Kid-Friendly Resources for Learning to Code

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In today’s world, coding is one of the best things children can learn.

However, resources for learning to code are still rather scarce.

I’ve compiled a list of resources for learning to code that you can use with your children (and you can learn it, too!) that will help set the foundation for them to create programs, apps, computer games, and even queries and reports in a traditional office environment. It’s an important part of any STEM activities for kids.

This activity is one of our favorite technology activities for kids!

You’ll also want to check out the ultimate list of summer STEM activities and the ultimate list of summer science experiments. 

Why We Love Coding

Monkey is interested in robots, computer programs, and loves patterns. My younger siblings all participated in First Robotics when they were in high school, and I plan to enroll Monkey in a robotics program when she is old enough. Programming and coding is useful for many different industries.

My husband works in bankruptcy and had to teach himself coding and computer-coded reporting tools so that he could complete all of the tasks he has to do in one day. There are few industries where coding is not used today.

Even if a child winds up in an industry where she/he doesn’t have to use coding directly, the problem-solving skills and techniques that are necessary for coding help improve focus, organization skills, creativity, and the ability to keep trying until something finally works.

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. 

Kid-Friendly Resources for Learning to Code

Coding Apps and Games

Since Monkey is only nine, most of our coding experiences so far have been game-based. This has made learning the code a little more interesting for her and introduces the concepts in a non-stressful way. Our favorite coding game is CodeCombat, because you can learn a real coding language right in-game. We are choosing to learn Python first. Other coding apps and games are easier to use, but they also do not use real coding language, which means eventually you will have to re-train with a real language. However, they are perfect for learning sequencing and other basic concepts.

So far, these are our favorite coding apps and games:

Scratch and Scratch Jr.
CodeCombat
Code Academy
More Coding Apps for Kids

Coding Books

Sometimes, reading about coding and creating different coding strings with old-fashioned pencil and paper can be helpful. We like these books about coding:
Python for Kids: A Playful Introduction to Programming
Coding For Kids For Dummies
DK Workbooks: Computer Coding
Minecraft Modding For Kids For Dummies

Hands-On Coding Resources

Sometimes, the best way to inspire a new hobby/interest is with hands-on activities. We love using robots and other fun tools to make coding seem more interesting and fun.
Google Cardboard (there are dozens of coding apps you can use with these!)
Ozobot Bit programmable robot
Raspberry Pi 2 programmable computer
Makeblock mBot advanced programmable robot

Other Coding Tools

There are a lot of coding tools designed for classroom use that we would love to own, but probably will not get at home. Perhaps we can start a coding class at a co-op group and fund some of these larger ticket items.

Kibo Blocks
Knex STEM Explorations
LEGO Mindstorms EV3 31313

What resources for learning to code are popular at your house?