I want to let my coding club know that they can practice coding from home with the following free websites. All kids are invited to check out these awesome websites! Have fun! If you would like, you can email swantonpl@gmail.com to share your creations with us!
1. Khan Academy - https://www.khanacademy.org/
Well known for its elaborate and intricate math program, Khan Academy also offers a different vertical that teaches kids how to code for free. It is more suitable for kids in the elementary levels as the lessons could be detailed and a little technical for preschoolers. The website utilizes talk-throughs that allow the kids to follow and create their own programs in the site’s editor panel.
2. Code Combat - https://codecombat.com/
This is a great site for kids of all ages who love playing online games and want to learn how to code in the process. The games are interactive and to control actions of players, the kids have to write lines of code. The difficulty rises as they advance in stages.
3. Scratch - https://scratch.mit.edu/
For kids aged 8-16 years, this is a great website where they can learn how to build practically anything they can dream of. The website was created as an online community to help young kids become programmers through easy activity packs and a great support system.
4. Code Monster - http://www.crunchzilla.com/code-monster
Introduce your kids to Javascript programming taught through a fun and interactive session by their favorite monster. There are two boxes. The kid codes in one box and the result is displayed in the other box.
5. Blockly - https://blockly.games/
As the name suggests, this website teaches programming in a series of puzzles and blocks. Kids need to solve a puzzle through drag and drop to create a story that solves a specific problem. They are then allowed to see the results of their work in action.
6. Tynker - https://www.tynker.com/
This website allows kids to learn programming at their own pace. There is so much to do here and with easy lessons and tutorials, kids can be able to make practically anything they wish including applications, web apps, games, or website pages. The website is free to use but there is a subscription if your kid wants to take their expertise to the next level.
7. CodeMoji - https://www.codemoji.com/
Kids will love and appreciate the familiar emojis they come across while learning how to code in this website. Kids can be able to learn at their own pace with easy to follow and interactive lessons.
8. Code.Org - https://studio.code.org/courses
Code.Org is well known in teaching sciences and computer science is one of their popular subjects. Kids in middle school can enjoy the interactive one-on-one tutorials as they learn to code in whatever language they wish.
9. CodinGame - https://www.codingame.com/start
This site allows kids to improve their coding skills by exploring game play and creation. For upper elementary kids and older, this free site helps students practice by solving puzzles, compete in coding battles, contribute to multi-player games, and learn coding in various languages including C++, HTML, Java, Python, Ruby, Swift, and more! Even professional coders and adults will enjoy this site.
10. CodeMonkey - https://www.codemonkey.com/
CodeMonkey provides kids with practice coding using programming language to solve a variety of progressively more challenging puzzles (each level includes an additional piece of code or new function to use) as they help a monkey retrieve the mixing bananas stolen by a bad gorilla! CodeMonkey offers a free 30 day trial.
Also, as a bonus, the following links were shared to us from coders, and were found to be very useful and fun! Check them out!
What is Coding? A Beginner’s Glossary of Coding and Programming Terms
Coder Sarah recommends this site, which defines coding terms and includes links to more information and some coding games and activities.