Coding Classes for Kids

In a heavily digitized world, how do we help our kids get a jump on mastering the skills required to keep up?

As homeschoolers we have the opportunity to choose the subjects we focus on at every age and stage. Even as early as elementary school we can introduce our kids to the fundamentals of the digital world with fun, educational apps, teaching them to type, and even coding classes for kids. In these ways we can have a positive influence on how they see and use the tools in the digital world.

Why Use Coding Classes for Kids in Your Homeschool?

As I previously stated, coding is an up and coming skill that is becoming more and more important for kids to know. Moreover it can be an incredibly useful skill for them to have while playing games like Minecraft where coding can allow them to build and create their own things.

Coding Classes for Kids

I have to admit that my coding skills are limited, and I definitely could not navigate teaching coding myself. Luckily for me there are plenty of great coding classes for kids that can teach them what they need to know.

1. Eureka Champs Online Coding Classes

Eureka Champs offers Online Coding Classes for Kids ages 6 to 10. They are teacher-led, one hour live classes via Zoom.

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Eureka Champs offers a full value FREE Trial Class so you can check out what they are all about and gauge your child’s level of interest. No credit card required and no hidden fees! This feature of Eureka Champs is one of the things that makes it special. This one hour class is one on one with an instructor. The instructor talks with your child (and you) gaining insight into your child’s previous experience, interests, etc. and even does a coding lesson just for them! This allows them to place your child in a class with others that will best suit their needs and goals.

Eureka Champs’ experienced teachers walk your child through the course content with a direct look at your child’s screen while providing real-time feedback. Classes are kept small with no more than 4 students. This allows Eureka Champs teachers to give each child the attention needed to truly learn how to code and design games while having fun in their class.

Eureka Champs classes are offered in 8-hour packages at $19.95 USD per hour (1 class = 1 hour, once a week). New students receive 20% off their first 8-hour package with the code First_Booking. Returning students get a 10% discount.

2. Code.Org

Code.org started what is called, the Hour of Code. They offer one-hour tutorials in over 45 languages. No experience needed. And Hour of Code activities are available for free year-round!

They also offer FREE Coding Courses for kids from Kindergarten through high school and beyond:

• Grades K-5 – Kids will learn to make their own game, app, or computer drawing
• Grades 6-12 – Kids build real working apps, games, and websites using blocks, JavaScript, CSS, HTML, and more.
• Beyond K-12 – Learn how to take the next step in your CS Journey. Explore career paths, extended learning, scholarships, internships, and more!

3. Scratch

Scratch is a free online coding platform created by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). It is the world’s largest coding community for children and a coding language with a simple visual interface that allows young people to create digital stories, games, and animations. Scratch is designed, developed, and moderated by the Scratch Foundation, a nonprofit organization.

Scratch is always free and is available in more than 70 languages.

You can see a full Scratch review here.

4. CodeMonkey

CodeMonkey is a web-based learning platform that offers a variety of computer programming courses and tools that bridge the gap between wanting to code and becoming an expert in the field. The uniqueness of CodeMonkey stems from the fact that the platform teaches children real text-based programming from day one in an easy and game-like manner.

There are multiple levels of courses for kids from grades PreK- 8th including:

• CodeMonkey Jr (PreK & Kindergarten)
• Beaver Achiever (1st & 2nd Grade)
• Dodo Does Math (2nd – 4th Grade)
• Digital Literacy (3rd – 5th Grade)
• Coding Adventure (3rd – 5th Grade)
• Game Builder (6th – 8th Grade)
• Banana Tales (6th – 8th Grade)
• Coding Chatbots (6th- 8th Grade)

5. CodaKid

CodaKid is another online platform offering coding courses for kids. CodaKid offers both self-paced (There are currently 72 courses 300 quests, and 750 challenges, with new courses added frequently!) and live coding courses.

Courses are offered for Minecraft and Roblox using video lessons and projects that can be used within these games, as well as many coding lessons in Scratch and more.

You can see a full review of CodaKid here.

Homeschooling in the Digital Age

Homeschooling in the Digital Age – The What & How with TONS of Resources answers these questions and more!

• What is considered digital homeschooling?
• How can I use digital resources in my homeschool?
• Where do I find digital resources for homeschooling?