There are countless resources available to introduce students to the world of coding. We’ve gathered a few of our favorites into one list. The tools vary, so students at every level of knowledge and achievement can find something useful; from visual building block-style coding tools that are great for beginners, to advanced courses and tutorials that get students learning and using real languages to make apps, websites and games.
Learn to Code Resource Guide
Whether students are playing a simple logic-based game or writing scripts to create the next big app, these tools are sure to get them thinking about what goes into the technology they use every day.
UNPLUGGED ACTIVITIES
Computer Science Unplugged
All ages
A collection of free learning activities that teach computer science through engaging games and puzzles that use cards, string, crayons and lots of running around. The activities introduce students to computational thinking through concepts like binary numbers, algorithms and data compression, separated from the distractions and technical details of having to use computers.
Download the PDF online for free, or purchase a bound copy for $20
PRESCHOOLERS
Robot Turtles
Ages 3+
Inspired by the Logo programming language, the game lets kids write programs with playing cards
Think & Learn Code-a-pillar
Ages 3-6
Dancing caterpillar gives young kids easy intro to coding.
YOUNG KIDS
The Foos
Ages 5+
Visual code meets story-based game; kids learn by doing.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Chromebook, Fire phone, Kindle Fire, Windows Phone
Kodable
Ages 6+
Fun programming logic for kids, great resources for parents.
Devices: Web, Android, iPad
Lightbot Jr
Ages 6+
Colorful, engaging intro to programming for young kids.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Fire phone, Kindle Fire
ScratchJr
Ages 6+
Tool helps kids program their first multimedia project.
Devices: iPad, Android
Daisy the Dinosaur
Ages 7+
Cute, free coding game covers the basics
Devices: iPad
Goldieblox: Adventures in Coding-The Rocket Cupcake Co.
Ages 7+
Story-based coding adventure plus diverse girl-empowerment
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
Tynker
Ages 7+
Fun coding puzzler helps kids ease into complex concepts
Devices: iPad, Android, Chromebook
Code.org
K-12
Popular games and big names get kids pumped to program in as little as one hour.
Devices: Web
BIG KIDS
Cato’s Hike: A Programming and Logic Odyssey
Ages 8+
Maze puzzler makes learning programming an adventure
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
Lego Mindstorms Fix the Factory
Ages 8+
Program robots in short coding puzzler; tricky later levels.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
Scratch
Ages 8+
Drag and drop, block language gives kids a taste of programming
Devices: Web
Made with Code
Ages 8+
Inspirational videos and fun projects to get girls to start coding
Devices: Web
Box Island
Ages 9+
Cute coding adventure introduces logic of computer science
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad,
CodeMonkey
Ages 9+
Solve puzzles, help the monkey, learn to program
Devices: Web
TWEENS
Cargo-Bot
Ages 10+
Challenging puzzler teaches kids to think like programmers
Devices: iPad
Hopscotch
Ages 10+
Easy-to-use visual tool makes programming fun and social
Devices: iPad
Lightbot- Programming Puzzles
Ages 10+
Challenging programming puzzler teaches coding logic
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
Move the Turtle: Programming for Kids
Ages 10+
Teaches the basics of creating computer programs
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
KhanAcademy
Ages 12+
Educational videos and self-paced instruction
Devices: Web
Code Avengers
Ages 12+
Challenging puzzles teach with real code, best for advanced kids
Devices: Web
Mozilla Thimble
Ages 12+
Online editor teaches kids to write the Web
Devices: Web
TEENS
Codea
Ages 13+
Innovative tool for programming on the iPad
Devices: iPad
LearnStreet
Ages 13+
Master art of coding with awesome free programing lessons
Devices: Web
CodeHS
Ages 15+
Cool, accessible coding lessons
Devices: Web
ADVANCED
Code School
Learn to code in the comfort of your browser with video tutorials, programming challenges, and screencasts.
Devices: Web
Codeacademy
Hands-on coding practice with live feedback
Devices: Web
edX
Free online courses and classes from the world’s best universities
Devices: Web
Udemy
An online learning platform aimed at adults who want to add new skills to their resumes, or explore their passions.
Devices: Web
