In my role as a middle school computer science teacher, I often emphasize to my 8th-grade students that learning to code is an essential skill that prepares them for a rapidly evolving job landscape, one that may not even exist yet. As they enter my classroom, I encounter a diverse range of backgrounds; some students have prior experience with free coding activities for kids, while others are entirely new to the world of programming.
Throughout the school year, I derive immense joy from observing my students as they dive into the world of coding, diligently troubleshooting their code to transform their ideas into tangible creations on the screen. Witnessing their journey as they design websites and craft innovative games replete with character interactions and various levels is a truly rewarding experience. It is during these moments that I see their creativity shine, as they apply problem-solving skills both individually and collaboratively in our classroom, day in and day out.
We understand that computer science is the driving force behind innovation and discovery, equipping students with critical thinking skills to solve complex problems. Yet, we also acknowledge that teaching computer science at home can present its own set of challenges. In celebration of Computer Science Education Week, I have assembled a collection of my favorite free coding activities suitable for kids of all ages. Importantly, these activities don’t require you, as a parent, to possess coding knowledge.
Read on for an extensive list of age-appropriate programming activities catering to preschoolers, early elementary students, and tweens!
HOW TO INSPIRE YOUR KIDS TO EMBARK ON THEIR CODING JOURNEY, EVEN IF YOU’RE NOT A CODER
As parents, it’s common to find ourselves in a dilemma when we lack coding expertise and feel unable to assist our children in their coding endeavors. However, it’s essential to understand that you don’t need to be a coding expert to be a helpful guide for your child. I often encourage my students by emphasizing that making mistakes is an integral part of the learning process.
Coding thrives on a learn-by-doing approach and the valuable lessons derived from mistakes. Therefore, your role as a parent is to encourage your child to dive into coding and explore it through experimentation. Collaborating on projects can demonstrate that it’s perfectly acceptable not to possess all the answers, as long as they are willing to explore and learn.
It’s crucial to recognize that anyone, regardless of their background or personality type, can learn to code. In my experience, some of the most unexpected coding enthusiasts emerged from seemingly unlikely candidates. For instance, I had a student who didn’t initially sign up for my computer science class but was placed in it as an elective. By the end of the course, she discovered a newfound passion for coding that exceeded her own expectations.
By reading this blog post, you are actively supporting your child’s desire to learn. Continue nurturing their interests by applauding their efforts in learning. Additionally, assist them in locating more coding resources, whether online or within your local community. This will enable them to further develop their coding skills and interests, ultimately paving the way for coding to play a significant role in their future endeavors.
FREE CODING ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES
Coding activities for preschoolers and early elementary students can be conveniently conducted at home using a laptop or tablet. There is a wealth of captivating activities available for tweens as well, including an exciting coding session titled “Coding Lab for Kids: Code Your First App,” offered by Apple Store locations worldwide, enabling your tween to create an app for free!
FREE CODING ACTIVITIES FOR PRESCHOOLERS
While we may harbor reservations about allowing preschoolers screen time, engaging them in active learning through a screen, as opposed to passive consumption, can prove highly beneficial. It’s important to differentiate between productive and passive screen time, with a preference for the former, where children actively acquire knowledge and skills.
PBS KIDS SCRATCH JR
PBS KIDS Scratch Junior is a fantastic platform offering age-appropriate interactive activities to introduce preschoolers to coding concepts. Scratch is recognized as the world’s largest coding community for children. Through this platform, young children can acquire foundational programming skills using a simple visual block-based interface, allowing them to craft digital stories, games, and animations.
PBS KIDS Scratch Junior features programming games and lessons utilizing favorite characters from PBS shows, such as Ready Jet Go!, Peg + Cat, Odd Squad, Wild Kratts, and WordGirl. These activities enable preschoolers to embark on coding adventures with beloved characters, fostering an early interest in coding concepts.
FREE CODING ACTIVITIES FOR EARLY ELEMENTARY AGES
CODE.ORG’S HOUR OF CODE
Code.org offers an exciting opportunity for kids of all ages to initiate their coding journey through the Hour of Code. This grassroots initiative is designed to inspire 100 million young individuals worldwide to explore coding through engaging hour-long tutorials. The diverse array of projects encompassing sports, space, beloved characters, and more ensures that there is something appealing for everyone.
Hour of Code also serves as an excellent bonding experience for families when parents and children embark on coding activities together. This collaborative approach enhances the enjoyment of the experience and offers both parents and children an opportunity to learn together. Furthermore, it increases the likelihood of this becoming a shared activity that you and your child can revisit in the future.
MINECRAFT
Minecraft, a game adored by kids, provides an exceptional platform for exploration and experimentation. This open-ended game offers boundless possibilities, and its lack of specific instructions encourages players to watch YouTube videos to discover how to utilize available resources effectively. Through this process, they learn valuable problem-solving, logic, and critical thinking skills—all of which are immensely valuable in programming.
Minecraft offers different play modes, including Adventure, Creative, and Survival, in its paid version. Additionally, the release of Minecraft Classic allows for free play in any browser. This original version from 2009 features only 32 blocks for building, maintains the original bugs, and boasts a unique interface.
Minecraft Classic is an excellent starting point for youngsters interested in exploring the Minecraft universe. The single-player web-version encourages critical thinking and logic skills and serves as a safe introduction for younger kids. For further information about Minecraft, consider visiting Common Sense Media’s Parents’ Ultimate Guide to Minecraft.
FREE CODING ACTIVITIES FOR TWEENS
CODING LAB FOR KIDS: CODE YOUR FIRST APP AT APPLE STORES
In celebration of Computer Science Education Week, Apple has introduced an exciting new coding session, “Coding Lab for Kids: Code Your First App.” This session is available for free at Apple Store locations worldwide, designed for
