With the prevalence of computers, apps, and smart devices, it is becoming impossible to avoid coding. For this reason, it is a good idea to get children started early when it comes to teaching them the logic processes involved in creating web pages and designing applications. Some instruction and a lot of creativity could inspire a child to find themselves in this field of technology once they reach adulthood. (And possibly create the next multi-million dollar mobile app craze while they’re at it!)
From opening an app to navigating web pages, coding is in just about everything we do. With children having access to computers, smartphones and tablets at younger ages, it can also be an opportunity to teach them how to use code at a higher level. Thankfully, there are many resources at our disposal that can help kids find, use and improve coding skills so that they will understand the logic processes behind coding and maybe find future career paths for adulthood.
Nancy Drew: Codes and Clues Mystery Coding Game
Nancy Drew: Codes and Clues Mystery Coding Game is aimed mostly at girls ages 6-9 but can be used by any gender to learn basic coding. Within the story lies a mystery that the player must use coding logic to solve. Using code blocks, the player will navigate a robot through the changing stages in order to solve the mystery. The paid version is available for both Apple iOS and Android devices.
Code Carts
Using coding, kids are able to race cars around a track. The free version allows access to 10 basic levels but the paid version (1.99) would allow access to another 50 levels of increasing difficulty. Children at any reading level are able to make and navigate the cars on the tracks using drag and drop and matching colors. Both free and paid versions are available for both Apple iOS and Android devices.
CodeSpark Academy
CodeSpark Academy is another game disguising cleverly integrated coding lessons for kids aged 5 and up. Students are able to drag and drop lines of code in sequence with a coding language called Scratch. With the game kids are able to make their own projects and save them within the app itself. As they progress in knowledge and skill the daily activities grow with them, increasing in difficulty. The app was developed with help from Carnegie Mellon, Princeton and MIT. Both the free and paid version (7.99 a month) are available for Android and Apple iOS devices.
Kodable
Students aged 5-10 are able to learn JavaScript using Kodable. Beginners are able to learn how to navigate mazes and place commands using the drag and drop method. Lessons are assigned through the app based on the students’ level of knowledge and experience gained within the game. They learn the basics using both logic questions and step by step guidance. In addition to the game for kids, there are also lesson plans and help for parents wanting to maximize their children’s skills. Both the free and paid version (6.99) of the app is available on both Apple iOS and Android devices.
Robotizen
Students aged 4-9 can learn both robotics and computer programming using the game Robitizen. The game teaches logic and problem solving using both interactive games and lessons. Logic processes like commands, conditions, and sequences help the students navigate the game while learning the skills necessary to proceed to the next level of their coding education. Languages like SmallTalk, Squeak, and Logo, languages said to be good for beginners, are utilized for early learners and pre-readers. Both free and paid versions of the app are available for both Apple iOS and Android devices.
Tynker
Students get their start in coding with Python and JavaScript using the Tynker app. Before learning to code, students are taught the foundations using repeating images and sequences. Once the foundations are set, the lessons adapt to the student’s level and progress to more difficult challenges over time. Before they know it, they’ll be able to use the app to create games and apps in addition to learning how to code for robots and drones. Both the free and paid version of this app is available for Apple iOS and Android devices.
Lightbot: Code Hour
For students who show an aptitude for coding and excel at most challenges placed before them by other coding apps, a good option would be Lightbot: Code Hour. Unlike many coding games for children, the difficulty level for this app can become difficult enough to challenge an adult learner, making this an app that is good for children of all ages. This app comes only in a paid version and is available for both Apple iOS and Android devices.
With the prevalence of computers, apps, and smart devices, it is becoming impossible to avoid coding. For this reason, it is a good idea to get children started early when it comes to teaching them the logic processes involved in creating web pages and designing applications. Some instruction and a lot of creativity could inspire a child to find themselves in this field of technology once they reach adulthood. (And possibly create the next multimillion dollar mobile app craze while they’re at it!)
“Coding Game for Kids - Try It Free!” CodeSpark Academy, https://codespark.com/.
“Cool Coding Apps and Websites for Kids.” Common Sense Media, https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/coding-apps-and-websites.
“Programming for Kids.” Kodable, https://www.kodable.com/.
Tynker. “Tynker: Coding for Kids.” App Store, 5 Mar. 2014, https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tynker-coding-for-kids/id805869467.
Victoria, Katie. “The 23 Best Programming Apps & Coding Apps for Kids.” Teach Your Kids Code, 12 Sept. 2021, https://teachyourkidscode.com/best-coding-apps-for-kids/.