6 kids coding programs where you don’t have to be a tech expert

Kids coding programs and apps for kids are also vastly different to a general computer game. When they’re using these programs, they’re developing their creative thinking and problem-solving skills. They’re also safe, interesting and engaging, unlike many computer games out there.

Of one of the programs we feature here, a parent says, “Hopscotch is the only activity I can think of where she uses both her left and right brain.”

 

KOTC issue out now MREC

6 programs any ‘non-tech’ parent can use to help teach their kids to code

SwopBots

SwopBots is a platform and puzzle game that teaches coding to children. It’s designed for absolute beginners and features tutorials to guide you along.

Are you a member of a Sunshine Coast Library? Play SwopBots for free here, all you have to do is enter your library card number.

Rainforest Coding

Learn to code using fun, interactive lessons. From beginner to advanced, this site has lots of information about Scratch.

Rainforest Coding is also available to members of Sunshine Coast Libraries. Play Rainforest Coding for free here, all you have to do is enter your library card number.

Kodable

When computer science transforms into easy-to-teach lessons and games, kids not only have something to enjoy but they’re learning their STEM skills at the same time with Kodable.

ScratchJr

ScratchJr is a great way to teach kids aged 5 to 7 how to code. Scratch Jr teaches young children how to program their own interactive stories and games. While they’re having so much fun doing so, they’re learning how to problem solve, developing design and creativity skills.  Scratch Jnr is like the hidden veggies of computer programming; disguise the boring/scary bits, so they love it!

Hopscotch

Can you believe that kids have made 26 million games on Hopscotch?

Hopscotch is the next step from ScratchJnr, it’s aimed at children eight years and older. The great thing about this coding program is that it gives children a choice to select what interests them.  They can make their favourite games like Pokemon, gain support from tutorials and as their developer skills grow, they can create more detailed games and apps. Check out Hopscotch here.

CODE

Kids all over the world use code.org, it’s definitely one of the most popular. CODE has the backing of tech giants, it has an annual hour of code event and parents can also use it alongside their children. Most importantly, the games to learn coding are AWESOME!

Glow Sleep Easy MREC

Why should kids learn code?

In his article for The Guardian, Dan Crow suggests that software is the language of the world. “In the future, not knowing the language of computers will be as challenging as being illiterate or innumerate are today.”

Although Crow agrees that not every job in the future will involve programming, he believes it’s crucial that every child learns code. But why, if they’re not necessarily going to use it? He argues that it’s the computational thinking component of coding that is essential for children’s futures and when coding programs like these are so fun and beneficial, why not get our kids involved?

This article is contributed by Sunshine Coast Libraries. To find out more about Sunshine Coast Libraries online coding programs and other services visit https://library.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/.


Related Stories

We’ve found the best STEM resources! (They are free too!)
Early literacy games you can play anytime and anywhere
Be the playmate in your child’s early literacy


 

KOTC issue out now MREC

Search tags: Technology
By Claire Gilligan
WITH A FIFO HUSBAND WHO WORKS AWAY WEEKS AT A TIME, CLAIRE ENJOYS FINDING FUN, LOCAL THINGS TO DO AND PLACES TO VISIT TO OCCUPY HER AND HER TWO GIRLS' TIME. ORIGINALLY FROM SYDNEY, CLAIRE AND HER FAMILY LOVE ALL THE THINGS THE SUNSHINE COAST HAS TO OFFER AND ENJOY SHOWING IT OFF TO VISITING FAMILY AND FRIENDS. Kids on the Coast is a free family magazine whats on guide for Kids: things to do, school holiday fun and free activities for kids... Fun attractions, family food & travel, kids health & wellbeing, kids parties venues, parenting, pregnancy & babies, guide for parents. Servicing Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and beyond, Kids on the Coast is an online guide for parents with kids things to do with kids, schools and education and lifestyle news located on Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast & Brisbane, QLD.

You might also like…