Free resources to teach your kids how to code, in a fun way
The date is 12th March 2020, and as of today the Republic of Ireland is in a lockdown due to the spread of Covid-19 disease. This means our schools, pubs, universities etc. are closed, and the citizens are asked to remain relatively isolated, until our heroes in the medical profession and the government deal with the pandemic.
This poses a great challenge for parents in keeping their kids occupied during the day. I do not have any kids of my own and have no way of knowing what activities do the kids do in such times! Perhaps the schools have prepared an alternate curriculum and home-work, which is great. Then, there are so many video games out there, and ofcourse the humble television.
But hey… have you considered introducing your kids to the wonderful world of coding?
But, isn’t coding tough and boring?
It doesn’t have to be. Coding does not just include sitting behind a computer screen and writing a long piece of complex code in an alien programming language.
The first step in learning ‘how to code’ is to develop a logical and simple mindset. I wish somebody had told me this a decade ago!
Logical — understand the problem, interpret the problem, chalk out the solution, know the barriers, choose a medium or channel, build a solution and finally test the solution for its viability. The medium or channel here, can be a programming platform or a software, but that shouldn’t be the highest priority. The important thing is to learn how to connect the dots, and turn a problem into a solution.
Simple — life is simple, it is us who makes it complex! every solution we present for a problem must be describable in easy words and could be explained and understood by everyone!
Kids are simple people in general. We must encourage them to always think and find simple solutions in every aspect.
Today we have so many free and readily available resources on the internet, to help kids understand the foundations of coding. Below are some websites and apps to help your kids start with coding. They are interactive, creative and visual. Your kids can tell stories, play games, build blocks, solve puzzles or learn coding languages like Javascript, Python etc. in a cool new way.
Scratch
What is Scratch: Youtube video
Developed by the guys at MIT Media lab, Scratch is a visual programming language, and has a wide online community. Kids can program and share interactive media such as games and stories. It is ideally created for kids of age 8+. However, for younger kids they have a simplified version called ScratchJr, and it is available as a free iOS and Android app too!
As you see from the interface below, kids can write programs by arranging various blocks of actions in correct sequences. There is no writing of code involved here, in essence.
CodeCombat
This is literally an online game involving dungeons, heroes, forests etc. Interesting isn’t it?
It involves writing and learning actual code syntax (in a easy way) and help your hero progress through their adventure. It teaches the most common web languages Javascript, Python and CoffeeScript. It is suitable for kids of age 9+. It can be played in a single player or multi player scenario.
Blockly Games
Quoting from their website “ Blockly Games is a series of educational games that teach programming. It is designed for children who have not had prior experience with computer programming. By the end of these games, players are ready to use conventional text-based languages.”
Tynker
Tynker comes with a wide range of modules to help kids learn block coding, build apps, web development, design games and much more. Love Minecraft? It teaches you to build cool Minecraft mods too! Sick!
With a free student account, you can unlock upto 20 coding games within the platform
There is Tynker for mobile too. Check out their mobile apps here.
Hopscotch
A free iOS app (watch youtube video) helping your kids build block programs, games and animations and sharing it with the wider community. It is again based on Scratch programming language. The app comes with a vibrant and colorful interface, and a ton of helpful in-app instructions.
Code Monster by Crunchzilla
So, a cute monster telling you to code. Starts from the very basic and moves on to advanced concepts. The language here is Javascript. Kids can start again from where they left the last time, basically taking their own time to learn the topics.
These are some of my top picks in this article. There are many such great websites and apps out there (free and paid both). Happy learning, take care and wash your hands for 20 sec!
PS: I do not work at or endorse any of these platforms professionally.
