10 Essential Coding for Kids Resources

Overview: Got a kid who loves gaming? Want to teach him a valuable skill which goes along with this interest? Here are 10 coding for kids resources they’ll love!

---

Our kids are growing up in a very different world than the one in which we did. Many of them have had smartphones in their hands since they were babies or young children. They’re familiar with apps and can intuitively figure out how to use them. And they can text with their thumbs, which is amazing to me!

As parents who didn’t grow up as surrounded by technology, it can be a challenge to figure out how to best teach our children how to not only survive but to thrive in this brave new world.

Fortunately, there are lots of amazing resources which are available to add STEM to our homeschools and help guide our children to become familiar with computers and how they work and to learn valuable coding skills from a young age.

Here are 10 Essential Coding for Kids Resources:

1 – My First Computer Coding Book Using Scratch Jr (Ages 4 and up) – This fun, friendly guide is a perfect first introduction to computer coding. Discover how computers work and what coding does – then follow simple, step-by-step instructions to code your own stories and games. The coding uses Scratch Jr., a computer language designed for beginners, and ScratchJr is available as a free app for both iPad and Android tablets. For more information about Scratch Jr, see scratchjr.org. Helpful notes for grown-ups included!

2 – Working with Computers and Robotics (Ages 9 and up) – Learn how hardware and software work, and discover how engineers are creating robots to help us out on Earth — and in space. Writing in binary code and building a brushbot are just a couple of the fun activities included.

3 – Lift the Flap Computer and Coding (Ages 7 and up) – An interactive introduction to information and communication technology, which explains what goes on inside computers to make them do what they do. With lots of flaps to lift and look beneath, fact-hungry children will devour the fascinating data contained in this bright and engaging non-fiction book. A return to the days when Usborne was a market-leader in computer books for children.

4 – Coder Academy (Ages 7 and up) – The academy series features activities, cool quizzes, and super skill tests. Stickers, model, poster, and games included. Whimsical art and creative fun for anywhere! Discover the essential skills required on the way to becoming a computer coding expert in this innovative activity book, encouraging imaginative play and problem-solving. The fresh, contemporary artwork helps to make basic coding concepts accessible.

5. Code Monkey (Ages 5-14) – Discover the magic of coding with CodeMonkey, the award-winning online platform that’s turning kids into coding enthusiasts! Whether they’re learning CoffeeScript or Python, CodeMonkey makes coding accessible to everyone—no prior experience needed. Perfect for schools, clubs, or at home. Join them and watch your child’s love for coding grow! You can start for free at CodeMonkey.com.

6 – Apex Learning (Ages 8 and up) – My son took 2D Game Design, MOD Design, 3D Animation, and 3D Modeling & Printing courses through a company called Youth Digital, which is now part of Apex Learning. These courses help kids to learn how to gain valuable skills using programs which are used in the industry by professionals but it’s done in a step-by-step way which is easy to follow and fun.

7 – Code Academy (Ages  8 and up ) – Catering to the beginning learner, CodeCademy offers 12 distinct coding tracks teaching Python, Java, PHP, JavaScript, jQuery, AngularJS / React.js, Ruby, SQL, and HTML / CSS. Their courses are free; however, CodeCademy offers a “pro” option that allows tailored lessons and tutorials for the user as well as live tutoring.

8 – 100 Things to Know About Numbers, Computers & Coding (Ages 9 and up) – These friendly books break info down into bite-sized chunks, making it an accessible introduction for anyone who wants to find out about these fascinating subjects. An eye-catching information book filled with one hundred interesting facts to learn about numbers, computers, and coding.

8 – Coding for Kids in Scratch 3 (Ages 8-12) – Become a coding super-genius and create incredible projects with Scratch 3 – the newest version of the most powerful coding language for kids! This beautifully illustrated, hilariously written, and delightfully engaging step-by-step guide is designed for kids (ages 8+) to learn the fundamentals of coding and apply them to amazingly innovative projects. Readers will learn to use the incredible new features of Scratch 3 to build projects that not only teach them to code, but also inspire them to pursue today’s most exciting frontiers of technology:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Video Game Bots
• Machine Learning
• Augmented Reality
• Multiplayer Computer Games

9 – Build Your Own Website for Beginners (Ages 9 and up) – Design and build a real, working website from scratch, using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Written for complete beginners of all ages, this book uses simple step-by-step instructions —and zero jargon— to help readers get a firm grasp on basic web design and create their very own space on the internet. With bright, quirky illustrations throughout and lots of extra advice and downloads via Usborne Quicklinks.

10 – Udemy(Ages vary up to adult) – Udemy has thousands of classes, including coding classes, to help your child learn pretty much whatever his or her heart desires. My sons have taken many of these courses over the years. They’re excellent! Be on the lookout for sales because these classes are pricey if they’re purchased at full price. But they often go on sale for $10-$15.

BONUS RESOURCES

Technology Scribble Book (Ages 8 and up) – This scribble-in activity book explores all sorts of technology, from creating movies and games, to transportation, drones, and medicine. It’s full of problems to solve, concepts to explore, and things to invent, design, and create.

First Steps in Coding (ages 3 and up) – Learn key coding concepts and gain critical thinking practice through lively robot adventures, complete with glossaries, in this child-friendly skill-building series written by a neuroscience expert.

Zivko Robot (ages 10 and up) – BUILD WORKING ROBOTS: Teach your kids mechanical engineering in a way they can’t resist! Designed for kids 10+, this kit will guide your learner through the process of building real, working robots – taught in a way that they’ll understand! This STEM robot features two modes “Follow” and “Explore” which introduce your kids to the world of AI and educate them more on this exciting technology.

Have your kids ever used any of the above resources? Do you have any other great resources you can share with us? Please leave a comment below!