Teach Kids Coding with these Top Sites

My dad was a computer whiz. He started out working for Amoco in the basement tape room as a 17-year old and worked his way up to supervisor writing computer programs for the company. Before he passed away in 2012, I would call him daily with questions about my website design. I was just starting out and basically knew nothing.

He taught me so much in the few short months before he passed away. It wasn’t until after he passed that I really started getting into and learning coding. I so wish I would’ve listened to him all those years to learn more from him. It is both a proud accomplishment and a bittersweet moment when I realize he would be so proud of how far I’ve come in the last eight years.

Learning to code is a lot of fun and allows children to hone skills far beyond the technological lessons of coding language. They’ll learn math skills, critical thinking, problem-solving, as well as building their creativity. And all this while learning how to make their own games and apps.

Plus, the internet is full of great resources for teaching kids coding and many of them are free! Here are some of the best sites to use to teach kids coding, whether they’re new to the game or have been coding for a while.

Sites to Teach Coding to Younger Kids and Beginners

Scratch

Scratch is a simple drag-and-drop coding site that will help younger children and beginners begin to build the skills necessary to code. Kids can use their creativity to develop fun games, plus play games created by other users. It’s simple to learn and free to use.

Tynker

At Tynker, kids can learn to create their own games, but they can also learn to program drones, LEGO robots, and other supported toys. This site is free to join, but for certain features, you must subscribe to a monthly plan.

Kodable

Aimed at elementary students, Kodable teaches children the basics of coding through simple games and lesson plans. Parents are able to track progress and learn alongside their children. There is a small one-time fee for lifetime use of the site.

GoldieBlox

The GoldieBlox site offers a variety of free apps that teach the concepts of coding, as well as a variety of STEM toys and books. The site has a main focus on themes that are typically appealing to girls. 

Sites to Teach Coding to Older Kids and Intermediates

Code.org

While there is plenty for younger students to learn and do at Code.org, there are also lots of more advanced lessons for older children and those who are ready for a little more challenging material. All the lessons on the site are free to use.

CodeCombat

CodeCombat is a fun, game-based website that older children enjoy as they work through different coding lessons and concepts. The site offers a free intro to computer science course, as well as a subscription version of the site that is lesson based.

Mimo

If you’re looking for an app-based coding program to teach older children, Mimo is available on both Android and iPhone. There are free lessons available, as well as in-app purchases to extend the lessons and learn more.

CodeCademy

CodeCademy teaches a number of coding languages with a wide range of free courses. This site has a more traditionally educational feel and is best for high school students or those who are focused on more challenging coding languages.

Learning to code has so many wonderful benefits for kids and with so many free and affordable options, finding a site that your children will enjoy is easy. Whether you’re incorporating coding into homeschool lesson plans or just helping your children gain new and useful skills, coding classes are definitely something you should try.

Be sure to check out all our other posts in the Breathe New Life into Your Homeschool Series