Four Free Coding Apps for Parents
Last week, we explored four free web-based coding resources for parents. But why would we stop there? This week, we’ll look at four more apps your kids can use to keep the momentum going after our two hour coding workshop. Disclaimer: These are not resources that are specific to HTML or CSS, what we will be learning at the AT&T Youth Code Project. Instead, these resources encourages teaching how to think in unique and innovative ways that can be supplemental to the workshop. (In case you missed it, you can read our past articles here!)
1. Hopscotch
How Much: Free
Availability?: iOS (iPhone and iPad)
The Breakdown: There’s no typing and no complicated syntax! Simply drag your choice of blocks and press play to see how your choices created a game, a drawing, or even mini-websites. Their website illustrates and lists the limitless options you have with Hopscotch. Not to mention, this app is just pure fun for kids without too much distraction. The app really focuses on the best way to teach kids how to think differently.
2. Daisy the Dinosaur
How Much: Free
Availability?: iOS (iPad)
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The Breakdown: First of all, the main character is a dinosaur, what’s not to like? But seriously, Daisy is the star of the show where kids can drag and drop commands or programs to make Daisy move (or dance) across the screen. With basic functions and as an easy-to-use app, kids can easily see their thought processes come to life. Made by the same company as Hopscotch, you might as well give this app a try also!
3. Cargo-Bot
How Much: Free
Availability?: iOS (iPad) and Android
The Breakdown: Like the other options, the concept of this app is simple: teach a robot how to move crates (basically programming in a nutshell!). Its description in the App Store mentions that it is a “puzzle game that challenges your brain and helps you learn programming concepts”. Parents, this option might be better suited for older children, but we’ll leave that to you! Not to mention, this was the first game programmed entirely on an iPad using Codea.
4. Move the Turtle
How Much: $3.99
Availability?: iOS (iPhone and iPad)
The Breakdown: Whoa, this app got the Parents’ Choice Gold Award, so again, it’s got to be good. Through this app, kids ages 5+ will learn the basics of programming - loops, procedures, variables and conditional instructions through completing each task. Similar to our previous options, this app gives the child freedom to create based on his or her imagination. In addition, this app teaches its students to reuse and “make use of previously completed work again”, ultimately teaching efficiency and a common practice among programmers.
For more coding resources designed for kids, be sure to give Edutopia’s article a read! As our workshop is only ten days away, be sure to reserve a spot at AT&T’s Youth Code Project before seats fill up!
