Teaching Coding to Kids: 11 Terrific Online Resources

Last updated on April 1st, 2024 at 01:31 pm

The world is much different than when we were growing up. Teaching coding to kids was something very few people thought about. But today, parents and teachers know that teaching kids to code has lots of benefits beyond the computer screen. 

When kids learn to code, they develop better problem-solving and critical thinking skills, they use their creativity, and they learn perserverance. 

As with any activity, you don’t want to push children though. If you’d like to teach your kids to code, keep in mind, that you need to make it interesting and fun.

If they show resistance, simply shelve the idea, and wait until your child is a little older before trying to introduce coding again.

Here are some great online resources that will help newbies and children learn how to code.

Teaching Coding to Kids: 10 Terrific Resources

1. Code Monkey

This one is very much aimed at kids for a soft entry into coding and programming in general. It tries to remove the more sterile and clinical side of coding to help younger people explore coding concepts. Once they have a feel for how coding works, they are further introduced to the more technical side of programming. It is pretty handy platform that offers online coding for kids through a fun, game-based approach.

2. Code Combat

This is similar to Code Monkey in that it tries to get kids away from the more sterile side of coding through game-based learning. It does have a teaching structure, but it is more interested in showing off its games and showing how they teach the basics of coding to kids.

3. Wiz Kid

Wiz Kid offers coding and STEM education programs for kids between the ages of 4 and 18. They offer a wide range of fun and engaging instructor-led coding programs, including group virtual coding classes, summer and holiday camps, lunch time, after school programs, and STEM workshops.

4. CodeEmoji

This is a far more structured course that is more similar to what you may see in a classroom. It introduces kids to programming with a more colorful and vibrant interface than what an actual coding tool may offer.

5. Wibit.Net

In a series of courses taught by two of the most delightful nerds, their courses start at the absolute beginning, which means they suit people of any skill level. They may move too quickly for smaller children, but almost anybody can learn from their courses because they start with the basics. You’ll even find out about tools to download for free and how to set them up.

6. Codecademy

Geared toward older students, Codeacademy offers a user-friendly experience that encourages and motivates students to keep learning. Each lesson includes clickable hints to help the student when they get stuck. This platform is a good way to teach coding to teens who are interested in vocational coding projects like web design and data science. 

7. Code.Org

Through a series of courses, your child can learn how to code, or you can teach your child how to code. This is a very full and robust library of coding courses and teaching. It is really up to you as the parent to pick out what is needed and lead the way in your child’s coding education.

8. Sprite Box

Don’t let the colorful graphics and the sweet looking adventure game fool you, this is a programming app for tweens and older. It offers puzzles where you have to use coding to find the solution. 

9. Swift Playgrounds

As your kids show an interest in coding and perhaps start showing some aptitude, you can put them onto this Apple app. It offers coding lessons for people who are already interested in coding. It requires at least a little dedication, so is perhaps not suitable as a first experience of programming.

10. Codeable Crafts

This app will instruct your child very little in the way of usable codes or skills. However, it does introduce children to the principles of coding, and can show how a small series of commands be altered to generate very different results.

11. Raspberry Pi

Another Apple-only app, here, you pick a course or a club and get on it. There is plenty to choose from, which is a good thing, but it makes it difficult for kids to get into the system on their own. They may need some help from a parent to direct the classes.

With so many resources offering online coding for kids, all you need to do is choose the one that’s best for you and your child. Teaching coding to kids is worth doing, and your child will reap the benefits!

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