves for an activity on Thursday!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Home Safari Resources - Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden®

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
While the Cincinnati Zoo is closed and kids are home from school, let us help make your children's hiatus from school fun and educational. Join us for a Home Safari Facebook Live each weekday at 3pm ET where we will highlight one of our amazing animals and include an activity you can do from home.

# data[].attributes.headline
10 Best Youtube Channels for Burning Energy

# data[].attributes.subject
10 Best Youtube Channels for Burning Energy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Ahh, to be young and have boundless energy. Although many of us don't remember what that's like, we're all definitely feeling the effects of cooped up energetic kiddos stuck at home right now. While family walks are a great way to get some fresh air and vitamin D, sometimes kids just need to move. Whether it's raining outside or you need the kids to shake their sillies out indoors because you're trying to work from home, these various movement and exercise videos for kids are here to help.

Scroll through for some of our favorite kids' YouTube channels and videos that all encourage exercise and fun (and sometimes learning!) so that your kids can burn off their endless amounts energy.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
These 10 YouTube Channels Will Help Your Kids Burn Their Boundless Energy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Ahh, to be young and have boundless energy. Although many of us don't remember what that's like, we're all definitely feeling the effects of cooped up energetic kiddos stuck at home right now. While family walks are a great way to get some fresh air and vitamin D, sometimes kids just need to move.

# data[].attributes.body
Cartooning Videos

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
cartooning "how to draw" "how to draw cartoons" "cartooning lesson" cartoons instructional instruction "how to toon" "how to" drawing "draw cartoons" "how to toon" "joe wos" mazetoons

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
How To Toon features easy to follow along cartooning lessons for all ages as taught by internationally syndicated cartoonist Joe Wos. Joe Wos has been the vi...

# data[].attributes.body
Daily drawing and writing activities

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The activities below are available for free download, and are to be used in educational and/or private settings. They may not be used elsewhere or for other purposes (such as for profit) unless explicit permission is granted.
Below will find: Blank Comic Book Pages, Special Activities, "Finish This Story!" Story Starters, "How to Draw..." Instructions, "Finish This Comic!" Comics, and Drawing/Writing Prompts.
More activities are being added to this page regularly, so make sure to check back for more. And if you like the activities below, don't miss my activity books, GIVE THIS BOOK A TITLE and GIVE THIS BOOK A COVER, available wherever books are sold!
Click on the numbers below to find a variety of different blank comic book pages. Each number corresponds to a different arrangement of panels on the page. Print out a few of each, or a bunch of one kind, and make your own comic!

Special Activities

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the Introduction to Hand-Lettering sheets!

Click HERE to download the above Thank You activities!

Click HERE to download the above Haiku Diary activity!

Click HERE to download the above Thank You activities!

Click HERE to download the above Earth Day activities!

Click HERE to download the above Earth Day activities!

Click HERE to download the above Halloween activities!

Click HERE to download the above Halloween activities!

Click HERE to download the above Halloween activities!

Click HERE to download the above Halloween activities!

"Finish This Story!" Story Starters

Click HERE to download the above "Finish This Story!" activities!

Click HERE to download the above "Finish This Story!" activities!

"How to Draw..." Instructions

Click HERE to download the above "How to Draw..." activities!

Click HERE to download the above "How to Draw..." activities!

Click HERE to download the above "How to Draw..." activities!

Click HERE to download the above "How to Draw..." activities!

Click HERE to download the above "How to Draw..." activities!

Click HERE to download the above "How to Draw..." activities!

Click HERE to download the above "How to Draw..." activities!

Click HERE to download the above "How to Draw..." activities!

Click HERE to download the above "How to Draw..." activities!

Click HERE to download the above "How to Draw..." activities!

Click HERE to download the above "How to Draw..." activities!

Click HERE to download the above "How to Draw..." activities!

Click HERE to download the above "How to Draw..." activities!

Click HERE to download the above "How to Draw..." activities!

"Finish This Comic!" Comics

Below you will find a collection of comics that are incomplete. Look closely at the pictures, then figure out what you need to add to complete the comic!

Click HERE to download the above incomplete comics!

Click HERE to download the above incomplete comics!

Click HERE to download the above incomplete comics!

Click HERE to download the above incomplete comics!

Click HERE to download the above incomplete comics!

Click HERE to download the above incomplete comics!

Click HERE to download the above incomplete comics!

Click HERE to download the above incomplete comics!

Click HERE to download the above incomplete comics!

Click HERE to download the above incomplete comics!

Click HERE to download the above incomplete comics!

Click HERE to download the above incomplete comics!

Click HERE to download the above incomplete comics!

Drawing/Writing Prompts

Below you will find some drawing prompt activity sheets. Completed drawings can also be used as creative writing prompts.

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above Spanish version activity sheets!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The activities below are available for free download, and are to be used in educational and/or private settings. They may not be used elsewhere or for other purposes (such as for profit) unless explicit permission is granted. Below will find: Blank Comic Book Pages, Special Activities, "Finish This Story!"