It is difficult to teach children to code, but there are excellent resources available. Coding apps and programming apps for kids are becoming increasingly popular, due to the relevance of IT and computer science in today’s world. There is no absolute greatest coding app for kids, but here are some of the best apps for teaching kids to code.
#1 Scratch
Scratch is by far the most popular coding app for kids, and it is now used in many schools all over the world. It is available for free on the web as well as for Android and iOS, which is probably why it is so popular. It also has a ScratchJr version for younger kids aged 5 to 7, which can be used on mobile platforms, but the regular version is adequate for children and teenagers.
Created in 2003 by MIT students and staff. Its coding language is designed specifically for children aged 5 to 16. The language employs visual blocks or bricks that can be dragged and dropped on a workspace to construct logical chains. As a result, the child will have a better understanding of the fundamental principles of coding. The website is also well-known for its extensive library of learning materials, instructional guides, and discussion forums.
#2 Kodable
Another relatively well-known coding app for kids is Kodable. It is free for both the iPhone and iPad, but there is no option for Android or the web. There is also a paid pro version available for those who want access to additional features. Kodable, like Scratch, is appropriate for both younger children and older teenagers (from 6 years old and up). It is also remarkable for guiding users from a basic to a complex level of coding.
Another great feature of Kodable is that it includes a plethora of instructional lessons that users can use to get the full experience and understand everything without the need for additional assistance. It also covers programming languages such as Javascript, HTML, Python, Java, CSS, and others. Each lesson includes instructional materials, a list of related vocabulary words, and other extras. The approach is also very game-like, with users able to select a character to guide them through the levels.
#3 Tynker
Tynker is a free coding app that is available for both the web and iOS devices, but it also offers a premium subscription. Although it is a new app, it has quickly gained popularity. Tynker looks very similar to Scratch, but it is more focused on teaching programming rather than directly applying it. It is appropriate for both younger and older children and teenagers, with the option of learning Python for high schoolers.
Tynker provides a number of features to assist children in learning to code. It has games and puzzles to solve, just like Code Monkey. It also provides lessons, class materials, story-based challenges, learning modules, and other resources to help you learn Javascript and Python. Furthermore, Tynker has a library of user-created projects that other learners can access to see what the community members are up to.
#4 Daisy the Dinosaur
Daisy the Dinosaur is a free iPad and iPhone programming app. What distinguishes it from the rest is that it is designed exclusively for children aged 4 to 7, making it an excellent choice for younger kids. The app was developed by the same team that created the Hopscotch coding app for kids. If you’ve ever used that app, Daisy the Dinosaur has a similar user-friendly interface with limited features that is best for beginners.
Daisy the Dinosaur provides the most comprehensive and user-friendly introduction to the world of programming for fellow learners. It employs functions such as conditionals and loops without requiring the child to remember their titles, instead reinforcing the logic of how they can be used. Using the drag-and-drop commands, Daisy the dinosaur can be made to jump, move, or dance.
#5 Cargo-Bot
Finally, Cargo-Bot is a free coding app that is available for both Android and iOS devices. It is appropriate for children aged 10 and up. This app specialises in puzzle challenges involving a robotic arm that must be programmed to perform various tasks, most notably moving coloured boxes to create a specific design or pattern.
Cargo-Bot was initially developed on an iPad using Codea, a touch-based coding app. Because Codea is based on the programming language Lua, the idea behind Cargo-Bot is very similar to that Lua and prepares learners to use it. However, using Lua right away would not be appropriate for younger users.
