Top 12 Free and Paid Coding Programs For Kids
Programming is a fascinating and learning process in itself with so many layers. Coding programs for kids are designed to help young learners grasp these concepts effectively. Whether through Codeyoung’s online coding program or a traditional classroom setting, students thoroughly understand how and why computers function.
"It's not about what you know in programming; it's about what you can figure out."-Chris Pine
This is especially helpful for newcomers. The ability to solve problems is the one we use the most.
Basic programming has become a necessary skill for both adults and children, and there are numerous coding programs for children available on the internet. There are many valuable skills that children may learn to help them succeed in life, but few are as versatile and enjoyable as the ability to code.
Many free coding classes for kids are available which claim that their lessons efficiently teach coding. Paid coding websites frequently want you to take a chance on their product without knowing if it's right for you. When it comes down to it, you just want to know which coding websites, both free and commercial, are truly useful.
What is Programming?
A computer program is a set of instructions that are run on a computer to do specific tasks. Programmers are responsible for the creation of this code. Programmers will begin by writing source code in a code editor or integrated development environment (IDE). This is a set of code written in a programming language that can be read by other programmers.
Programming is the process of providing a set of instructions to computers that specify how to carry out a program. You may have already utilized a variety of computer programs daily. A web browser, for example, is computer software that you use to search the day's news. It's made to connect to a remote server and get the latest news for the day. Another example of computer software is the calculator on a phone.
Why Should Kids Learn Coding?
Teaching kids to code and program is one way to best prepare them for the future, get them ahead in school, or support and enhance their current learning. It's not just about the educational and professional benefits of coding. Coding programs for kids can benefit them in many ways.
Every parent wants their child to excel academically, in extra-curricular activities, and develop their overall personality in a wholesome way.
Now, why should parents urge their children to learn to code? According to research, learning to code can aid your child with other abilities such as organization, tenacity, problem-solving, and even confidence and your kid can learn that by joining Codeyoung’s coding programs for kids.
To curate creative ideas and content
Computer programming can also help your child improve their writing skills, allowing them to build a more precise and systematic approach to storytelling and the English language. Many websites provide coding programs for kids which can help them gain a more innovative approach to writing and ideas.
When coding, a youngster will frequently discover that there are multiple solutions to a problem. It can lead to a more meaningful application of written and spoken language by analyzing their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. They will learn to adopt a fresh approach to addressing challenges by experimenting with computer code, something they may not have considered before. When a kid learns to code, they can learn to create digital content.
An intriguing brand new language to learn!
Computer code, like English or any other language is a technique of describing stuff and everything around you. A programming language has its grammar and syntactic rules, much like any other natural language. Learning to code for kids is so similar to learning a second language and offers many of the same benefits. Each new language provides us with a fresh perspective that is tailored to a specific setting. Fluency in coding languages such as JavaScript, Python, or Scratch provides children with an excellent vocabulary for interacting with the world around them in the twenty-first century. It's no surprise that programming is being dubbed the "new literacy."
Students can use coding skills to create animated visuals, best coding programs for kids, and interactive video games as early as kindergarten. This is a great addition to other creative outlets, as it allows students to express themselves differently.
The simpler way to learn complex methods and formulas.
Learning to code teaches children computational thinking, which is the act of breaking down complex tasks into small stages that a computer can understand (such as loops, conditionals, and so on). This is the same method for deconstructing complex arguments, and it is a cornerstone of logical reasoning. Children's logic skills will improve as they practice coding.
Maths can be esoteric and difficult to grasp at times. This is especially true once a student reaches high school mathematics, a transition that many of us have found difficult. Math topics can be brought to life by coding projects. It can help them understand things more clearly and effectively. Variables and other topics learned in computer science will undoubtedly help students in pre-algebra, algebra, and geometry.
You can go through the Coding classes for kids to know more about it and game development.
Kids gain essential life skills indirectly!
Coding allows you to rapidly recover from a mistake. This makes developing resilience without feeling overwhelmed much easier. Even an hour of coding every day, in the form of hands-on coding projects, may teach children the value of perseverance and resilience.
For recreation and amusement.
Your child can build stand-alone projects like Tic Tac Toe, Paint, Connecting Dots, an animated animal face drawing, or even their video game design from their imagination. The best coding websites for kids can help them learn to code intriguingly.
They can also bring their coding skills into their current favorite toys and games. Minecraft add-ons are an amazing example. Children like playing games online so they can play and develop online games through programming. Kids can use code to enhance activities that they are already familiar with and adore!
What is the appropriate age for youngsters to begin learning to code?
Your kids have probably been computer-savvy from a young age. They might also have started to express an interest in learning how to code and program their games. But, is this a good idea, and should you allow young kids to jump into coding?
Kids as young as 7 years of age can start coding and learning programming basics. Free coding class for kids has gained popularity rapidly in recent years as technology becomes increasingly part of everyday life.
When the idea of youngsters learning to code initially became popular a few years ago, it was viewed as more of a marketing ploy than anything more. It was a fresh idea in the educational system at the time, and it wasn't taken as seriously as it is now. Over time, the notion evolved from "coding is trendy and cool, so try it out" to "code is cool, and you can make a lot of money doing it!
If your kids have the necessary skill set, there are plenty of well-paying opportunities out there, with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) positions expected to surge in demand over the next decade.
Top 12 Free Coding Programs and Websites for Kids
1.CodeYoung
- Age:5-17
- Cost: Free trial class. Discounts on a group class. Access the courses and class recordings for a lifetime.
Codeyoung offers a stimulating and inquisitive learning environment. It offers a variety of courses for pupils in grades 1 to 8th, including web development, JAVA programming, Python, SCRATCH, and other languages. You can check out this to get a list of all the kids coding languages.
I'd like to introduce you to a global community where developers may get together to share amusing ideas and create beautiful and amazing things. Like children, coding knows no limitations. Broaden their horizons from a young age. The world, like the technology and education industries, is changing at a breakneck pace. As a result, future generations will need to be well equipped to keep up with the changes.
2. Coder Kids
- Age: Students of grades K-12
- Cost: Free on-demand class. Then subscriptions on various basis.
Coder Kids is a fantastic startup that offers coding for kids online, workshops, and camps for kids of all ages online, in-person, and on-demand. Introduction to Scratch Coding, a free on-demand lesson, is a great method for students to get started with coding. The coding programs for kids will make them familiar with the foundations and the Scratch interface.
3. Codecombat.com
- Ages: 5-17
- Cost: Free for core levels. Monthly subscription for additional levels
CodeCombat is a text-based coding game for youngsters that teaches Python and JavaScript programming. Children will progress through many levels of an RPG (role-playing game) while learning to code in Python and JavaScript. This coding website for kids and teens has fun graphics and allows participants to connect with others in the community, making coding a team sport. It is useful and effective to learn programming forto programs progress to more challenging assignments and coding after completing a level. To motivate students to keep coding and take on more difficult coding problems, there are various worlds and levels to explore.
4. Stencyl
- Ages: 6+
- Cost: Free. Annual subscriptions.
Stencyl is a game development tool that allows users to create and publish games for the iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, HTML5, and Flash platforms without having to write any code. They have a graphical interface that is similar to Scratch but with more features and ready-to-use blocks. Kids may create their worlds and characters, which they can then tweak in great detail to make them more sophisticated.
The images are suitable for children, and advanced students can view and alter the text-based code in their game. It involves software download and installation, however, it provides comprehensive learning support on their forums and the beginner version is free. Stencyl is ideal for children who are interested in game development and design.
5. Code.org
- Ages: 4-14
- Cost: Free
The annual Hour of Code is organized by Code.org, a non-profit organization. They provide free coding for kids and for youngsters with a series of four courses that teach computer science principles, in addition to supplying curriculum to schools. Students can develop interactive games or stories to share online at the end of each lesson.
Each course consists of a sequence of puzzles, movies, and activities that teach computer science topics. Course 1 is designed for beginning readers (ages 4-6) and can be skipped if your child already knows how to read well. Later classes use a block-based format for programming tasks, but students can use any programming language they want.
6. Scratch
- Ages: 8-16
- Cost: Free
We adore it because it's the platform we utilize for our elementary school coding curriculum. The MIT Media Lab has developed a free block coding website for kids. Scratch is a self-contained programming language made up of snap-together graphical elements.
Scratch also has a vast online community where kids may create and share interactive material like tales, games, and animations with people all around the world. Scratch is a platform to learn to program for kids aged eight to sixteen. ScratchJr, a simplified version of Scratch for ages 5 to 7, is also available for younger children.
7. Code Monster
- Ages: 13+
- Cost: Free
Code Monster is an interactive game where children and teenagers may practice coding JavaScript. You will be coding as soon as you arrive on the site. Code Monster believes the student is already familiar with JavaScript and simply needs a place to practice the grammar and topics they're learning.
The format is straightforward. On this coding website, to learn to code for kids all you have to do is follow the monster's directions, but it isn't much else. The goal of Code Monster is to give a fun, engaging platform for practicing syntax rather than learning it.
8. Codecademy
- Ages: 13+
- Cost: Free. A PRO track is available for a monthly subscription.
Web development and associated programming languages are covered in depth by Codecademy's text-based courses. Students can choose the language they want to study and progress through lessons with real-time feedback on their coding. Codecademy programs cover how to design a website and a variety of associated coding languages, such as HTML & CSS, Ruby on Rails, Python, JavaScript, jQuery, SQL, PHP, and more, and are aimed towards individuals interested in becoming professional web developers.
The general public has free access to Codecademy courses. A tailored learning schedule, quizzes, projects, and access to live advisors are all included in the premium PRO track. The last assignment in the paid PRO track discusses how to develop a professional online portfolio for kids and teens who want to work in programming.
9. Codewars
- Ages: 14+
- Cost: Free
Codewars is a competitive coding platform for kids and teens. You enhance your abilities by practicing with other coders at Codewars. Coders work to master CoffeeScript, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, Java, Clojure, Haskell, or C# by solving coding challenges (Csharp).
10. Code WizardsHQ
- Ages: 8-18
- Cost: Monthly Fee
Code WizardsHQ is the most popular coding school for children and teenagers aged 8 to 18, and it's also our personal favorite. We've used a combination of our pro-level platform, small teacher-led classrooms, and build-as-you-learn projects to educate youngsters on coding ideas and practices. Students learn Scratch, HTML & CSS, JavaScript, WordPress, Responsive Design, App Development, Python, MySQL, and Git by following our structured curriculum. Kids in elementary, middle, and high school can take coding lessons. We also offer kids' coding programs after school and a summer coding camp.
11. App Inventor
- Ages: 13+
- Cost: Free
App Inventor is a block-based visual programming language for creating Android apps. Video lectures and courses in a box are available on this coding website for youngsters. App Inventor, which was originally developed by Google, allows you to program Android apps simply by moving things around the screen. This method resembles block-based programming. The course begins with the installation of App Inventor and progresses through the creation of increasingly complicated Android apps.
12. Blockly. Games
- Ages: 8+
- Cost: Free
Blockly is a block-based programming approach to teach programming principles and introduce JavaScript. It's similar to putting together a jigsaw, only you're connecting code instead of puzzle pieces, and you don't wind up with any missing bits under the sofa.
Puzzle pieces will appear on the screen, and the purpose is to solve the puzzle to complete the "narrative" that makes up the software program. Each puzzle piece symbolizes a code block, which is equivalent to a tale paragraph.
Top 5 Paid Coding Programs and Websites for Kids
1.Kodable
- Ages: 4-11
- Cost: Free for the basic curriculum. A parenting plan is available for a flat fee.
Kodable uses kid-friendly, self-directed lessons to teach computer science concepts. Students get to design and play with colorful, adorable characters. The basic curriculum is free. For a one-time cost, a parenting plan provides an advanced curriculum and access from any device. The kid begins with coding activities in Kindergarten and proceeds to read and write JavaScript. They get to construct their characters, stages, and battle other developers along the way.
Each unit is organized as a classroom curriculum, with a teacher's script, an unplugged activity, an independent practice activity, and a test or quiz. Kodable is a fantastic technique to convert children from block programming to real code.
2.Tynker
- Ages: 4-11
- Cost: A sample of coding lessons is for free. Access to the complete library requires a monthly subscription
At Tynker, you may try out a few coding lessons for free. A monthly subscription is required to access the entire library as well as a private Minecraft server. Tynker is one of the greatest coding websites for youngsters who want to learn how to code on their own time. It was made for people to learn how to write Minecraft mods as well as create their games and apps. Tynker delivers both text-based and blocks programming classes.
3. Code Avengers
- Ages: 12+
- Cost: A limited-time free trial or a monthly subscription is available.
Code Avengers is a self-paced, largely text-based website that provides coding for kids and teenagers. Introduction to coding, introduction to web programming, and coding in Python, HTML & CSS, or JavaScript are among the classes offered. A free trial is available for a limited period, or a monthly membership is available.
On this platform, kids work through the classes, debugging code, and accomplishing tasks. Kids have access to online and technical support when they run into problems. Many other self-paced programs lack this type of live assistance. Game-based programming classes with space aliens and rocket ships are available.
4. Codemoji
- Ages: 5-13
- Cost: Free trial. Then series of annual subscriptions
Codemoji is a coding website for kids that teaches coding through graphics, and they built their platform with the notion that typing skills aren't essential to code. Students use images to construct solutions and learn to solve problems, thus youngsters as young as 5 can learn to code with Codemoji.
Kids learn to code by substituting emojis for HTML or CSS codes, and then they may show off their talents in the site's "playground" or "workshop" sections. The website's clear, easy-to-follow design is appreciated by parents.
5.LightBot
- Ages: All ages
- Cost: Free trial. Monthly and annual subscriptions.
LightBot is a puzzle game that requires coding expertise to progress, which helps youngsters develop problem-solving skills. The beauty of this addictive logic game is that you'll forget it's supposed to be educational. Sequencing, procedures, overloading, conditionals, and recursive loops are among the lessons offered by LightBot. It can be downloaded through Google.
It's an app-based experience that, because of its dynamic and enjoyable premise, seems to work for people of all ages. It was created by genuine coders who understand which areas of coding are appropriate for students of all ages to master.
Conclusion
Today's computer programming ideas will most certainly affect how technologies like speech recognition, artificial intelligence, and other complex technologies evolve in the future, as well as how they are applied in our daily lives. Codeyoung provides an interactive and insightful platform that enables kids to learn to program. The objective of Codeyoung is to enable our kids to be tomorrow's creators by providing an effective and simple education.
STEM.ORG Certified STEM Accreditation: STEM.ORG certifies that courses are aligned with STEM education and provide the best basic coding for kids.
Peer-to-peer learning: Coding class for kids through this approach is provided by students imparting knowledge to their peers. So you can work with your classmates, become friends with them, and learn with and from them.
TOSC IIT Kanpur Certificate: Receive a certificate of completion from a prestigious institute. So every student gets certified by the most premium institute in India.
SANDBOX, an in-house coding environment, allows you to learn to code while also collaborating.
Student Portfolio: Everything you need to know about kids, from performance to assignment completions, in one place.
Customer assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for any student-related questions.
You can have Global Community Access: Interact with students from more than ten countries.
Coding programs for kids curriculum & structure at par with US schools standards.
Coding Competitions: Codeyoung organizes coding competitions such as coder of the week and hackathons.
Mentors of high caliber: Our coaches are not only great in coding, but they also have years of experience and certificates from renowned colleges. Mentors that have the patience and capacity to teach children are in the top 1% of mentors.
Lifetime Access To The Learning Platform: Students get premium Access To All Events And Competitions
Get fortnightly updates on your child's performance and skill improvements. Codeyoung services are always there to ensure a hassle-free class experience for kids.
Access the courses and class recordings from anywhere at any time.
I hope you learned a lot about the top paid and free coding websites for kids from this article. Keep your child's interests, goals, and preferred learning style in mind as you weigh your possibilities. Numerous websites can help in teaching science, developing games and apps.
To know more about game development for kids you can click on this link!
Coding Programs For Kids: FAQ's
What is the best programming language for a child to learn?
Coding programs allow us to send instructions to computers and robots to connect with them. Some children's coding languages, such as Python and Scratch, are better suitable for novices; but, if your child is already interested in coding, they may be ready to explore some of the more complex programs, such as HTML or CSS. Scratch, Java, Python, and Lua are just a few of the most popular programming languages. To learn to code for kids these are some of the finest languages.
Why should my child learn to code?
Teaching fundamental programming to children, especially at a young age, opens up a world of possibilities for them to develop and prosper. We believe that all children should have this opportunity, therefore we at Codeyoung provide coding programs for kids to learn coding in a fun and useful way.
How do I teach my child to code?
Start a conversation with your kids on what exactly coding is and how it is useful and convivial for them. It is the process of teaching a computer to perform a task, develop a game, or app using a series of commands. Tell them that coding is used to inform smartphones which apps to launch and consoles which games to play. Then research the coding programs for kids that will be best suited for your child.
Where should I start programming for kids?
The initial step can be to teach your child Scratch. Scratch's simple graphical interface will be beneficial to children aged 8 to 13. Then Python is the perfect next step if your youngster has outgrown Scratch. A real-world programming language like Python is better for kids and pre-teens. Python is an ideal first programming language because it has a straightforward syntax and produces understandable code.
To enhance their learning, consider enrolling them in CodeYoung’s coding programs for kids.
What is the right age for children to learn to code?
According to MIT, children should begin studying coding languages like Scratch Jr while they are between the ages of 5 and 7. Kids between the ages of 5-8 will do better in visual programming environments. Some children as young as eight years old may show an aptitude for delving into the text of a language, but you should usually start them with something easy. CodeYoung’s Online coding program for kids can be taught to pre-teens and teenagers, ages 13 and up, depending on the child.
How do I teach my 7-year-old programming?
Kids are inquisitive about the things happening around them. This age could be ideal to teach them programming. It's possible to teach computer coding to 7-year-olds in a fun and engaging way that leads to considerably better results by utilizing the pretense of a video game. It could be attributed to improved reading skills and increased awareness of the world around them.