Resources
Some recommended resources for parents and educators
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ONLINE RESOURCES
CODE.ORG
A one-stop shop resource for coding games, curricula, and more!
KIDSRUBY
This website makes it easy for kids to learn to code in Ruby.
MIT APP INVENTOR
A browser based app design program for Android. Uses a block based language (probably more for Middle School aged children and above).
ALICE
An introduction to creating simple animated movies and video games through simple object-oriented programming.
SCRATCH
A pretty cool way to start programming movies, games and interactive stories. Perfect for children about 8 and up. The ScratchJr App for iPad and Android is perfect for pre and early readers.
KODU
A 3D Game Engine with visual programming language for PC or Xbox.
TEACHING KIDS PROGRAMMING
A non-profit organization whose website is filled with resources to teach or learn to code from 10 years old and up.
CODECOMBAT
CodeCombat is a platform for students to learn computer science while playing through a real game.
EDUCATIONAL APPS
MOVE THE TURTLE
App for kids 5 and over.
HOPSCOTCH
ANOTHER BRILLIANT APP (APPS ARE EASY AND VISUAL FOR YOUNGER LEARNERS!)
DAISY THE DINOSAUR
An easy visual app for all ages, drag and drop still teaches the principles of programming!
CARGO-BOT
A puzzle game created entirely on iPad, for all ages.
LIGHTBOT
Another great app to teach coding basics.
GAMES
ROBOT TURTLES
(For 3-8 year olds) a simple board game that sneaks in coding basics. A Kickstarter success!
SPHERO
An amazing ball robot you can program and interact with in many many many different ways, whether you are a small child or an adult. A must-see web site for all the details.
LEGO MINDSTORMS
Probably the first toys to teach programming basics ever.
BOOKS
HELLO RUBY
A book that teaches programming skills through activities as well as stories.
HELLO WORLD
'Hello World!: Computer Programming for Kids and Other Beginners' is another good book to learn at whatever age
SUPER SCRATCH PROGRAMMING ADVENTURE
A book in quite a series to learn different principles within programming.
OTHER
RASPBERRY PI
A tiny card sized computer that plugs into a tv and can be used for electronics projects.