It’s no secret that one of the best ways to learn any new skill, or build on an existing skill, is to take a class. Coding is no exception. However, finding coding classes that are suitable for kids can be tricky.
Luckily, we’ve done our research and found classes, both online and in app form, that are written to be digestible by kids.
While these classes don’t all target exactly the same age range, they are designed to be easy to understand while presenting enough of a challenge that kids can learn and improve their coding skills(see also: 6 Amazing Best Coding Programs For Kids To Improve Their Skills).
Here are 7 amazing best coding classes for kids to improve their skills, (see also: 10 Amazing Coding Activities For Kids To Improve Their Skills)from well-known options like Scratch to some that you may not be familiar with. Read on to find the perfect coding class for your kid!
Code Monster is one of the most fun classes on coding for kids. Although the interface looks deceptively simple, your kids will learn a lot using Code Monster, and enjoy themselves while doing it!
Code Monster focuses on JavaScript, which is useful because JavaScript is the internet’s primary programming language.
The classes on Code Monster are structured into individual sessions, which is good because it breaks the process of learning to code into digestible chunks.
The instructional sessions are delivered step-by-step, giving kids the chance to understand and apply the information they are learning before moving on to something else.
In fact, you can’t move on to another lesson in Code Monster until you have successfully completed the previous lesson, which ensures that all the information is absorbed.
While Code Monster’s linear format doesn’t offer as much room for creativity as some of the other classes we’ll be discussing today, the iconic blue monster that guides the lessons will make learning as fun and engaging as possible.
Even better, Code Monster won’t cost you anything, so if you’re looking for a free class that will teach your kid to code, it’s an excellent option.
Kodable is aimed at children between the ages of 4 and 11 years, so it’s suitable for a wide range of grades and abilities.
If your child starts using Kodable at the age of 4, they can get many years of learning from these classes, and plenty of opportunities to improve and advance their skills.
Kodable is an app rather than a site, and the app is free to download. You can also access some of the content on Kodable for free, although you will need to pay for a monthly subscription if you want to take the course in its entirety. With that being said, the pricing of the course is very reasonable.
Kodable’s teaching style is very game-oriented, keeping the learning process fun and rewarding, even for very young children.
Kids will start by learning the basic concepts behind block-based coding, before progressing to text-based programming once they are ready.
Kids using Kodable to learn to code will get familiar with both Swift and JavaScript, so there’s variety involved.
Many coding classes for kids will focus on a single programming language, but Kodable ensures that its users will have a wider base of knowledge when they go out to apply their coding skills in the real world.
Scratch is one of the most popular and well-known coding learning tools for kids. It’s been around since 2007, and it teaches kids to build scripts visually using block-based coding.
This means that Scratch is suitable for kids aged 8 and above, because it simplifies the coding process rather than jumping straight into text-based coding.
There’s even a simplified version of Scratch that is suitable for children aged 5 and above, so as long as your kid is aged between 5 and 16, Scratch will work for them.
Something important to remember about Scratch is that it’s not designed to teach kids the specifics of text-based coding. Instead, it aims to teach the basic principles that kids can then use to build their skills on their coding journey.
It’s a good idea to introduce your kids to coding through Scratch, and when they feel comfortable with block-based coding, you can encourage them to move onto a class that teaches text-based programming.
If you would like your kids to learn how to code in a structured, regular way, it may be better to have them take live classes. In this case, you should consider CodeWizardsHQ.
When your child signs up for CodeWizardsHQ, they will commit to taking a weekly, hour-long class, delivered in video form.
You will be sent a link for the weekly lessons, and all you have to do is follow this link to get access to classes taught by real instructors with a wealth of knowledge on the subject of coding and programming.
Admittedly, CodeWizardsHQ does cost more than any of the other classes we’ll be discussing today. However, the quality of the teaching is excellent, and real-time, expert-led instruction is a great way to ensure successful learning.
Don’t worry if your child isn’t able to make some classes. After all, life is not predictable, and an hour-long class each week can be a lot for younger children. The classes are recorded so that students can always catch up on what they missed.
Resources are also included with the cost of the course, allowing for revision outside of class. There’s even a messaging system students can use to ask their teachers any questions they might have between classes.
LightBot is a great coding class for kids, but it doesn’t really feel like a class because the learning is structured like a game.
This means that LightBot is an excellent resource for getting kids who might be reluctant to learn outside the classroom to get involved in extracurricular coding activities.
This is by no means an advanced coding class, so if you want your child to learn text-based coding, it’s not a good choice.
However, if you just want your kid to learn the basic building blocks of programming, it’s perfect. The principles of coding are taught through 50 levels of game-based learning, and once all levels have been completed, your child will be ready to progress to a more advanced class.
Although you will eventually need to pay for the LightBot app, the app offers a free trial that allows you to access the course material.
If you like it, you can continue with the paid version of the app, and if not, you can cancel without being charged anything and choose another one of the free classes we’ve discussed in this guide.
If your child is interested in game design or development, they will need to learn how to code. However, that learning process can often be off-putting because not many classes for kids teach coding (see also: Can You Teach Yourself To Code?)through this particular lens.
Luckily, CodaKid does what most other kids’ classes don’t and teaches coding specifically for game development.
As kids learn through the lessons, they are assigned projects like using their coding skills to program a roller coaster, or Minecraft-based design.
The projects gradually get more advanced, up until the point where the user has enough knowledge to build an entire game through coding.
Not only is CodaKid a useful teaching resource, but even better, the final project means that users come away from the course feeling that they have truly accomplished something.
There’s a lot of work involved, with about 45 hours to complete each course on average, but determined kids will love it. Be sure to check out CodaKid’s yearly summer camps, too!
CodeMonkey is an award-winning code learning resource for kids, and millions of users around the world recommend the platform. It’s aimed at children aged between 5 and 14, which is an impressive age range, and it allows kids to learn at their own pace.
Unlike some of the more basic classes available online that teach kids coding principles through block-based learning, CodeMonkey actually teaches kids to write code.
However, the lessons are structured through interactive storytelling, so although users are learning how to code, it feels more like fun than learning.
The course does begin with block-based coding, but once users have mastered this skill, the lessons progress to coding languages, including Python and CoffeeScript.
While students with some background in coding or programming might find the initial lessons (which can’t be skipped) too easy, it’s perfect for students who have absolutely no prior experience and want to gradually build their skills.
Final Thoughts
As a parent, rest assured that there are plenty of online and app-based classes out there that will teach your kids the basics of coding and programming, as well as allowing them to build their skills to a more advanced level.
Before choosing a coding class for your kid, make sure to check the target age range and whether any prior experience is required. Some of these classes are free, while others require payment, so be sure to verify this information beforehand as well.
Hey y’all! My name is Suzy, and I am the founder of SuzyHomeschooler.com. I have homeschooled my kids since they were small, and both have gone on to go to college at wonderful schools.
This is what inspired me to create SuzyHomeschooler.com. It’s a place where I can share my experiences with others, and offer tools, advice, and guidance to all those in a similar position.
If you want to get started on your homeschooling journey with your children, then join me today!
