10 Ways To Get Your Kids Into Coding

Keen to set your kids up for the future? Here’s 10 ways to get them coding.

#1 Play and learn with Code.org

With game-like tutorials for kids as young as four, Code.org is one of our favourite online tools for starting kids at an early age.

Code.org is famous for their hour of code, which includes four free hour-long tutorials based on popular movies and characters from Star Wars, Frozen, Moana, and Minecraft.

#2 Create your own games with Scratch

Scratch is a free kids programming language developed by MIT’s Lifelong Kindergarten Lab. The free language is supplemented by getting-started tutorials, curriculum instructions for parents, and a robust user community.

There are even cards you can use to learn Scratch programming concepts away from the computer.

#3 Tell stories, build games and learn to program with Alice

Alice is a free 3-D programming tool designed to teach the concepts of object-oriented programming languages like C++.

It uses the familiar approach of building blocks to allow children to create games or animations by programming camera motions, 3D models, and scenes.

#4 Have a blast with TechRocket

TechRocket is a great resource for kids interested in tech as it helps kids to build their web design and literacy skills in a fun and engaging way with free online courses.

The courses include learning to code, game design, web development and Photoshop.

#5 Tinker for free with Tynker

Everything your child needs to learn computer programming the fun way! Ages 7+

#6 No device, no drama! Try some offline activities with CS Unplugged

CS Unplugged is a collection of free teaching material that teaches Computer Science through engaging games and puzzles that use cards, string, crayons and lots of running around.

#7 Say Hello Ruby

Hello Ruby provides offline resources that will help your child begin computational learning, including things like the ability to decompose a problem, spot patterns, think algorithmically, debug problems and work together.

#8 Get involved with a Code Club

Code Club is a nationwide network of volunteer-led coding clubs with a mission to get kid coding. Code Club provide free resources, training and events to communities all over Australia, click here to find one in your area.

9# Learn your way through the web with Mozilla

Mozilla provides a treasure trove of offline resources developed by teachers that allow kids to learn web literacy and mechanics in a literal hands on manner. Web literacy

bingo, HTML puzzles and web literacy musical chairs are some of the activities Mozilla provides that allow parents and kids to get involved in coding in a fun way.

#10 Flagship Microsoft Store Sydney STEM and Coding workshops

Last but not least! Head on over to Flagship Microsoft Store Sydney where there are plenty of free events like the recent ‘Code Like a Girl’ workshops, ‘Play and MakeCode with Minecraft’ and ‘Minecraft Build Challenge’ that help kids get involved with coding and web development.