Robotics

teach kids to code Puzzle pieces appear on the screen. Each puzzle piece represents a block of code, which is kind of like a paragraph in a story. The child drags-and-drops the puzzle pieces to create a sequence of code to complete the “story” that makes up the software program. Then the child runs the program and sees the results, which can be an animation of a person moving through a maze or a bird flying toward its nest.

Blockly’s games require the child be able to read. Some of the games include using the number of degrees to define the direction an object moves. So, it’s not for really little kids despite it using a gamification approach and simple graphics.

Overall, Blockly is designed for children who don’t have any experience with coding. It’s aim is to make them ready to learn conventional text-based computer programming languages.

Code Combat
https://codecombat.com/
For ages 5-17. Core levels are free. Monthly subscription for additional levels.

Code Combat is an online game that teaches Python and/or JavaScript coding using text-based programming.

Kids play through different levels of an RPG (role playing game), learning the Python or JavaScript programming language along the way.

The first world that players visit is called Dungeons of Kithgard. The hero is a Medieval warrior called Anya. The player directs Anya down a path toward a gem and away from the spikes along the way in the first game. The player tells Anya where to go by typing lines of code into the screen, and then running the program.

After successfully completing a level, the player moves up to more complex tasks and coding. Once all the challenges are completed in this world, the player moves on to another world and a new, more complicated set of challenges.

Code Combat requires the player to be able to read and type, though some code can be chosen by clicking on it in a drop-down menu.

Code Combat developers help teachers use it in their classrooms by providing course guides and wikis. They also promise a Course-in-a-Box containing a semester’s course content.

Code Monkey
https://www.playcodemonkey.com/
For ages 9+. Annual subscription fee.

codemonkey Code Monkey teaches computer program through online games. Starting with helping a monkey gather bananas, the player works through a series of challenges and eventually learns enough code to be able to build his or her own game.Using a text-based editor, the player learns CoffeeScript, a language that uses a syntax that is similar to written English but compiles into JavaScript.

The teacher’s subscription includes access to 32 lesson plans, three challenge workshops, and access to an online Google group.

Code.org Studio
https://studio.code.org/
For ages 4-14. Free.

code

Code.org Studio presents a series of four courses that teach computer science fundamentals. At the end of each course, students are able to create interactive games or stories for sharing online.

Each course is made up of a series of puzzles, videos, and activities that teach the principles behind computer science. Course 1 is for early readers (age 4-6) and can be skipped if your child is already reading proficiently.

Even though the later courses use the block-based approach for programming activities, students can choose to see the text-based code that is generated. Taken together, this series of four courses make up a curriculum that has been organized for use in the classroom and is aligned with ISTE standards

Kodable
https://www.kodable.com/
For ages 4-11. The basic curriculum is free. A parent plan, available for a flat fee, includes an advanced curriculum and access on any device.

KodableLogo

Kodable teaches computer science fundamentals through a kid-friendly, self-directed lessons.

Starting with games at the Kindergarten level, the student progresses to reading and writing JavaScript. Organized as a classroom curriculum, each unit includes a teacher’s script, an unplugged activity, an independent practice activity, and some kind of assessment or quiz. The lessons are designed such that they take about 30 minutes each to complete.

Scratch
https://scratch.mit.edu/
For ages 8-16. Free.

scratch Scratch is a programming language used to create stories, games, and animations. Kids learn Scratch by building projects and sharing them in the Scratch online community.

Scratch was developed by the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab. Even though it was designed to be a stepping stone to more advanced programming languages, students have used Scratch to create animations for classroom projects in science and math.

Inside the Scratch website, there’s a step-by-step guide to help those starting out. And the help page includes links to the printable Get Started Guide, video tutorials, and starter projects.

For those who want to use Scratch offline, an offline editor can be downloaded and installed on your computer.

Tynker
https://www.tynker.com/
For ages 4-14. A sample of coding lessons is available at Tynker for free. Access to the complete library and a private Minecraft server requires a monthly subscription.

tynker

Tynker is a self-paced online programming course for kids. Kids can learn to build their own games and apps, as well as learn how to program Minecraft mods.

The programming courses are game-based and space-themed with space aliens and rocket ships. Kids progress through three levels of games/classes for the track that matches their age.

A collection of courses related to the popular Minecraft game teaches kids about mods and skins, how to create mods, and how to build multi-player Minecraft games. With a paid subscription, kids have access to their own private Minecraft server, providing a safe environment for them to build mods and then play online with their invited friends.

App Inventor
http://www.appinventor.org/
For ages 13+. Free.

The App Inventor site provides access to and tutorials for App Inventor, a visual programming language used to create Android apps.

Originally created by Google, App Inventor makes it possible to program Android apps by moving objects around the screen. This approach is similar to block-based programming.

MIT now hosts App Inventor online, making it available for free. Additionally, the tutorials have been refined for use by teachers and gathered into a Course-in-a-Box that includes video and text-based lessons. The course begins with setting up App Inventor and moves through building progressively more complex Android apps.

Code Avengers
https://www.codeavengers.com/
For ages 12+. A limited-time free trial or a monthly subscription is available.

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Code Avengers presents self-paced, mostly text-based courses. The courses include introduction to coding, introduction to web development, and coding in Python, HTML & CSS, or JavaScript.

Kids work through the lessons, debugging code, and completing challenges before moving to the next lesson. When they hit a snag, kids have access to limited online support. If they still have questions after searching the online support, kids can email technical support for help.

Code Monster
http://www.crunchzilla.com/code-monster
For ages 13+. Free.

Monster

Code Monster is an interactive game that gives kids a place to practice writing JavaScript. It assumes that the user already knows some JavaScript and just needs a place to practice syntax.

Minimal instruction is available on this site. There’s a How to Play page, About page, and a FAQ. That’s it. The FAQ encourages the student to search for JavaScript tutorials and textbooks elsewhere. The purpose of Code Monster is to provide a fun, immersive platform to practice syntax.

CodeWizardsHQ
http://www.codewizardshq.com/
For ages 11+. Monthly fee.

codewizards

CodeWizardsHQ has adopted a blended method to teach kids to code. CodeWizardsHQ teaches coding principles and practices using a combination of small, teacher-led classes delivered via the internet and student build-as-you-learn projects.

By completing its comprehensive 12-part curriculum, students are introduced to HTML & CSS, JavaScript, WordPress, Responsive Design, App Development, Python, MySQL, and Git. Each part takes three months to complete.

At the end of the curriculum, kids learn how to code actual apps.

Classes meet online weekly for an hour and students work independently or in groups on projects and assignments. Students demonstrate their understanding of coding through building-as-you-learn projects that can be easily shared in the CodeWizardsHQ online community. And every student has direct access to an instructor who is an experienced coder.

Because the instruction and projects are internet-based, students attend CodeWizardsHQ from any place where there is a reliable internet connection. There is no need to drive the student somewhere to attend classes. And students can continue making progress even during holiday travel.

GameBlox
https://gameblox.org/
For ages 13+. Free.

gameblox

GameBlox is a block-based programming site for making computer games.

The “Make a Game” button takes the student straight to the code editing screen. Once there, click on the “Help” button at the top of the screen and links to five getting started tutorials appear. Beyond this, the site doesn’t offer any instruction. There is an online forum on the site where questions can be posted. And some video tutorials can be found on YouTube.

The games students make can be played online at the GameBlox site or on a mobile device using the GameBlox app. The app is available for both Android and iOS.

Thimble by Mozilla
https://thimble.mozilla.org/en-US/
For ages 13+. Free.

thimble

Thimble by Mozilla is an online code editor for HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Kids learn by doing on Thimble. Lessons are organized into projects. The kids choose between starting a new project or remixing (i.e., making changes to) an existing project.

Once in the project, the screen is split horizontally showing both a preview of the webpage and the code behind it. As the kids update the HTML, CSS, or JavaScript code, they see its effect in the preview screen for the web page. This is the process used to demonstrate how the code works. Projects can also be previewed as they would appear on a desktop screen or a smartphone, adding the concept of responsiveness to the experience. Once complete, a project can be shared online.

Canned remix projects have tutorials embedded in them. Kids can toggle the screen between the project and a tutorial for these project remixes. Otherwise, there is just single FAQ page available as help.

Codemoji
Put those ubiquitous emojis to work in an educational way with this website that eschews complex codes for user-friendly expressions, quite literally. Kids learn to code by using emojis to substitute for html or css codes. They’ll have so much fun, they won’t realize the work they’re putting in. Codemoji plans start at $9.99 for three months, but include up to five kids’ accounts in that price.

Khan Academy
Known for its extensive and challenging math games, Khan Academy also has basic programming tutorials that teach kids how to build graphics, animations, interactive visualizations, and more. FREE

Lightbot
Predominantly an app-based program, Lightbot offers a FREE demo online as part of its Hour of Code. Like what you see? Its pair of low-cost programming apps are all-ages friendly. Available for iOs, Android, and Amazon devices for $2.99.

Scratch
Designed by MIT students and aimed at children ages 8 to 16, this easy-to-use programming language lets kids build almost anything they can dream. There are no obscure lines of code here. Instead, arrange and snap together Scratch blocks as if they were virtual Legos. But it’s more than just a coding guide, it’s a vibrant online community of programmers who swap ideas and inspiration. FREE

Stencyl
Inspired by Scratch’s snapping blocks system, this software allows users to create simple games for iOS, Android, Flash, Windows, Linux, and Mac systems. If your child is serious about it, there are paid pro plans that come with advanced functionality.

Tech Rocket
Founded by iD Tech, Tech Rocket’s free platform allows access to a dozen classes.emotional support dog letter to landlord

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