Children are most times stubborn and tend to disturb their parents not minding the time. So, to engage them meaningfully, we’ll discuss the best coding games for kids that teach real programming concepts.
It is a proven fact by the CodeAnt instructors that if your child is doing badly in academics, coding presents a great chance to make him or her better.
In addition, kids learn STEAM faster with the introduction of coding and robotics education.
What is STEAM?
It was STEAM before but had to be changed to STEAM which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. These are coding and robotics teaching approaches to help kids understand and carry out tasks.
Also, kids are fond of video games which have taken away the focus of some of them from academics. But the good thing here is they will have the opportunity to play games while coding. This will have them complete some problems, thus improving their logic and creativity for problem-solving.
Why Coding Games For Kids?
Programming games help children improve their problem-solving skills, strengthen memory, and increase logical thinking skills. Learn programming basics like sequences, loops, and functions with 200+ coding games for kids and 1,000+ challenging levels on Google Play Store.
In short, it’s not just learning how to code, the benefits of coding games for kids are many. It teaches kids to think critically, and build creativity. It also, helps them to learn how to adapt and overcome any problem.
Is it Hard To Learn Coding?
No, coding is not hard to learn. The truth is that it is not difficult to learn to code. However, learning something for the first time can be challenging at first.
Over time, with a little patience, practice, and determination, anyone can master the art of programming. When it comes to learning to code, practice makes perfect.
Also, learning coding on your own can take longer time than when you have an instructor or enroll in a coding boot camp.
How Long Does It Take To Learn Coding?
It will take an average of three to six months to learn coding. But if you’re learning programming as part of a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or a related major, it will take you about four years to complete the degree.
In this article, we will explore the top 7 best coding games for kids that teach real programming concepts.
I assure you to be having a good read and knowledge of the best programming games that teach kids real coding concepts.
This ranking was based on the effectiveness and the result we record from kids after engaging them with these coding games.
8 Best Coding Games for Kids that Teach Real Programming Concepts
Below is the list of the 8 best coding games for kids that will help them learn programming concepts and approaches.
- 1. Scratch + Scratch Jr
- 2. Minecraft
- 3. CodeCombat
- 4. Lightbot
- 5. Kodable
- 6. Tynker
- 7. CodeGuppy
- 8. Code.org
#1. Scratch + Scratch Jr
TScratch is an MIT-developed programming language that offers a drag-and-drop interface for kids to learn how to code. Scratch allows kids to create games, animations, and interactive stories. It also offers an extensive online community where kids can share their projects, get feedback, and collaborate with other Scratch users.
The real key to teaching a child to code is finding the right motivation. Minecraft offers it because it combines a fun game that they love, with a good introduction to the job of coding.
The way Minecraft engages kids can be used to help them engage in learning something useful in a fun way that doesn’t feel like work.
Minecraft can be improved through modifications (or “mods”), which are external strings of code that change the game from within.
Such as creating monsters, giving players more health or items, and even telling NPCs to do specific things.
These mods are usually downloaded through a third-party website, where players share their mods among the online community for everyone to use, but you can easily create your own mods to enhance your gaming experience exactly the way you want.
Given the relative simplicity of Minecraft as a game, learning how to mod it is a good step into learning how to create code for other games and software.
CodeCombat is an interactive game that teaches programming concepts like variables, functions, loops, and events through gameplay. In this fun game, the player controls a character that must solve puzzles and fight enemies using code. CodeCombat is suitable for kids aged 9 and above.
Lightbot is a game that teaches kids programming concepts like sequencing, loops, and conditionals through gameplay. The objective of the game is to program a robot to navigate through various mazes by using code. Lightbot offers puzzles that gradually increase in complexity, which makes it perfect for beginners.
Kodable is a game designed for younger kids (ages 4-10) that teaches programming concepts like syntax and sequencing through gameplay. It offers a simple drag-and-drop interface and a series of puzzles that teach kids how to write code. Kodable also provides teachers and parents with tools to track their child’s progress.
Tynker is a game that teaches programming concepts like objects, loops, and functions, as well as game design through gameplay. The game offers a range of activities for kids from beginner to advanced levels, including coding projects that allow them to create their games and animations.
Code.org is a not-for-profit website that offers free coding lessons to children of all ages. It is a great platform that offers a variety of interactive activities for kids from beginner to advanced levels. It offers an easy-to-use interface, which makes it perfect for younger children. Code.org offers courses that teach real programming concepts like loops, conditionals, functions, and events.
Coding games can be an excellent way to promote learning, creativity, and problem-solving skills in children. These top 8 coding games for kids offer a fun and interactive way to teach real programming concepts.
By introducing kids to coding at a young age, we can empower them with the essential skills that they can use to build their careers in the future.
You can check our Coding and Robotics bootcamp for kids here.
Frequently Asked Questions on Coding Games for Kids
Block-based coding utilizes a drag-and-drop learning environment, where programmers use coding instruction “blocks” to construct animated stories and games.
Yes. With more sophisticated and interactive coding software and numerous coding teaching platforms, it has become easy for kids to learn to code.
As coding can be attached to games, children at the age of 4 or 5 can begin their process of choosing the right career path by learning the basic concepts of programming. At that age, kids can kick start learning how to code in a funny way like using visual block interfaces, free apps or gaming sites, or text-based coding classes that are relevant to their age.
Learning to code is not able being software engineers or programmers, it is about developing computational thinking skills. Computational thinking is how software engineers solve problems. It combines mathematics, logic, and algorithms, and teaches you a new way to think about the world.
Computational thinking teaches you how to tackle large problems by breaking them down into a sequence of smaller, more manageable problems. Coding allows you to tackle complex problems in efficient ways that operate a huge scale. It involves creating models of the real world with a suitable level of abstraction and focusing on the most pertinent aspects. It helps you go from specific solutions to general ones.
You may need to plan the course logistics, get trained to teach the course, make the syllabus, or maybe all three.
From the range of 2 weeks to 6 months. However, This may vary based on the kid’s ability to respond to projects. Coding is fundamentally a creative endeavor, so once kids have learned the basics, they can continue honing their craft and taking on more and more sophisticated challenges.
Coding helps in the holistic growth of kids by contributing to enhancing their analytical and creative thinking. It makes them more confident by providing opportunities to interact with other coders and developers. For early coders, it helps in building thinking ability which helps them in academics as well as co-curricular.
Reading through this article, I realized it is another fun way for parents who are interested in introducing their children to the world of robotics and programming which is the new goldmine to also learn the basics of programming and robotics along with their kids.