Creating the Next Generation of Developers
Children are growing up in a world where programming skills will be essential in virtually everyone’s life in the not so distant future. As our homes, vehicles, entertainment, and even healthcare become increasingly software-driven, the demand for people with programming skills to create and work with these technologies is on the rise. Even if a child doesn’t aspire to work on the development side of things, basic programming is playing a growing role in nearly every career and having a good understanding of how the technology that powers their favorite things works will make their lives easier.
Code is the universal language of the future and as with learning any language, the earlier you start, the easier it is to learn it. Even if you’re not experienced with coding yourself, there’s no good reason not to get your kids started on the path to learning to code with the abundance of free resources available today – you might even learn a little coding yourself along the way! Get inspired to get your children started on the path to coding today by checking out these two great TED talks on why you should teach your kids to code.
- Mitch Resnick: Let’s teach kids to code – https://www.ted.com/talks/mitch_resnick_let_s_teach_kids_to_code
- Linda Liukas: A delightful way to teach kids about computers – https://www.ted.com/talks/linda_liukas_a_delightful_way_to_teach_kids_about_computers
Now, get your kids started on the path to learning to code with these 14 best coding websites for kids in elementary, middle, and high school.
Kodable [free/paid] – Elementary School to Teen+
Kodable starts kids at the kindergarten level with coding games. Kids progress to reading and writing JavaScript through kid-friendly, self-directed lessons. Kodable teaches computer science fundamentals while playing alongside colorful characters. Kids learn to build their own characters, take on other coders, and create levels.
Code.org [free] – Elementary School to Teen+
https://studio.code.org/courses
Students can learn computer science fundamentals by completing a series of four courses. Courses include puzzles, videos, and activities and culminate in students being able to design games or stories for sharing online. With a course catalog for kids starting as young as 4, this free program offers something for kids of all ages.
Code Combat [free/paid] – Elementary School to Teen+
Students use text-based programming to learn to code in Python and JavaScript. With the ability to connect with other players in the community, Code Combat makes coding a team sport. Worlds and levels get more challenging as kids master more manageable levels, encouraging them to continue taking on complex coding challenges.
Tynker [free/paid] – Elementary School to Teen+
Children learn to code at their own pace with Tynker’s self-guided coding-for-kids software. In a fun, interactive environment, kids learn to apply coding concepts to complete each project. Step-by-step courses teach kids how to build, use, and experiment with what they’ve created. Kids also earn badges as they progress, motivating them to continue advancing their skills.
Blockly [free] – Grade School Reader to Teen+
https://blockly-games.appspot.com/
Students drag and drop JavaScript code blocks into sequences to create programs using a block-based programming approach. Although designed using basic graphics and gamification, students must be able to read to utilize the program. This is a good starting point!
Kodu [free] – Grade School Reader to Teen+
Students can create games on their PC and Xbox using a simple visual programming language without having existing design or programming skills. Kids can learn a vast range of coding skills, including branching, variables, number and string manipulation, loops, polymorphism, subroutines, and more.
Scratch [free] – Grade School Reader to Teen+
Designed by MIT students, Scratch uses programming blocks to teach coding by letting students build stories, games, and animations. There is a highly active online community and a step-by-step guide to help those starting out. Students can also download an offline editor. The program also has a simpler version, ScratchJr, designed for kids ages 5-7.
App Inventor [free] – Teen+
Originally developed by Google and now hosted by MIT, the site teaches users how to create Android apps using the visual App Inventor programming language. Video tutorials and courses in a box make App Inventor easy, educational, and fun. Students can build and share mobile apps with a similar approach to block-based programming by moving objects around the screen.
CodeAcademy [free/paid] – Teen+
Students looking to dig into coding will love this interactive website that teaches coding through game-like exercises. They can learn to make a website and other software using a comprehensive set of text-based courses on coding languages such as HTML & CSS, JavaScript, SQL, PHP, jQuery, Ruby on Rails, Python, and others.
Code Monster [free] – Teen+
https://www.crunchzilla.com/code-monster
Perfect for kids who have some JavaScript skills and need more practice. Minimal instruction and an interactive game encourage the student to search for and utilize other tutorials and textbooks to play.
Code Wars [free] – Teen+
Once your child thinks they have mastered the basics of JavaScript, Python, Ruby, Java, or one of several other languages, the can compete in online coding challenges to demonstrate their mastery. They can earn rankings by choosing a language and proving their skills.
Khan Academy [free] – Teen+
https://www.khanacademy.org/computing/computer-programming
Students can complete basic programming tutorials in JavaScript, HTML & CSS, HTML & JavaScript and SQL to learn how to create graphics, animations, interactive visualizations, and more. Programming courses use interactive, play and pause “talk-throughs” with lessons. Lessons include step-by-step coding challenges and projects. Courses take between 15 and 40 hours to complete.
PluralSight [paid] – Teen+
https://www.pluralsight.com/kids-courses
New and aspiring developers can access one of the largest selections of coding courses online through Pluralsight. Over 50 separate expert-led classes are arranged into seven paths. Each path goes over the fundamentals of a single coding language or topic such as JavaScript, Ruby, iOS, HTML & CSS, and databases. Material is gamified to keep kids interested, and coding challenges test students’ knowledge. Pluralsight also has an online community forum to answer students’ questions when stuck.
Glitch [free] – Teen+
Glitch is an easy tool for creating web apps. They’re growing and streamlining developer tools, making it ideal for older kids and teens who are learning to code. Coding on Glitch is like working together in Google Docs–multiple people can work on the same project simultaneously. Students use simple, powerful tools to build their websites and alter projects from real-world languages and frameworks.
Inspired to learn to code yourself or looking for more resources to teach coding to your teen? Check out our article on the 14 of The Best Places to Improve Your Technology Skills for Free.
