e-Learning News 

USEFUL CODING APPS TO USE AT HOME

In this age of digital innovation, coding has emerged as a crucial skill for children to develop. Not only does it stimulate their problem-solving abilities, but it also nurtures creativity and logical thinking. With a plethora of coding apps and websites available, parents can now provide their children with interactive and enjoyable coding experiences right from the comfort of home. In this article, we will explore some of the best apps and websites that cater to young minds aged 6 to 12, empowering them to embark on an exciting journey into the world of coding.

1. Scratch

Scratch, developed by the MIT Media Lab, is a user-friendly and highly popular coding platform for kids. Through a block-based programming interface, children can create interactive stories, games, and animations. Scratch promotes creativity by allowing kids to design their characters and backgrounds, making coding a fun and imaginative experience.

1. Code.org

Code.org offers a diverse range of coding activities and games suitable for children of all ages. Their "Hour of Code" tutorials are particularly beneficial for beginners and include engaging themes like Minecraft, Star Wars, and Frozen. As your child progresses, Code.org offers more advanced coding challenges, ensuring a seamless learning curve.

1. Tynker

Tynker is an educational platform that combines coding with STEM topics, fostering a well-rounded learning experience. Through interactive courses and puzzles, children can learn programming fundamentals while creating games, apps, and even robotics projects. Tynker's step-by-step instructions make it easy for young learners to grasp complex concepts.

1. Kodable

Designed specifically for younger kids, Kodable introduces coding through playful and intuitive games. With adorable characters called "Fuzzes," children learn programming basics like sequencing and loops. As they advance, Kodable presents more challenging puzzles, ensuring continuous skill development.

1. CodeCombat

CodeCombat offers a unique approach to coding by turning learning into a game. It combines coding challenges with an actual gameplay experience, where students write code to control their characters in an epic adventure. This immersive learning style motivates children to learn coding while having a blast.

1. Blockly Games

Blockly Games is a visual programming platform developed by Google that caters to beginners. Through simple drag-and-drop blocks, children can learn coding concepts without the need for writing complex code. Blockly Games gradually introduces more advanced coding elements as students progress through the activities.

1. CodeMonkey

CodeMonkey gamifies the coding learning process by involving a monkey character that collects bananas by solving coding challenges. The platform covers various programming languages, such as CoffeeScript and Python, offering a well-rounded learning experience for children with different interests.

Coding is not just a valuable skill for the future but also a delightful way for children to unleash their creativity and problem-solving abilities. With the abundance of coding apps and websites available for young learners aged 6 to 12, parents can now encourage their children to explore the fascinating world of programming right from the comfort of home. Whether your child aspires to build games, create animations, or invent the technology of the future, these coding platforms provide the perfect launching pad for their digital adventures. So, let the coding journey begin, and watch as your child's confidence and imagination soar to new heights!

Stefanie Poropat

e-Learning Leader