Program for kids to learn: The 15 Best Online Learning Services for Kids for 2023

Опубликовано: July 21, 2023 в 7:55 am

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Top 10 Free Coding Programs for Kids

In today’s world of rapidly developing technology, programming is no longer a science for the elite. It has become a vital skill for everyone to learn, adults and kids alike. 

Teaching children basic programming, especially from a young age, opens up an entire world of opportunities for them to thrive and succeed.  Learning how to code engages kids’ minds in critical thinking and prepares them for an increasingly tech-driven world. At Coder Kids, we believe all kids should have this opportunity, so we’ve partnered with schools to provide courses that teach kids how to code in fun and practical ways.

Why Should Kids Learn Coding?

It’s not just about the growing demand for programmers worldwide. The benefits of coding knowledge affect the very personality and mental state of children. Some of these advantages include:

  • Boosting creativity – coding demands repeated experimentation. The process of trial and error encourages children to use creativity.

  • Better math skills – coding mainly involves visualizing abstract concepts that can be applied to mathematical problem-solving. This, in turn, helps kids improve their math skills and use them in real-life situations.

  • Builds confidence in problem-solving – since coding often involves making mistakes until you can get it right, children will learn that there’s always more than one way to complete any task.

  • Enhances academic writing performance – coding supports planning and organizing skills,. Kids will be able to put their thoughts in order and can improve their writing skills.

Top 10 Free Coding Programs and Websites for Kids

Let’s get started! If you are looking for more support and instruction in your child’s coding journey, checkout our blogpost, “The Best Summer Coding Camps for Kids.” You can also find a list of our Top 10 Free Coding Apps for Kids here.

1- Coder Kids

Coder Kids is a great company that offers online, in-person and on-demand coding classes and camps for kids of all ages. Their free on-demand class, Introduction to Scratch Coding, is the perfect way for kids to begin their coding journey!

They offer a free on-demand class called Introduction to Scratch Coding. In the class, Coder Kids will walk kids through setting up their Scratch account and learn the basics of Scratch. They’ll also learn how to express themselves on Scratch in fun and sometimes silly ways.

Once students are familiar with the basics and the Scratch interface, then the kids will move on to start learning how to code. This course goes over the basics of Scratch coding in a fun way so that kids will have a solid foundation. To finish it off, they’ll get to complete the Pokemon in Space project!

Coder Kids offers other on-demand classes at a reasonable price, as well as online and in-person private tutoring lessons. Check out all of there camps and classes here.

2- Code.org – Learn to Code

Currently one of the most popular websites that provides free coding classes for children is Code.org. 

This platform is known for its intuitive search engine that enables you to search for relevant courses from all over the world. It also offers comprehensive online tutorials, averaging at 15 to 20 hours.

Code.org adopts interactive teaching methods, such as maze games, to engage kids in the material at hand. It also presents a number of exclusive videos featuring individuals of high caliber including Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg.

Once you log in, you can find courses on building websites and games. The content includes the basics of programming as well as classes on coding actual apps and websites using various programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Code.org also offers Hour-of-code lessons that are particularly useful for kids looking for a quick class. They can learn to program Minecraft animals and Star Wars droids, or code their own adventure with Frozen characters.

Code.org is suitable for kids aged 4 years and older, with lessons arranged according to grade so that children can choose levels that aren’t too easy or too complicated for them.

3- ScratchJr.org and Scratch

ScratchJr and Scratch are widely popular platforms used mainly by children. This website was developed by MIT students, aimed at kids from 6 to 16 years old.

It features one of the easiest user interface designs, adopting visual code blocks that are very simple to follow. Instead of actually typing code, you can drag and drop blocks of code to program different stories and games. Kids can create all types of different projects on Scratch and ScratchJr.

You can find descriptions of the blocks on the website, along with an interface guide and a guide for paint editor to help produce graphics.

Scratchjr doesn’t only offer coding lessons for children, but also curriculum, activities, and assessment exercises for teachers to apply in class.

It has a huge community with more than 15 million registered members who also happen to be incredibly active. It’s available for anyone to join, as long as they respect the rules and engage in friendly communication with other users.

Besides their web version, you can download the Scratchjr app on your iOS, Android, or Kindle device. There’s also a handy Scratchjr extension that you can add to your Google Chrome browser for quick access.

4- Codecombat.com

Combining the world of text-based coding and RPG gaming, Code Combat offers a highly immersive learning experience via a fun game that’s accessible through any browser.

The idea here is to give your character the correct set of commands to complete missions by solving an assortment of mazes, puzzles, and other tasks.

The free version of Code Combat provides an in-depth introduction to computer coding science. It consists of 39 levels, teaching kids basic syntax, parameters, strings, arguments, loops, and variables.

After that, you can move onto more advanced modules, such as web development and game development, by gaining access to their paid version.

Code Combat applies actual coding syntax using a text editor, allowing kids to get familiar with languages such as HTML, CDS, JavaScript, and Python.

5- LightBot

If you’re looking for a fun but simple approach to get your kids into coding while being as flexible as possible, then LightBot might just be what you need.

It’s an app-based experience that works for seemingly all ages thanks to its interactive and enjoyable concept. It was designed by actual coders who know what aspects of coding are suitable for every age group to learn.

LightBot is basically a puzzle game that requires coding knowledge to advance, which further promotes the problem-solving skills of children. The beauty of this engaging logic game is that you can forget it’s meant as an educational platform.

LightBot offers a range of lessons that includes sequencing, procedures, overloading, conditionals, and recursive loops. It’s available to download from Google Play Store, the App Store, and Amazon Apps.

You can get free content through its demo version, and when you’re ready, you can upgrade to unlock the full materials for a couple of bucks. Check out our LIghtbot Cheats here.

6- Khanacademy.com

Khan Academy is one of the highest praised free coding websites for kids. It’s an extremely popular choice when it comes to e-learning thanks to its extensive library of subjects that allow users to search and learn just about anything for free! 

Khan Academy provides lessons on a wide range of topics from maths, chemistry, and biology, all the way to history, finance, and engineering. 

Fortunately, the platform recently added coding and programming courses for kids aged 12 and older to its menu, becoming a reliable resource for such education on a global scale.

Khan Academy provides computer science courses discussing the basics of programming, which includes internet 101, algorithms, cryptography, information, and theory. 

Its coding lessons also cover HTML/CSS for building websites, HTML/JS for creating interactive web pages, SQL for managing data and querying, as well as JavaScript for animation, games, drawing, and natural simulation.

Khan Academy offers its materials in a laid back yet entertaining way to make sure that kids remain hooked while watching the videos. It’s also accessible to anyone in the world, without even requiring an account to log in. 

To learn about more online coding classes for kids, click here.

7- Codemonkey.com

Another excellent platform that offers free coding lessons for kids is Code Monkey. 

Besides having a fun name, this web-based service adopts the idea of teaching coding to children through the interactive environment of online gaming.

The general objective of Code Monkey is to have the user help a monkey obtain bananas. To make this happen, the user has to work through a series of tasks and challenges to correctly code the monkey towards the bananas.

By the time the players complete the game, they should possess the skills needed to get into game development and start making their own.

Code Monkey uses a text-based editor that enables players to code and build games using CoffeeScript. This language also makes it easier for children to learn JavaScript later on when they become more invested in the world of coding.

The Code Monkey website offers 250 free challenges to cover the basics and test the waters. After that, you can upgrade to the paid version to unlock all 400 challenges.

8- Crunchzilla.com – Code Monster

Crunchzilla is one of the simplest teaching platforms when it comes to boosting your kids’ knowledge of coding. It delivers information in an engaging manner that’s perfect for educating young minds.

Once you open Crunchzilla, you’ll need to pick one of its 4 levels of coding lessons to proceed. These levels are: Code Monster for preteens (or younger under supervision), Code Maven for teens and adults, Game Maven for ages 16+, and Data Maven which is statistics for ages 12+.

Obviously, we’ll be focusing on Code Monster since it’s directed towards younger kids, but it’s good to know there are higher levels to move on to after completing each stage.

Basically, Code Monster provides interactive coding practice using JavaScript. The layout consists of a friendly monster graphic with a chat bubble that displays questions and step by step guides.

Below, there are 2 boxes, one for text-based coding and the other shows the results of input codes. Of course, you’ll have to type in the right code so you can advance to the next level.

The fact that you can instantly see what your code creates, makes it easy for this website to grab the attention of young students.

9- Blockly.games

Looking for a fun and interactive way to get your kid started with coding? Then you may want to consider Blockly. 

This is a super entertaining platform that integrates coding into gaming to produce a programming experience that’s both engaging and beneficial.

Blocky offers a variety of games adopting the approach of teaching kids how to code using interactive challenges. These games include puzzles, mazes, birds, music, movies, and more. The idea is to get the kids to type in or drag-and-drop code blocks in order to solve a puzzle, create a story, or hit targets.

Children will be able to see the results of their coding text on the spot, which helps them fully realize and visualize what they can build.

10- Stencyl.com

Last but not least, Stencyl is a fantastic gateway for beginners to get into coding. It’s inspired by Scratch, so it pretty much applies the same code blocking system.

Kids will learn to code through creating games, which they can then publish on most platforms such as iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac, Windows, HTML5, Linux, and Flash.

Stencyl also offers the option of typing code to allow your kids to further practice their skills. Additionally, the website has a curriculum for teachers to use in classrooms.

Besides the free version of Stencyl that supports web publishing, there are paid pro plans for publishing to other platforms if your kid is serious about it.

There you have it! Our Top 10 free coding programs for kids!

While all the options mentioned above are excellent pathways to get involved in the world of coding on their own, it can be a good idea to use more than one program at the same time to avoid creating a routine. You can find our favorite coding sites for kids here.  It can also be a good idea to incoporate Coder Kids After School Programs, Summer Camps or Private Lessons to help your young coder continue to grow!

Inluding several ways to learn can help kids stay focused and improve their skills. For a list of The Best Coding Resources for Kids, click here. There are also several offline ways you can teach kids how to code. Variety in activites, classes, camps and self-directed learning provides children with the opporutnities they need to explore the world of coding!

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Discover Best 20 Summer Programs for Kids to Boost Learning.

As the temperatures rise and schools close for the year, parents are actively searching for captivating and thought-provoking summer programs for kids that promote educational growth. Psychology Today’s article revealed that summer camps are ideal for optimizing children’s psychosocial development. However, with many options available, parents need help identifying the most suitable program for their child.

SplashLearn inspires lifelong curiosity with its game-based PreK-5 learning program loved by over 40 million children. With over 4,000 fun games and activities, it’s the perfect balance of learning and play for your little one.

Try for free

Please do not despair; we have curated a comprehensive list of the top 20 summer programs for children guaranteed to spark their interest and foster intellectual advancement. We will start our discussion with STEM programs that offer thrilling opportunities to discover science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. So, brace yourself for an exciting summer of learning and discovery with these special programs!

Related Reading: Best Summer Activities for Kids to Have A Blast This Summer

20 Best Summer Programs for Kids!

STEM Programs

In today’s fast-paced world, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education has become increasingly important for young learners. These summer courses for kids offer unique opportunities to explore the exciting world of STEM while having fun and promoting intellectual growth.

“STEM summer programs not only help kids learn valuable skills but also inspire them to pursue careers in fields like science and technology.” – Dr. John Smith, STEM Educator

  • Code Ninjas

Code Ninjas is a unique STEM-focused summer program that teaches your child how to code in a fun and engaging way. Suitable for kids in grades 2-8, this program offers a structured curriculum that progresses from basic coding concepts to more advanced coding languages. Kids learn coding by building video games, websites, and mobile applications. With a low student-to-teacher ratio and personalized instruction, children may work at their own pace and receive individualized attention. 

Benefits of Code Ninjas include increased problem-solving and critical thinking skills, improved creativity and confidence, and a head start in developing valuable coding skills for the future.

Ideal age range: Grades 2 to 8

  • Digital Media Academy

Digital Media Academy offers a range of STEM-focused summer programs for kids in grades K-12. From computer programing and robotics to game design and filmmaking, this program provides various courses catering to kids’ diverse interests. With hands-on, project-based learning, kids can work collaboratively with their peers and learn from experienced instructors.  

Benefits of Digital Media Academy include improved problem-solving and communication skills, increased confidence and creativity, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies and industry professionals.

Ideal age range: Grades K to 12

  • iD Tech

iD Tech offers summer programs that teach kids in grades 1-12 how to code, design video games, and create mobile apps. With personalized instruction and hands-on learning, kids can explore their creativity and gain valuable skills in a fun and engaging way. Kids can choose from courses catering to their interests and skill level and work in small groups with experienced instructors. 

Benefits of iD Tech include increased critical thinking and problem-solving skills, improved creativity and confidence, and exposure to industry professionals and cutting-edge technologies.

Ideal age range: Grades 1 to 12

  • Destination Science

Destination Science offers hands-on, STEM-focused summer programs for kids in grades K-6. With a special focus on science, engineering, and technology, kids can engage in fun and educational activities such as building robots, launching rockets, and conducting experiments. Kids can receive personalized attention and guidance with a low student-to-teacher ratio and experienced instructors. 

Benefits of Destination Science include improved problem-solving and critical thinking skills, increased curiosity and creativity, and exposure to real-world science and engineering concepts.

Ideal age range: Grades K to 6

  • Camp Invention

This nationally recognized summer program offers STEM-focused activities for kids in grades K-6. With a focus on creativity and innovation, kids can engage in hands-on activities such as building prototypes and designing their inventions. Kids can receive personalized attention and guidance with experienced instructors and a low student-to-teacher ratio. 

Benefits of Camp Invention include improved problem-solving and critical thinking skills, increased creativity and confidence, and exposure to real-world science and engineering concepts.

Ideal age range: Grades K to 6

Now that we’ve covered the top STEM programs for kids, let’s look at some of the best arts programs available for young learners.

Related Reading: Best Mindblowing Science Activities to Try With Your Preschoolers Today

Arts Programs

Summer arts programs are a fantastic way for children to hone their creative skills while acquiring new methods and techniques. The following are the top five arts education opportunities for your kid.

“Arts programs allow kids to express themselves creatively and develop their confidence and self-esteem.” – Emily Davis, Art Teacher

  • Young Rembrandts

Young Rembrandt’s curriculum enhances hand-eye coordination, visualization skills, and fine motor abilities. Moreover, the program fosters children’s self-esteem, creativity, patience, and focus. 

This curriculum offers kids opportunities to improve their skills and unleash their creative potential.

Ideal age range: Grades K to 8

  • School of Rock

The School of Rock program is an excellent choice for kids interested in music. This program offers instruction in music theory, band performance, and instrument playing for children in years K-12. 

The School of Rock program enhances musical aptitude and fosters group collaboration, self-expression, confidence, and stage presence in kids.

Ideal age range: Grades K to 12

  • Art Camps at Art Centers

Art centers offer art camps for kids in grades K-12 interested in exploring various art genres. These camps provide instruction in mixed media, sculpting, painting, and drawing. 

Art camps promote the growth of artistic abilities, creativity, social skills, and self-esteem.

Ideal age range: Grades K to 12

  • Cirque du Soleil Summer Camps

Cirque du Soleil summer camps cater to children in grades 3 through 12 interested in acrobatics and circus arts. The program teaches children the fundamentals of circus arts, including juggling, acrobatics, and clowning.

Children participating in Cirque du Soleil summer camps benefit from improved physical strength, flexibility, and coordination. The curriculum also fosters self-confidence and inventiveness in kids.

Ideal age range: Grades 3 to 12

  • Art Adventures

Art Adventure Camp is a dynamic summer program designed to unleash the creativity and imagination of kids. With a focus on various art forms such as painting, sculpture, and mixed media, this program provides a nurturing environment for children to explore their artistic talents. 

This camp offers hands-on art experiences guided by experienced instructors who inspire artistic growth. From developing fine motor skills to fostering self-expression, Art Adventure Camp cultivates a love for art while nurturing essential cognitive and emotional skills.

Ideal age range: Grades 1 to 5

While summer arts programs are a great way for kids to unleash their creativity, language programs can allow them to expand their horizons differently.  

Related Reading: Best Art Activities or Art Project Ideas for Kids

Language Programs

Kids should pursue new interests and widen their horizons during the summer. Thanks to language programs, kids can learn new languages or improve their language abilities while having fun. Here are five of the top language summer programs for kids to think about.

“Language programs give kids the opportunity to learn a new language and appreciate different cultures, which can benefit them throughout their lives.” – Dr. Maria Hernandez, Language Educator

  • Concordia Language Villages

This is suitable for kids in grades 1-12. Concordia Language Villages is a unique language immersion program that allows kids to learn one of 15 languages in a culturally authentic setting. Each is designed to reflect the culture of the available language, from French to Chinese. 

The program’s benefits include improved language proficiency, cultural awareness, and global citizenship.

Ideal age range: Grades 1 to 12

  • Berlitz

Kids in grades K–12 can use this. Kids can take online and in-person language courses with Berlitz, a reputable language school. The curriculum emphasizes conversation-based learning and gaining fluency in the target language. 

The program’s advantages include better language skills, stronger communication, and boosted confidence.

Ideal age range: Grades K to 12

  • Rosetta Stone Kids

Kids in grades K–12 can use this. The interactive Rosetta Stone Youngsters program is a great way to get youngsters interested in language study. Kids can learn quickly and track their progress in more than 20 languages. 

The program’s advantages include greater vocabulary, problem-solving abilities, and language competency.

Ideal age range: Grades K to 12

  • Middlebury Interactive Languages

Kids in grades K–12 can use this. A comprehensive language learning program with both online and in-person training is available from Middlebury Interactive Languages. Children can take courses in Chinese, Spanish, French, and more languages, depending on their interests. 

The program’s advantages include heightened confidence, enhanced cultural knowledge, and improved language ability.

Ideal age range: Grades K to 12

  • Summer Adventure

This immersive language experience combines fun activities, interactive lessons, and cultural exploration to enhance language skills. With experienced instructors and an engaging curriculum, children develop fluency, vocabulary, and cultural understanding in a supportive environment. 

Children will gain confidence, improve communication skills, and create a lifelong love for language learning.

Ideal age range: Grades Pre-K to 5

In addition to language programs, summer also offers a great option for kids to stay active and healthy through sports programs. Let’s consider some of the best sports programs for kids this summer.

Related Reading: How Can Teachers Help English Language Learners

Sports Programs

Before we dive into the list of sports programs perfect for keeping your child active and engaged this summer, it’s important to understand the benefits of sports. Physical activity may improve overall health and well-being, boost self-esteem and confidence, and teach important skills such as teamwork, discipline, and goal-setting. With that said, here are five summer sports programs for kids.

“Sports summer programs can help kids stay active, develop teamwork and leadership skills, and foster a lifelong love for physical activity.” – Coach Tom Johnson, Sports Educator

  • Nike Sports Camps

Nike Sports Camps, catering to kids in grades K-12, present a diverse array of sports, including but not limited to basketball, soccer, and tennis, to challenge athletes of all skill levels and enable them to advance with professional coaching. 

Participating in such camps, young athletes can benefit from gaining new skills, building confidence, and enjoying a supportive and fun environment.

Ideal age range: Grades K to 12

  • Challenger Sports Soccer Camps

Challenger Sports Soccer Camps, offering a top-notch education in soccer, equip young soccer enthusiasts in grades K-12 with technical skills, tactical awareness, and physical fitness improvement.  

Children can benefit from a complete soccer education in a demanding setting and develop their abilities, knowledge, and fitness while enjoying themselves.

Ideal age range: Grades K to 12

  • U.S. Sports Camps

U.S. Sports Camps, tailored to meet the needs of kids in grades K-12, offering a broad spectrum of sports programs, spanning baseball, lacrosse, and swimming, and are overseen by leading instructors who furnish young athletes with an unparalleled opportunity to amplify their skills and vie at an elevated level.

Such programs offer many benefits, including customized coaching, exposure to novel tactics, and the chance to network with athletes from across the country.

Ideal age range: Grades K to 12

  • Skyhawks Sports Academy

Enter the Skyhawks Sports Academy, primed to cater to children in grades K-12, with an array of sports activities, encompassing flag football, volleyball, and track and field, designed to foster a secure and supportive environment in which kids can hone their confidence and proficiency.

The benefits of such an academy include the enhancement of skills, a boost in self-esteem, and an emphasis on sportsmanship and teamwork, among others.

Ideal age range: Grades K to 12

  • International Sports Training Camp

The International Sports Training Camp is the perfect pick for young athletes with a steely resolve to make their mark in sports. Catering to children in grades 3-12, this camp presents customized programs in diverse sports, such as gymnastics, swimming, and tennis.

The perks of such a program include the possibility of training with other driven athletes worldwide and gaining access to world-class instruction and facilities, among other things.

Ideal age range: Grades 3 to 12

By enrolling your kid in one of the top 20 summer camps for kids, you can provide them with a summer chock-full of amusement while setting them on the path to future success. After knowing the best summer programs for preschoolers to grade 12, let’s look into the primary advantages of summer programs for your kids. 

Related Reading: Fun Free Games for Kids to Play Online

Benefits of Summer Programs

The benefits of summer programs for kids vary across different age groups. As highlighted in an article by the American Camp Association, summer programs create an environment that fosters experiential learning and instills self-esteem, self-worth, leadership qualities, and a sense of self-identity that ultimately contribute to developing essential personal competencies. Therefore, the advantages of summer programs extend beyond mere recreation and entertainment. Here are some of the most notable benefits that summer programs can provide to children.

  • Intellectual Stimulation: Summer programs can provide unique options for kids to continue learning and exploring new topics fun and engagingly. This can help prevent the “summer slide” and prepare kids for the next school year.
  • Social Interaction: The friendliness and sociability of children can be augmented via their involvement in summer activities, which present an ideal milieu for cultivating new friendships and social interactions. Indeed, such endeavors may even be conducive to bolstering their social skills and self-assurance levels.
  • Improved Health: The summertime presents a veritable opportunity for youngsters to attain and sustain physical and mental wellness, thanks to the plethora of summer programs that emphasize sports and physical activity. This could impact their overall health and well-being over the long haul.
  • Exposure to New Ideas: Summer programs can serve as a vehicle for broadening a child’s intellectual horizons and exposure to novel ideas that might not be broached in their daily academic pursuits. By partaking in these offerings, children may gain a more cosmopolitan and comprehensive outlook on the world.
  • Increased Creativity: It is noteworthy that artistic and musical pursuits can be a means for children to express themselves innovatively and creatively. Such outlets have the potential to foster intellectual and personal growth for young people, thus paving the way for greater self-awareness and development.
  • Career Exploration: Some summer programs, especially those focused on STEM fields, can offer kids a glimpse into potential career paths and help them explore their interests hands-on.
  • Increased Confidence: Completing summer classes for kids may give them a sense of accomplishment and enhance their self-esteem. Their academic achievement and personal growth benefit from this.
Related Reading: Amazingly Hilarious Summer Jokes for Kids

Ignite Your Child’s Passion for Learning

Children have a unique chance to participate in learning and growth-promoting activities during the pleasant and bright summer months. Recent research highlighted in an article on American Summer Camps shows that summer camps provide a useful way to address the causes of kids’ anxiety and hopelessness that could exist at home, especially with the rising prevalence of kids’ mental health issues.

Choosing the best match for their children can be challenging for parents and teachers due to the abundance of options accessible. However, parents and educators can safely select a summer program to pique their children’s interest in learning and exploration by carefully reviewing the 20 top programs this article lists.

Make sure to create the most of it before this summer slips by! Please encourage your child to delve into new areas of interest, cultivate their creative potential, and establish lifelong friendships through these exceptional summer programs. Whether your child’s inclination lies in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), the arts, foreign languages, or athletics, a program will stimulate and challenge them to reach their full strength.

Seize the opportunity to initiate a summer of learning and self-growth by enrolling your child in one of these programs today.

Related Reading: Summer School Teaching Ideas That Students Would Love

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are these summer programs only for U.

S. residents?

No, some summer classes for kids may also be open to international students. However, it’s important to check each program’s eligibility requirements.

How long do these summer programs typically last?

The duration of each program may vary, but many programs range from one week to several weeks.

Are any scholarships or financial aid opportunities accessible for these summer programs?

Some kids’ summer programs may offer financial aid or scholarships, but it’s important to contact each program directly for more information.

How early should I enroll my child in a summer program?

Enrollment dates may vary, but enrolling your child as early as possible is generally recommended to secure a spot and allow for necessary preparation.

Can my child participate in multiple summer programs at once?

It’s possible, but it’s important to ensure that the schedules of each program do not conflict and that your child has enough time to rest and recharge between programs.

10 applications that will teach children to program

Bubble

beat everyone around ? – it’s time to do something about it. We have collected 10 useful games for children of different ages that will help you learn programming.

How to teach a child to code? You can probably try to leave it alone with a thick programming textbook, but the result is unlikely to be successful. And certainly not fast. A more effective way is to maintain interest and offer to comprehend the basics with the help of exciting app games.

Contents

🎯 the most useful life hacks in mini-format live in our telegram. We post once a day, short and to the point.

Games for teaching kids to code

Applications for the youngest programmers are extremely simple to operate: the buttons are labeled with familiar symbols, so you don’t even need to be able to read. A child will not learn to program in the usual sense, but will definitely develop logical and algorithmic thinking. By the way, not only developers need them. You can start playing from 4–5 years old, but often parents also get stuck in applications.

LightBot

This puzzle contains the basics of programming for kids and has been played by over 20 million kids around the world. Teachers use it to explain what procedures and cycles are. The child will control a cute robot whose task is to turn on light bulbs on a 3D platform. At the first levels it is easy, but then you have to think. To solve the puzzle, the child has to write cycles and it is desirable that they have a minimum of actions.

When a child asks for help, the main thing is to hold on and not go through all the levels for him. Image: LightBot

The child sees the code from the blocks on the right side of the screen. When the robot executes the program, each block is highlighted so that the error can be tracked.

Game features:

  • 50 levels available;
  • has Russian localization;
  • teaches children how to plan, test and debug a program.

Where to download: on the App Store. There is a browser version that you can play for free for an hour.

Price: $2.99.

Piktomir

A game in Russian to learn programming from scratch for kids who don’t know how to write yet or don’t really like to do it. The principle is the same as in LightBot. The child writes a program for different robots. One must fix all the tiles on the platform, the second must move the boxes and barrels, and the third must light the lanterns so that the astronauts can rest in the garden.

The base world contains 55 puzzles. And there are other worlds. Image: Piktomir

The game is colorful, bright – it will definitely attract the attention of a five-year-old child. The code is displayed on the right. The main part of the blocks is intuitive, but the child may have difficulty with the meaning of some. So adults need to be ready to prompt.

Hint: The blue button on the top bar helps you test the program step by step. Image: Piktomir

Game features:

  • there are levels for teaching programming to preschoolers and primary school students;
  • if the child is learning English, you can switch to this language and consolidate knowledge;
  • The game introduces children to different types of algorithms: linear, if-then, loop with repetition, while loop.

Where to download: App Store, Google Play. You can play in a browser or install the game on a computer – versions for Windows, Linux, MacOS are available.

How much: free.

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Scratch Junior

This game has been downloaded over 5 million times from Google Play. Scratch Junior is especially interesting because it is a real development environment. There are no specific tasks here as in the previous applications. The child acts as a director and screenwriter who will write his own cartoon or game. To do this, there are many blocks that need to be assembled like LEGO.

Who knows, maybe after playing Scratch Junior your child will decide to become the second Bill Gates. Image: Scratch Junior

The main character is a red cat. He can be accompanied by a crab, a starfish or a polar bear. For each character, you can write your own code, make an exciting cartoon and share it with other guys.

Features of the game:

  • introduces children to linear algorithms, cycles;
  • you can draw your character in a graphic editor – the scope for creativity is very large;
  • you can watch the games of other children and evaluate their code;
  • clear controls, although the game is mostly in English.

Where to download: App Store, Google Play.

How much: free.

Cargo-Bot

The developers of this puzzle decided to move away from programming robots. Instead, they offer to move multi-colored containers around the sample using a manipulator. But this must be done in the minimum number of actions, if you want to get three stars.

How do you think, with what attempt will the child be able to solve this puzzle? And you? Image: Cargo-Bot

In Cargo-Bot, the child will learn how to write cycles and optimize the code. The number of actions available for each cycle is limited. For example, the first cycle may contain 8 actions, and the fourth one may contain five. This serves as a hint for the child and forces him to look for more optimal solutions at each level.

Features of the game:

  • there are six levels of difficulty, the last one is called “impossible”, which already awakens excitement;
  • has hints, but to use them, you need to know English.

Where to download: App Store. There is a web version – you do not need to register.

How much: free.

Applications for teaching programming to younger students

In these games, the programs that children will write will not be displayed as a sequence of blocks, but will look like a real script, and in English. Therefore, it is necessary to know the simple words step, left, right.

CodeMonkey

CodeMonkey is an educational platform with cartoon characters. It is used by teachers in Great Britain, China, and the USA. And in Israel, CodeMonkey games are included in programming competitions for elementary grades.

You can play these games for free for two weeks. Image: Code Monkey
A block version of the game that even a preschooler can handle. By the way, there is an error in the “code” in the picture. Find? Image: CodeMonkey

In CodeMonkey, a child takes courses. In the free trial version, which lasts 14 days, 10 courses are available, in the paid one – 20. The developers suggest starting by studying the sequences and cycles that are available in the basic course. And then you can move on to a more difficult level and learn the basics of Python, CoffeeScript, and game design.

Each time it will be more and more difficult for the monkey to get bananas. Image: CodeMonkey

Two versions are available for programming: block and text. In the second case, the child will see a text version of the code, the lines in which can be changed and the correctness of the script can be checked immediately.

Features of the game:

  • gives a serious knowledge base – the child will learn the basics of programming, game design and improve mathematics;
  • intuitive operation;
  • you can create your own games, however, only in the paid version;
  • has Russian localization, but the code will still be visible in English.

Where to download: web version only available. You need to register, but an eight-year-old cannot do this on his own – there are age restrictions.

Cost: free for the first two weeks. Then you need to buy a subscription.

If your young programmer decides to get acquainted with the Python language, it does not hurt to supplement the learning process with books:

  • Bryson Payne “Python for kids and parents”.
  • Adriana Taquet “Programming with children. Create 50 awesome Python games.”
  • Schumann Hans-Georg “Python for children”.

Popular books, available not only in Russian. The originals were published in English, but there are translations into many other languages.

Scratch

If Scratch Junior is designed mainly for preschoolers, then just Scratch will be of interest to younger students and teenagers who are starting to learn programming.

Scratch is a development environment in which you can write games and create cartoons. To do this, the child needs to make a program of colored blocks: blocks of one color are responsible for movement, the other – for position in space. As a result, the program looks like a LEGO set assembled from many colorful pieces.

This is what a simple program looks like in Scratch. Image: Scratch
Ah, well, it’s complicated. Even parents will have to break their heads. Image: Scratch

In addition to the building blocks, the child can create their own and give them the necessary functions. This is not an easy task and may require the help of an adult.

Game features:

  • on YouTube – a huge number of Scratch lessons. For example, the child will be able to write the game “Snake”, football or racing;
  • has a forum where you can meet other young programmers and become part of a large community;
  • you can share your games and watch someone else’s code;
  • there is a Russian version.

Where to download: you can play directly in your browser after registration, download the application on Google Play, and install it on your computer.

How much: free.

You can explore the world of Scratch from books:

  • Majed Marji “Scratch for Children”.
  • Aludden Johan, Vallasindi Federico “Video games on Scratch. Programming for children.
  • Matthew Hyland “We program with children. Create 10 fun games with Scratch.”

Available in English, Russian and other languages.

Gamefroot

This is a platform for those who want to create animations and games. Similar to Scratch in functionality: the child will also code using colored blocks, of which there are a lot. At the same time, the program for each element of the game opens in a separate window, which simplifies the work of young developers.

Don’t be surprised if after a few days of class your child offers to play his game. Image: Gamefroot

On the platform, a child can create a game from scratch or practice on a school project. The blank already has a background, layers and characters have been created. It remains to study how the code works, check its operation and make your own changes.

Game features:

  • allows you to create complex logic, which means that the child can write an exciting game;
  • has an animation editor in which you can set the desired movements for the character;
  • you can upload ready-made scripts and upload your own;
  • is available only in English, so that the child can improve their knowledge.

Where to download: platform is available in the browser. Registration required.

How much: free.

Programs for teaching coding to older students

This is almost a professional level – applications for teenagers who already know how to think logically, understand mathematics and are quite familiar with the English language.

Grasshopper

Project from Google for those who want to learn how to program in JavaScript. And although the web service is designed for beginners, a young developer will immediately have to dive into scripts.

On the main page, the child will be greeted by a joyful family of grasshoppers. Image: Grasshopper

Platform training is broken down into blocks. First, a teenager will learn the basics of JavaScript: various operators, working with lists and variables. Next – get acquainted with animation and task automation.

At first, programming is offered with the help of blocks, which are converted into lines of code. And then the child will write the scripts by hand – all in an adult way.

Completing tasks in Grasshopper, the child will also learn what the flag of France, Poland and … the Gabonese Republic looks like. Image: Grasshopper
And here you can not be afraid to break someone else’s code or improve it. Image: Grasshopper

Application features:

  • there is a gallery where you can experiment with the code: change it in the proposed projects or create your own from scratch;
  • users immediately see the result of the program;
  • is only available in English.

Where to download: has a web version that requires a Google account to sign up. Grasshopper can also be installed on a smartphone by downloading it from Google Play or the App Store.

How much: free.

Additional reading:

  • Nick Morgan “JavaScript for kids. Programming Tutorial”.
  • David Whitney Programming for kids. Five of the coolest games on HTML and JavaScrip.
  • Moritz Jeremy “Learning to code in JavaScript”.

Swift Playgrounds

The app’s developers call their product revolutionary. Compared to other games, Swift Playgrounds impresses with bright 3D graphics with an unusual character. I want to immediately run the program and start coding.

The character in Swift Playgrounds looks strange, but cute. Image: Swift Playgrounds

A Swift Playgrounds user will code in the popular Swift language, which is used for writing applications for Apple. It is proposed to get acquainted with the language by solving puzzles of different difficulty levels. Then you can move on to interactive lessons and dive deeper into development. The result of the code execution will be immediately shown on the screen – this makes learning more interesting and visual.

How about making a popular game yourself? Image: Swift Playgrounds

App features:

  • code elements can be easily dragged and dropped, which simplifies development;
  • created applications can be transferred to full screen mode and admire your work;
  • Finished projects can be sent to friends if they also code in Swift Playgrounds;
  • is only available in English.

Where to download: is available in the App Store for Mac and iPad.

How much: free.

More to read:

Matt McCarthy and Gloria Winquist wrote Swift for Kids. Tutorial on creating apps for iOS. For a young programmer, this book can become a desktop.

CodeCombat

This application is a godsend for parents whose children are ready to play computer games for hours. The environment for learning is the colorful worlds of the Middle Ages, hot deserts and majestic mountains. To lead the hero to their destination or defeat the enemy, you need to write a code that is displayed on the right side of the screen. If the code is wrong, a warning will appear.

In Backwood Forest, a child learns the secrets of operators, and in the Sarben Desert, cycles. Image: CodeCombat
The game is very atmospheric – you can’t immediately say that it teaches programming. Image: CodeCombat

CodeCombat introduces you to JavaScript and Python programming. Users get acquainted with the code elements gradually, immediately applying them in the game space.

One wrong line – and the hero will meet with the ogres. Image: CodeCombat

App features:

  • users immediately write text code, without the help of graphic blocks;
  • you can edit levels and objects for your classmates and friends;
  • app is available in more languages.

Where to download: game is available in web version.

How much: there are free levels and a paid subscription.

TL;DR

Apps that teach coding are often skeptical, but they help keep kids interested in coding. When you’re six or eight, building a program out of colored blocks is much more fun and interesting than writing lines of code in C++ or Python.

Games provide an opportunity to explain complex terms in a language understandable to children. If a cycle is asked for in a block program that a child has compiled, you can tell what it is and offer to make the code simpler. And it’s also a great opportunity to spend time with children.

Games and puzzles are the very first steps in teaching children to code. Do not put off getting to know them and offer your child suitable applications right now. And then you can move on to more serious training – courses for beginners. For older students, Coursera’s Fundamentals of Python Programming, Envato’s How to Become a Web Developer, or, for example, Introduction to JavaScript on edX, are suitable.

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apps to help you get started in IT

Just 15 minutes a day is enough for a child to get basic programming skills. This is facilitated by simple applications and services that develop logic, broaden horizons, form spatial and critical thinking.

There are applications for the youngest, who are not yet familiar with mathematics and grammar, as well as for older ones, where you can master the text code and create your first project.

What are these fascinating applications and where to get them – let’s talk in today’s article.

Swift Playgrounds

The first app on our list is Swift Playgrounds. This is the development of Apple, which, according to the creators, is able to teach programming to any child.

The interactive interface helps beginners learn Swift, Apple’s programming language, and in the lessons offered, the guys write their own code to guide on-screen heroes through an exciting graphical world. There are also templates that allow you to create your own programs.

The application is, unfortunately, completely in English, so a basic knowledge of this language is required, but it’s worth it.

Age: from 13 years old

Cost: free

Download link: Swift Playgrounds

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LightBot: Code Hour 9 0019

An exciting game for the little ones that will help develop algorithmic thinking. The essence of the game is that you need to pave the way from the starting point of the robot to the burning plate. The difficulty is that you need to do this in a minimum number of steps, and to complete the task you need to use sequential commands.

Maximum logic is required from the child. To complete the game, you need to complete 20 different tasks – this is a free package. If desired, you can buy another 50 additional levels.

Age: 4 to 8 years old

Cost: free, paid levels available

Download link: iOS, Android

ScratchJr

ScratchJr is an introductory programming language for kids that helps create your own interactive stories and games. Children bring the characters to life to move, jump, dance and sing. Children will learn how to solve problem situations, develop projects and creatively express their thoughts with the help of technology.

The essence of the game is that you need to control the character by dragging and connecting colored blocks. This is a good mathematical simulator, and the characters themselves can be changed and various equipment and animals can be added to the game.

Age: 4 to 8 years old

Cost: free

Download link: iOS, Android

Piktomir

9 0003

Pictomir helps to learn visual programming. Young programmers must help the robot pass all the tests. With the help of the application, children develop algorithmic thinking and get acquainted with the basics of programming, as well as train memory, perseverance and logic.

Age: 4 to 8 years old

Cost: Free

Download Link: iOS, Android

SpriteBox

90 003

SpriteBox is a full-blown adventure game that helps you quickly jump to real world coding. programming language. Learning begins with icon controls, which then give way to text commands. Children solve puzzles and learn sequences, operations and cycles.

Age: 4 to 8 years old

Cost: Free

Download Link: iOS, Android

Learn to Code

programming for those who are older. The application is designed for children from 13 years old, and its functionality allows you to learn up to 35 different languages, including frameworks. You can check your knowledge in the form of tests. For children, useful chips are available that will be useful in development.

Among the features is a built-in code editor in which you can write your first programs.

Age: 13+

Cost: Free

Download Link: Android

Code.org

This is a full-fledged service for learning programming, which is suitable for both schoolchildren and for preschoolers. Among the partners of the site are such large companies as Apple, Google, Facebook, Amazon. In the first lesson, Mark Zuckerberg explains why you need to learn to program at all.

The courses themselves are free, and passing them will allow you to understand the basics of programming and learn how the algorithm turns into JavaScript code.

Age: 4+

Cost: Free

Service Link: Code.org

Box Island

The ultimate mobile game in which you have to roam the island, overcome obstacles and collect stars. Teaching kids the basics of programming through sequences and loops is a great start. Box Island develops logical thinking, pattern recognition and memory.

Age: 4+

Cost: Free

Download Link: iOS

CodeCombat

9 0002 Another service for learning programming, which is suitable for children of all ages. It contains interactive classes on Python and JavaScript, as well as the basics of computer science. Thanks to gamification, learning is easy and fun.

Age: from 4 years old

Price: free trial for one lesson, paid plans start at $219 per week

Service Link: Codecombat

Kodu Game Lab

Programming for kids who are interested in gamedev should start with this applications. Kodu is Microsoft’s visual programming game. With it, the child will not only learn programming and design, but also create a real 3D game that can be played on PC or Xbox.

Age: 4+

Cost: Free

Download Link: Kodu Game Lab

Tynker

Tynker – is a complete platform that allows you to teach your child various programming languages: JavaScript, Python, and also HTML and CSS. In total, Tynker has about 2,000 games, including topics on augmented reality and robotics.

The only disadvantage of the platform is that everything is in English, but many games require only minimal knowledge of English.

Age: 4+

Price: free trial available, paid starts at $15 per month

Service Link: Tynker

Grasshopper 900 19

Grasshopper is Google’s mobile game for learning JavaScript. Children learn to understand the basic concepts of programming through visual puzzles. A pretty green grasshopper helps them in this.

Age: from 13 years old

Cost: free

Official page: Grasshopper

Snap!

Snap! is a cool service for kids that was developed by the staff of the California Institute at Berkeley. Visually, the programming environment resembles Scratch, and this is not surprising, since Snap! was created as an addition to this language.

One of the main features is the ability to create your own blocks by combining a sequence of commands into them, thanks to which you can develop subroutines and nested functions.

Unfortunately, the service is not Russified, but it is completely free.

Age: from 8 years old

Price: free

Service link: Snap!

Instead of a conclusion

Educational programming games for children is an opportunity to show a child another reality.