Coding tools for kids

01 January 1970 4 1K Report

Let's collect the best places /platforms /tools that offer affordable solutions to teaching coding to kids starting at age 5. Coding with fun and coding with gamification are becoming increasingly essential approaches. Let's have a list with your thoughts and a continuously updated list to inspire parents, teachers, mentors, and siblings to share knowledge and become effective tech ambassadors. Thanks to Maya Maceka for inspiration.

Block-based coding

Blockly Games (https://blockly.games), Age: 5, Stack: block-based coding, Javascript

Code for Life (https://www.codeforlife.education), Age: 5+, Stack: Blockly, Python

CodeMonkey (https://www.codemonkey.com), Age: 5-14, Stack: block- and text-based coding, CoffeeScript, Python

Tynker (https://www.tynker.com), Age: 5-18, Stack: Block-based coding, Javascript, Python

Gamefroot (https://make.gamefroot.com), Age: 7+, Stack: block-based coding

Code Galaxy (https://www.thecodegalaxy.com), Age: 7-18, Stack: Block-based coding, Lua, Scratch, Python

Kodu Game Lab (https://www.kodugamelab.com), Age: 8+, Stack: block-based coding

Kodeclik (https://www.kodeclik.com), Age: 8-18, Stack: block-based coding, Scratch, Lua, Python, Javascript

Programming languages

Kodable (https://www.kodable.com), Age: 4-11, Stack: JavaScript

Code.org (https://code.org), Age: 5+, Stack: Javascript, HTML, CSS

Bitsbox (https://bitsbox.com), Age: 6-12, Stack: JavaScript

Codemoji (https://codemoji.com), Age: 5-14, Stack: HTML, CSS, JavaScript

Codeyoung (https://www.codeyoung.com), Age: 5-17, Stack: Scratch, HTML, CSS, Java, and Python

Create & Learn (https://www.create-learn.us), Age: 5-17, Stack: Python, Scratch, Java

Code Avengers (https://www.codeavengers.com), Age: 5-17, Stack: JavaScript, Python, HTML5, CSS3

Coding with Kids (https://www.codingwithkids.com), Age: 5-18, Stack: Scratch, Python, Java

Codevidhya (https://codevidhya.com), Age: 6-16, Stack: Scratch, Python, JavaScript

CodaKid (https://codakid.com), Age: 6-18, Stack: Python, JavaScript, C#

Real Programming 4 Kids (https://realprogramming.com), Age: 7+, Stack: Python, Java, C#, and C++

Code4Fun (https://www.code4fun.com.au), Age: 7+, Stack: Scratch, Python, Java, C# with Unity, C++ with Unreal Engine

Crunchzilla (https://www.crunchzilla.com), Age: 8+, Stack: JavaScript

Girls Who Code (https://girlswhocode.com), Age: 8+, Stack: Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS

Juni Learning (https://junilearning.com/coding), Age: 8+, Stack: Scratch, Python, C++, JavaScript

Scratch (https://scratch.mit.edu), Age: 8-16, Stack: Scratch

CodeWizardsHQ (https://www.codewizardshq.com), Age: 8-18, Stack: Scratch, Python, HTML/CSS, and JavaScript

CodeCombat (https://codecombat.com), Age: 9+, Stack: Python, JavaScript, C++, Java, Lua

Vidcode (https://www.vidcode.com), Age: 9+, Stack: JavaScript

EduCode Academy (https://educode.org), Age: 9+, Stack: JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Python

CodeGuppy (https://codeguppy.com), Age: 13-18, Stack: JavaScript

Roblox (https://create.roblox.com), Age: 13-18, Stack: Lua

Attila Biró

Recommended place: https://www.websiteplanet.com/blog/safest-coding-sites-for-kids with more details and more solutions (including Android, iOS solutions) by Maya Maceka.

Attila Biró

Recommended place 2: https://www.itware.hu/en/how-to-get-your-childs-attention-while-you-develop-their-skills/

WOJCIECH BORKOWSKI

For kids with basic literacy and math skills I always sugest Processing - This solution has a low barrier to entry, and a gentle learning curve, but can achieve quite professional results.

https://processing.org/

Adnan Majeed

Coding is the new literacy! Introducing kids to the world of programming at an early age can spark creativity, problem-solving skills, and a strong foundation for future STEM careers. Here are some fantastic coding tools tailored for young learners:

Visual Block-Based Coding:

Scratch: A classic choice for kids aged 8-16, Scratch uses colorful blocks that can be snapped together to create interactive stories,games, and animations.📷 Opens in a new window 📷en.scratch-wiki.infoScratch coding interface
Scratch Jr: A simplified version of Scratch designed for younger kids (ages 5-7), Scratch Jr. introduces basic coding concepts through a user-friendly interface.📷 Opens in a new window 📷www.researchgate.netScratch Jr coding interface
Blockly: Another visual coding platform that offers a variety of languages and challenges, suitable for different age groups.📷 Opens in a new window 📷opensource.comBlockly coding interface
Code.org: This website offers a range of coding activities and games, including the popular "Hour of Code" challenges.📷 Opens in a new window 📷forum.code.orgCode.org website

Game-Based Learning:

CodeMonkey: Kids learn to code in CoffeeScript and Python while guiding a monkey through a jungle adventure.📷 Opens in a new window 📷www.codemonkey.comCodeMonkey game interface
Tynker: Offers a variety of coding courses and games, from block-based coding to Python and JavaScript.📷 Opens in a new window 📷www.tynker.comTynker game interface
Kodable: Focuses on teaching JavaScript through a fun and engaging puzzle-based approach.📷 Opens in a new window 📷www.kodable.comKodable game interface

Text-Based Coding:

Python: A versatile language that's easy to learn and widely used in various fields. Tools like Trinket and Replit offer interactive environments for Python coding.
JavaScript: The language behind web development, JavaScript can be explored through platforms like Codecademy and Khan Academy.

Additional Resources:

RoboCode: Kids can learn programming by creating robot battle programs.
Minecraft Education Edition: Offers opportunities to learn coding while building and exploring in the Minecraft world.
App Inventor: Create your own Android apps using a visual block-based interface.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Tool:

Child's age and interests: Select tools that align with their age and what they enjoy doing.
Learning goals: Determine if you want to focus on specific programming concepts or general problem-solving skills.
Accessibility: Consider the cost, platform compatibility, and ease of use of the tool.

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