Learning to code is a skill that will serve you well no matter what career you choose. If you want to be a software programmer it will help you build apps and websites, or if you want to be a product manager it will help you better understand how those apps and websites are made.
There are different ways to learn coding, from taking classes at the local university to finding tutorials on YouTube. In this article we’ll give you a few options for learning some of the basics of coding as a middle school student.
Blockly
Ages: 8+
Pricing: Free
Blockly teaches programming principles and introduces JavaScript using a block-based programming approach. It’s just like doing a puzzle, except you connect pieces of code and you don’t end up with any missing pieces under the couch.
Puzzle pieces will appear on the screen and the goal is to complete the “story” that makes up the software program by completing the puzzle. Each puzzle piece represents a block of code, which is similar to a paragraph in a story. Kids can drag-and-drop the puzzle pieces to create a sequence of code.
As long as your child can read, he or she can learn coding with Blockly. However, some of the games include using the number of degrees to define the direction an object moves and others concepts that may be difficult for really little kids despite it using a gamification approach and simple graphics.
Overall, Blockly is a simple, straightforward coding website for kids who don’t have any experience with coding. Its aim is to prepare kids to learn conventional text-based computer programming languages.
Pluralsight
The best coding courses with fun and quirky videos
SPECIFICATIONS
Price: From $29/£24 per monthTopics include: Python, Ruby, Java, HTML, C++, software development, IT Ops, cyber security, machine learningFree trial: 10 daysTODAY’S BEST DEALSVISIT SITE
REASONS TO BUY
+Quirky and fun+Huge number of courses+High quality content
REASONS TO AVOID
-Short free trial
Of all the tools we’ve dug into, Pluralsight’s is one of the most pleasing to use. Not only does the website look great, but it offers quality content and a great experience for the student. You can follow a clear ‘path’, which guides you through a succession of different courses, or you can opt for a single course on its own. The videos are quirky and fun in an after-school club kind of way, offering a refreshing break from the usual dry video tutorials. It’s like watching Bill Nye explain things, which we have to say, is very comforting.
After viewing a video, you work on your own tasks – relating back to the video if required. If you get really stuck you can ‘buy’ answers with points earned from other classes.
Code Combat
Ages: 5-17
Pricing: Free for core levels. Monthly subscription for additional levels.
Code Combat is a coding game for kids that teaches Python and JavaScript coding using text-based programming. Kids get to play through different levels of an RPG (role-playing game) and, along the way, they will learn to code in Python and JavaScript. This coding website for kids features fun graphics and the ability to connect with other players in the community making coding a team sport.
Players visit the Dungeons of Kithgard where they direct the hero, Anya, by writing code. After successfully completing a level, students move up to more complex tasks and coding. There are multiple worlds and levels to explore to encourage kids to learn more and take on harder coding challenges.
If you are a teacher, Code Combat developers even provide course guides and wikis for your classrooms. They also promise a Course-in-a-Box containing a semester’s worth of course content to add to your curriculum.
Free CodeCamp
The best free coding courses
SPECIFICATIONS
Price: FreeTopics include: Responsive web design, JavaScript, Python, front-end development, data visualization, APIs and microservices, coding interview prepFree trial: Not neededTODAY’S BEST DEALSVISIT SITE
REASONS TO BUY
+Free+Certified courses+Industry focused
REASONS TO AVOID
-Too many options
If you’d prefer not to spend any money, Free Code Camp is a non-profit, interactive learning platform with 6,000+ tutorials that claims to have more than 40,000 graduates working at tech firms such as Google and Microsoft.
Learning is based on an integrated code editor, and you can save your work as you go. Its focus is very much on the basics, with certificated, 300-hour courses on responsive web design, JavaScript algorithms and data structures, front end libraries, data visualisation, and APIs and microservices. There’s also a useful set of challenges to prepare you for interviews for coding jobs.
Stencyl
Ages: 6+
Pricing: Free. Annual subscriptions.
Stencyl is game creation software that lets users publish iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, HTML5 & Flash games without code. They use a graphical interface similar to Scratch, but with new functionality and even more ready-to-use blocks. Kids can build their own worlds and characters and edit them in detail to make them more complex.
The graphics are kid-friendly and, for advanced students, there is the option to see and edit the text-based code in their game. It requires a software download and setup, but offers extensive support in their forums. Stencyl is great for the kid who appreciates game development and detail in design.
CodaKid
CodaKid is an online program focused solely on teaching coding for kids through game development and modding (creating game modifications) for Minecraft. Their aim is to make coding lessons more interesting – and more memorable – through direct interaction and practical, hands-on application.
Rather than the standard, generalized programming lessons (like writing “Hello World!” on a colored background), CodaKid students are instead given unusual and exciting projects to tackle i.e., forging their own Minecraft sword, creating a Rollercoaster Tycoon-type Roblox game, or designing their own unique Minecraft monster—and bringing it to life.
CodaKid encourages self-styled learning as you go. Every lesson focuses on creation through coding; whether it’s a simple Infinite Runner-style game or a fully interactive 3D platformer using Unreal Engine 4 (the same professional game engine used to make the best-selling game, Fortnite).
With dozens of specialized courses to choose from like Minecraft, Roblox, Game Programming, Scratch Coding, and more, there’s no shortage of new concepts to learn and fun assignments to tackle.
The platform is part web-based and part client-based. This means that some parts of the lesson content—particularly the tools, software, and projects—will be downloaded to your device. This gives your child full ownership and access to every coding project he or she completes, as well as the means to run it or edit it as they wish.
CodaKid lessons come in the form of professional video tutorials that kids can consume at their own pace. They’re also designed to make programming concepts appealing and easy to understand without sugar-coating them. In other words, CodaKid students aren’t given a watered-down or over-simplified version of coding. The lessons are incredibly effective – despite the complexities and technicalities of textual coding – thanks to the platform and context with which they’re introduced.
This excellent balance of real coding language presented using a fun and engaging platform minimizes the risk of frustration and maximizes knowledge retention. This, in turn, can make students feel like real programmers and software engineers.
For the more technology-inclined kids, this feeling can be incredibly satisfying.
CodaKid lessons also use professional programming tools to code with real programming languages, like Python and JavaScript. This makes CodaKid one of the best coding websites for kids interested in web, app, and game development.
Code Monkey
Ages: 9+
Pricing: Annual Subscription Fee
Code Monkey is a coding website that teaches kids coding through playful online games. Children write code with the goal of helping a monkey gather bananas. The player works through a series of challenges and eventually learns enough code to be able to build his or her own game.
Eventually, kids get to write code with a text-based editor and learn CoffeeScript, a language that uses a syntax similar to English but compiles into JavaScript. Their stories cover all of the important coding concepts such as logic, loops, direction, sequencing, and algorithms
Code Monkey is made with 1st and 2nd graders in mind, but they also teach younger kids on their Code Monkey Jr. app. You do not need to download an application to play and no coding experience is required. If your child loves a good story, start with Code Monkey.
Code.org Studio
Ages: 4-14
Pricing: Free
Code.org is a non-profit organization that organizes the annual Hour of Code. In addition to providing curriculum to schools, they also host a coding website for kids with a series of four courses that teach computer science fundamentals. At the end of each course, students are able to create interactive games or stories for sharing online. Your child will get to see and be a part of the over 74 million projects showcased.
Each course is made up of a series of puzzles, videos, and activities that teach the principles behind computer science. Course 1 is made for early readers (age 4-6) and can be skipped if your child is already reading proficiently.
Later courses use a block-based approach for programming activities, but students can choose to see the text-based code that is generated. Taken together, this series of four courses make up a curriculum that has been organized for use in the classroom and is aligned with ISTE standards. Best of all, each of their courses is available at no cost.
Kids 4 Coding
This coding website for kids offers both Virtual and On-Campus learning programs covering computer science courses. Their week-long tech camps are geared towards teaching kids how to code games, apps, websites, and more. However, due to the current global pandemic, their in-person programs in all their Boston and Atlanta locations have been delayed ‘til summer 2022.
But until then, their Virtual Tech Camps for kids and teens are available all year-’round.
Now on its 8th year of operation (as of 2021), Kids 4 Coding continues to partner with established tech experts, educators, and entrepreneurs to develop a highly engaging curriculum—one that promises to “bridge the gap” between traditional academic learning and practical knowledge useful in our ever-evolving, tech-centered society.
The lessons, courses, and subject matter are constantly updated to accommodate new trends, new technologies, and new demands as they happen.
Currently, Coding 4 Kids offers more than a dozen virtual courses covering Scratch Programming (for kids aged 7 to 9), 3D Game Development, Minecraft, Python Programming (for kids aged 10 to 12), and JavaScript.
They also have more advanced courses, like mobile app development and Adobe Photoshop, for kids aged 11 to 16. They promise more effective group classes with a limited 5:1 student-teacher ratio for optimal focus and hands-on teaching.
Kodable
Ages: 4-11
Pricing: Free for the basic curriculum. A parent plan, available for a flat fee, includes an advanced curriculum and access on any device.
Kodable teaches computer science fundamentals through kid-friendly, self-directed lessons. Students get to create and play alongside bright, cute characters.
Starting with coding games at the Kindergarten level, the student progresses to reading and writing JavaScript. Along the way, they get to build their own characters, create levels, and take on other coders.
Organized as a classroom curriculum, each unit includes a teacher’s script, an unplugged activity, an independent practice activity, and some kind of assessment or quiz. Kodable is a great way to take students from block programming and transition to real code.
Glitch
Glitch describes itself as (1) a simple tool for creating web apps, (2) a friendly, creative community, and (3) a different kind of coding program. And, to be fair, the concept is quite unique!
Glitch is a collaborative programming environment that allows developers to work together on code in real-time. Think of it as the Google Docs of coding apps: you have a code that multiple people can access, view, and edit live. Programmers can leave comments, make changes, and collaborate with the people they want to achieve optimal, industry-standard results.
While this platform is suitable for older kids, we feel it’s worth including it as one of the best coding websites for kids, as it can challenge interested children and push them to improve their coding skills. The collaborative aspect of the platform makes it possible for young programmers to receive support and guidance – whether from their teacher or their fellow coders – as they work on their code.
There’s also a community of experienced developers ready to answer any and all questions your kid may have about Glitch or programming in general.
Because there’s no need to worry about servers or setup, kids can literally just jump in on a project and start writing. As a bonus, there are also millions of fun, useful, community-created apps that your kid can only find and access via Glitch.
Scratch
Ages: 8-16
Pricing: Free
Scratch is the platform we use for our elementary school coding program, so we obviously love it. It’s a free block coding website for kids, developed by the MIT Media Lab. Scratch is its own programming language and consists of graphical blocks that snap together.
In addition, Scratch has a large online community where children can program and share interactive media such as stories, games, and animation with people from all over the world. The Scratch platform is designed especially for kids ages 8 to 16. Younger children can also try ScratchJr, a simplified version of Scratch designed for ages 5 to 7.
We use Scratch in our coding curriculum because it’s the perfect way for younger kids to develop their problem-solving, communication, and reasoning skills. It doesn’t teach any real coding language, but it’s a stepping stone to computer programming and coding languages.
8. Tynker
Ages: 4-14
Pricing: A sample of coding lessons is available at Tynker for free. Access to the complete library and a private Minecraft server requires a monthly subscription.
Tynker is a self-paced online programming course for kids. It’s a coding website for kids created for them to build their own games and apps as well as learn how to program Minecraft mods. Tynker teaches in both block programming and text-based courses.
The programming courses are game-based and space-themed with space aliens and rocket ships. Kids progress through three levels of games/classes for the track that matches their age.
A collection of courses related to the popular Minecraft game teaches kids about mods and skins, how to create mods, and how to build multi-player Minecraft games. With a paid subscription, kids have access to their own private Minecraft server, providing a safe environment for them to build mods and then play online with their invited friends.
There is no structured curriculum in Tynker, so kids progress at their own pace. It’s great for kids at any stage in learning to code whether they are beginners or advanced.
Coding Websites for Kids in Middle School
9. App Inventor
Ages: 13+
Pricing: Free
App Inventor is a visual, blocks language for building Android Apps. Their coding website for kids features video tutorials and courses in a box.
Originally created by Google, App Inventor makes it possible to program Android apps just by moving objects around the screen. This approach is similar to block-based programming. The course begins with setting up App Inventor and moves through building progressively more complex Android apps. Students learn how to build mobile apps and share them using App Inventor. It’s educational, easy, and fun.
MIT now hosts App Inventor online, so, lucky for us, it available for free. The tutorials have been refined for use by teachers and gathered into a Course-in-a-Box that includes video and text-based lessons. Instead of keeping your kids off the phone, App Inventor will help kids go inside the phone.
Code Avengers
Ages: 12+
Pricing: A limited-time free trial or a monthly subscription is available.
Code Avengers is a coding website for kids that uses self-paced, mostly text-based courses. The courses include introduction to coding, introduction to web development, and coding in Python, HTML & CSS, or JavaScript.
Kids work through the lessons, debugging code, and completing challenges before. Code Avengers will automatically track your child’s achievements as they work through lessons and activities. They give you a Parent Dashboard, where you can view your children’s progress through the courses, the projects they’ve created, and the concepts they’ve learned.
When they hit a snag, kids have access to online support and technical support. This live help can be lacking in many other self-paced programs.
Code Monster
Ages: 13+
Pricing: Free
Code Monster is an interactive game that gives kids a place to practice writing JavaScript. From the moment you get to the site, you will be coding. Code Monster assumes that the student already knows some JavaScript and just needs a place to practice syntax.
All you have to do is follow the monster’s instructions on this coding website for kids, but there is little help otherwise. There’s a How to Play page, About page, and a FAQ. That’s it. The FAQ encourages the student to search for JavaScript tutorials and textbooks elsewhere.
The purpose of Code Monster is to provide a fun, immersive platform to practice, not necessarily learn, syntax.
Conclusion
Khan Academy offers a coding course for school-aged students. You can learn to build apps and games or just begin to understand the basics of computer programming and technology.