6 Fun and Creative Coding Apps for Kids

Advertisement

Originally published in TEACH Magazine, November/December 2016 Issue

Programming is a useful skill for all kids to learn. Not only will it allow them to become creators of technology, but can also aid in the development of other critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Here are some apps that should get kids excited about coding from a young age.

Cargo-Bot
(Free – iOS)

Cargo-Bot is an iPad app suitable for elementary students ages 10+. The objective of the game is to move coloured crates from one place to another by programming a claw crane to pick up, drop, and move left or right. Scores depend on how concisely the code is designed and how efficiently the crane works. Students can even record their solutions and share them on YouTube.

Codeacademy
(Free – Website)

Codeacademy uses interactive exercises that are organized into lessons to teach users how to code in several programming languages, including JavaScript and Python. Codeacademy is more challenging as it asks users to type syntax and coding sequences and is recommended for students ages 13+.

Hopscotch
(Free – iOS, Website)

Hopscotch allows kids to code by simply dragging blocks that contain specific actions. The fun and creative format gives students a blank canvas to “code” anything from mini-games, to creative drawings, and even Minecraft remakes. Hopscotch also offers help videos, community forum, and curriculum.

Move the Turtle
(iOS, $5.49 CAD)

Like the name suggests, this app teaches coding to kids ages 5+ by moving a turtle around. As the turtle moves, it creates geometrical patterns and shapes. Kids will learn the basics of programming in a colourful, graphic environment. They will learn how to plan complex activities, how to reuse previous work, and how to use graphics, spatial orientation, and sound in programming. Each new level increases in difficulty and teaches a new command that directs the turtle to reach its destination.

The Rocket Cupcake Co.
(iOS, $3.99 CAD)

The Rocket Cupcake Co. introduces kids ages 7+ to coding through a story-based adventure. Kids learn coding fundamentals with characters Goldie and Ruby as they deliver cupcakes all around BloxTown. Users code the path for the characters to pick up the ingredients and then deliver the finished cupcakes. The puzzles and games teach sequencing, mental modeling, and debugging. The app is developed by GoldieBlox, a multimedia company that seeks to empower girls to enter the STEM industry.

Tynker
(Free Options – iOS, Website)

Tynker is a complete learning system that teaches kids ages 7+ to code. They begin with visual blocks, then progress to text-based coding as they design games and build apps. Students can choose to explore learning coding basics, that includes game-based courses. They can then move on to modding Minecraft, commanding drones, developing games, and learning JavaScript and Python through the app. The app also features lesson plans, classroom management tools, and an online showcase of student-created programs.

Avatar photo

TEACH is the largest national education publication in Canada. We support good teachers and teaching and believe in innovation in education.

Education News

Helping Students Become Lifelong Readers

The best way to inspire today’s youth to read is by building a culture that celebrates their book choices and makes reading as fun and engaging as the media they already love.

How (and Why) to Make Classrooms More Musical

Music is a language that reaches across age, culture, and ability. And when we learn to use it with care and creativity, it becomes one of the most accessible and powerful tools we have in education.

Reading in America: Five Years Since COVID

While we continue to understand and measure the pandemic's impact on education, more and more evidence is confirming that, even five years later, students are still a long way off from rebounding academically.

GIA GemKit Brings Gem Science to Any Classroom

Young students anywhere in the world can now experience the wonder of gems and minerals with GemKit™ by GemKids ®.

Join Our Newsletter

Get 10% off a subscription, monthly giveaways, and the latest updates—straight to your inbox!

TEACH Magazine
TEACH Magazine
TEACH is the largest national education publication in Canada. We support good teachers and teaching and believe in innovation in education.

Advertisement

Read More

Paths to Success: Practicing Hope Theory in the Classroom

Throughout the decade I have spent working in education, I’ve seen the most positive impact when I’ve incorporated hope-based strategies into my teaching.

Helping Students Become Lifelong Readers

The best way to inspire today’s youth to read is by building a culture that celebrates their book choices and makes reading as fun and engaging as the media they already love.

How (and Why) to Make Classrooms More Musical

Music is a language that reaches across age, culture, and ability. And when we learn to use it with care and creativity, it becomes one of the most accessible and powerful tools we have in education.

Whose Face Belongs Here? Navigating Race in the World of AI

Teachers need support not only in understanding the tools, but also in managing the ethical, cultural, and emotional complexities that AI brings to the classroom.

Reading in America: Five Years Since COVID

While we continue to understand and measure the pandemic's impact on education, more and more evidence is confirming that, even five years later, students are still a long way off from rebounding academically.

GIA GemKit Brings Gem Science to Any Classroom

Young students anywhere in the world can now experience the wonder of gems and minerals with GemKit™ by GemKids ®.