Coding Classes and Camps for Kids Near You | theCoderSchool Blog

Best Coding Tools for Teens

Do you have a teen that wants to learn a programming language or sharpen their coding skills? You’re in luck! The large amount of user-friendly coding apps for teens on the market means that coding for teenagers has never been more accessible.

Starting out isn’t always easy, though. Do you want apps that work on Android or iOS? What programming language does your child want to get a grounding in—Python, JavaScript, Scratch, or something else? Are they serious about following a STEM career in computer science, or do they just want to mod till they drop in Minecraft?

We’re here to help. This post reviews five kids coding apps—Vidcode, Alice, App Inventor, Codecademy and Swift Playgrounds—that offer tutorials in computer programming for beginners and more advanced coders. (For younger kids, take a look at apps like Kodable and Tynker.)

Can a Teenager Learn How to Code?

You bet! In fact, some kids start developing their coding skills from the age of six.

If your child is in middle school or high school, they may already have the problem-solving chops to pick up one of the apps recommended below and start learning a programming language from scratch. If they need more of a steer, do some research to find out the best coding languages to start with or the top languages for middle schoolers.

Remember that computer programming isn’t just about building apps, coding games, and moving animations around a screen. Learning a programming language helps teens in all sorts of ways, from boosting their real-world self-esteem to helping them conquer subjects like logic and math.

What Are the Best Coding Apps for Teens?

Coding apps for teens vary in scope and difficulty. Some have drag-and-drop interfaces for absolute beginners, while others dive straight into the fundamentals of programming languages like Python and JavaScript.

All of our recommended coding apps for teens are either free to use or come with a free trial — so don’t hesitate to road-test a couple until you find the right one.

Vidcode

Vidcode is a teen-friendly app that’s perfect for middle and high schoolers who want to learn programming languages like JavaScript at their own pace. With their uncluttered interfaces and drag-and-drop mechanics, the fun tutorials will have your child coding games and animations in no time.

Bonus: Vidcode’s particular emphasis on visual projects like meme-makers and Snapchat filters should make this app an easy sell to the Gen Z-ers in your life.

Alice

Who better to guide your teen through the wonderland of computer programming than Alice? This advanced but user-friendly app helps kids create rich 3D worlds, which can be the settings for animated movies and simple video games. If your teen is interested in coding games or creating immersive animations, this free app is a great place to start.

App Inventor

Developed by MIT, App Inventor does exactly what the name suggests. It’s a cloud-based tool, so users can build Android or iOS apps in their web browser and hop from device to device while they’re doing it.

Like several of the best coding apps for teens, App Inventor uses drag-and-drop coding blocks, breaking down complex code into easy-to-digest visual components. Beginners can have a simple app up and running on their iPad in around 30 minutes!

Codecademy

Not all coding apps for teens are aimed at total beginners. Codeacademy is perfect for high school students who already have a grounding in computer science but want to take their coding skills to the next level. Going at their own pace, your teen can use Codecademy to learn to code in Python, master a programming language like JavaScript, Java, or HTML, or even acquire a career-boosting skill like data analysis.

Swift Playgrounds

Optimized for Apple products, Swift Playgrounds is a great coding app for teens who want to progress in computer science but aren’t too confident in their coding skills.

Why is Swift Playgrounds such a good choice for beginners? First, it’s designed to work on an iPad, so it’s perfect for teens who need a portable learning experience. Second, it’s a beautiful-looking app that aims to gamify the experience of learning a programming language. Each level takes the form of a puzzle game, which players must solve by writing the correct code.

Find Teen Coding Classes Near You

Our hundreds of Code Coachers all around the country have at least one thing in common: they love to teach kids how to code and turn learners into programmers. We run in-person and online coding classes for all age groups where your teen can learn basic coding or more sophisticated programming skills. To kick-start your child’s coding career, search for camps and classes near you.

A Parent’s Guide to Coding for Kids

Open up a world of opportunity for your child by introducing them to coding and computer programming from a young age. Kids are insatiably curious and eager to learn and play, and computer programming opportunities lean into their curiosities, engage creativity, and foster life-long problem-solving skills. Coding programs are increasingly popular for children ages five and up. While educators in some school districts have made it possible for students to explore technology and develop coding skills from a young age, there are many programs and camps available outside of the classroom. Kids with a wide variety of interests will find it fun to learn how to code, and if you start while they’re young, you’ll be amazed by what they’ll learn.

Should My Kid Learn How to Code?

Simply put: Yes! When children have the opportunity to explore technology and learn how to code, they are advantageous in other facets of their education. Not only will they get first-hand knowledge and coordination in using computers, but they’ll also have a creative outlet. Teaching kids coding also provides an opportunity for them to develop excellent problem-solving skills. Young children are sponges, and if they get used to the problem-solving process in coding, there’s no doubt they’ll be able to transfer those skills to other areas of their life. As a child develops programming skills, they may find that they’re interested in developing games, characters, apps, and tools. They’ll begin to see how technology works together, write their own scripts, adapt their own codes, and produce something that makes them proud. Give them the building blocks they need, and see where their curiosity leads them!

Signs Your Child May Love Learning to Code

If you’re not sure whether or not your child will enjoy coding lessons, remember that it appeals to various interests. Your child might love coding concepts if they:

Have an inherent interest in technology, whether through computers, tablets, or gaming systems
Enjoy challenging educational games, like puzzles or problem-solving activities
Use drag-and-drop coding toys, like Code-a-pillar
Participate in games that engage programming skills, such as Minecraft or Robot Wars
Can follow detailed instructions or enjoy free play with building toys such as LEGO
Gravitate to creative outlets like art classes and cooking classes

Of course, even if your child doesn’t express a strong interest in any of these things, they might latch on to coding as a new hobby. Learning to code is something a child could do independently or with a friend or parent. As kids learn more about the basics of coding, they’ll find many creative avenues to explore.

The Benefits of Learning to Code

Understanding how computers work is a foundational building block for many paths in life. Just think how many people you know that don’t understand the basics of coding or that coding is what’s used to make applications and programs. To some degree, they’re at a loss. Technology is ever-changing. Providing young children with the confidence they need to learn and adapt to new technologies continuously will empower them throughout their lives. Your cool coding kids might someday develop their own coding language, create new technologies, or use their skills as a programmer to engineer unique solutions in life and in their careers! You can’t even predict where newfound coding skills will take them: They may become qualified for jobs in the future that don’t yet exist. Children who learn how to code often:

Develop strong problem-solving skills
Build resilience
Engage creativity
Explore imaginative free play
Excel in STEM studies

Coding Classes for Kids: Investing in Their Future

Hey parents, it’s hard to remember that your kids will have no memory of an “unconnected” world, one free from complexly connected networks, mobile technologies, and plug-ins and apps. Not only do they not recall a time that wasn’t Wi-Fi reliant and cloud-based, but they really don’t have a good opportunity to learn about current technologies until we as parents provide them the tools and training. Exposure to technology and knowledge of coding skills and computer programming are almost prerequisites for education—many schools have coding programs for students as young as five. By investing in technologies that your children can learn, you’re also investing in more opportunities for their future and giving them the chance to be a step ahead at navigating inevitable changes in technology throughout their lives. You can’t deny that the time to learn is now. So stay apprised of child-focused learning philosophies and help make the most of your kid’s learning experience.

Introducing Kids to Coding

Explore the world of coding concepts with your child. Many schools offer programs for five-year-olds, and there are countless coding camp opportunities for children in grades 2-5 and into middle school and high school. Experiencing the different levels of coding and script-writing from a young age is the best way to help integrate problem-solving skills and creativity into their lives. Some things you can do to help your child learn about coding:

Increase their exposure to age-appropriate video games and apps, such as Minecraft
Experience coding with them: If you haven’t coded before, there’s an added benefit in that your child can see how an adult navigates problem-solving challenges
Find coding opportunities to match their interests or preferred devices; many kids love learning on the iPad
Talk about after-school programs and summer camps offered by theCoderSchool

Many think that an independent child will thrive in the world of coding, but that’s not always the case. Coding is a learned skill and is enhanced by peer instruction, active teachers, and hands-on projects and tasks. Programs at theCoderSchool offer kids the option to choose between private instruction with an individual Code Coach, or in a low-ratio classroom setting.

Finding the Best Coding Class or Camp for Your Kid

There are many things to consider as you explore coding classes and camps for your child. Some kids are vocal about the learning experience they want to pursue. For example, they may want to learn how to program a website, design a game, or build a robot. Others may be looking to take their existing knowledge of computers to the next level by exploring the newest programming languages and learning how to apply them. When you’re choosing a program, consider:

Your child’s age
Interests, such as video games, websites, robotics, etc.
Social skills. Some children learn best one-on-one tutorials, while others thrive in a class-based environment with peers.
Learning style. Rigorous coder camps are good for some kids, but others learn best with a program that grows more gradually with their interests.
Availability. Afterschool programs and online resources are readily available for those needing flexibility.
Skill level in coding. If your child has had some exposure in the past, whether in school or another camp, don’t hesitate to contact us to help gauge what program and opportunities might pique their interest. Older kids who already know programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, CSS, HTML, or Raspberry Pi may be ready to take their know-how to the next level.

Coding Programs That Get Kids Excited About Learning

Scratch Coding Classes

Scratch classes are a fun way for kids to learn more about computer coding and basic programming. Primarily a visual language, Scratch is an entry-level coding language designed to introduce kids to the world of coding. While it’s pretty simple to learn, it’s beneficial for several purposes and also primes kids for more challenging languages such as Python, C++, or Java. This is a good place to start if your child is interested in video game development or app creation.

Video Game Coding Classes

If your kid has an interest in video game development, these classes are the right fit. Turn your kid’s hobby into a fun, useful skill and allow them the opportunity to build their own interactive stories, challenges, and incredible visual effects. In these camps and courses, your child will learn about variables, loops, conditionals, and if/then logic for coding games. In addition, they’ll be introduced to video games designed just for coders and get the base knowledge they need to continue into more advanced video game coding.

Minecraft Coding Classes

Students with existing knowledge of Minecraft will thrive once they work within the Minecraft Education Edition’s Code Builder tool. Far from a “boring” syntax coding course, the Minecraft teaching platform gives kids a glimpse into a virtual world and allows them the opportunity to learn and code together in a social and collaborative environment. They’ll build and edit worlds, create objects, and act as a free agent exploring and adapting their environment. Minecraft coding provides some gameplay opportunities, plus lots of problem-solving and creative thinking challenges. It’s a great place to start your kid if they don’t have any coding experience, especially if they already have a love of Minecraft.

Robotics Camps

Robotics camps might be the right fit for a kid who has shown interest in coding and wants to take it to the next level. Just a few decades ago, this coursework was only available at the collegiate level, but now it’s readily accessible for kids of all ages. Students love building their own robots and adapting their custom code to make their robots work. Many programs even conclude with a competition to allow students to demonstrate how their robot works and show off their coding skills! Robotics camps foster collaboration and problem-solving skills while encouraging creativity. If your kid would enjoy the opportunity to build their own physical robot and code it to follow specific commands, you should pursue camps in your area.

Find a Children’s Coding Class Near You

Give your kid a jumpstart down a STEM career path with classes that provide foundational knowledge in coding. Your curious, creative kid will thrive in an environment that introduces computers and technology and reinforces problem-solving skills at a young age. TheCoderSchool provides coding classes and camps that make it easy for school-aged kids of all skill levels to explore the magic of computer science and programming. With locations across the United States and flexible courses, including virtual learning, in-person classes, or private one-on-one lessons, we strive to provide new challenges and opportunities for the next-gen to take their curiosities with technology to the next level. Find a class near you and get in touch with the educators at theCoderSchool today if you have any questions.

How to Make a Game on Scratch

Coding skills come quickly for kids who learn on Scratch. Not only is it an entry-level, highly visual, easy-to-learn programming language, but it’s rewarding for kids to be able to create, customize, and play their own games. Created by the MIT Media Lab, Scratch projects help kids learn more about coding simple computer games. Designing simple games is the first step to help children understand how code blocks work and gradually prepares them for more challenging languages such as Python, C++, and Java. In Scratch programming camps, online classes, or after-school programs, students learn the basics and come away with new skills. Scratch reinforces problem-solving, logical thinking, and creativity. Even the youngest coders can get a taste for coding with Scratch, but most programs are best for kids ages 8-11.

What Kind of Games Can I Make on Scratch?

Kids can make all kinds of interactive stories, games, and animations on Scratch. Our tutorials allow kids to use their creativity when planning games, designing characters and elements (a.k.a. sprites), and developing objectives. Few firm rules apply, but with any type of game, kids will learn to create a player with control over something and define a goal. Popular games made by kids include:

Platformers
Scrollers
Tycoon
Battle Royale, or fighters
Create-a-character or switch costume games
Art pixels
Pac-man
Cloud-based multiplayer racing games
Pong
Mazes

Looking for more ideas? Check out the Scratch website, which hosts games submitted by real kids all over the world.

Make Your Own Scratch Video Game in 5 Easy Steps

Step 1: Make a plan and choose your themes

Designing a Scratch game and having a plan for what it will do is the first step. It might seem daunting for some kids to envision their first game before it’s built, but thinking through the theme (how it looks), what the players will do, and what a player has to “complete” or “win” are necessary considerations before coding.

Step 2: Build and program your sprite

Choose a sprite image to represent your main character and program how you will control its movements. Often, students start with simple commands operated by an easy right-click or arrow keys.

Step 3: Choose a backdrop for your theme

Think about your theme as you select a background for your game. You can choose a premade backdrop, draw your own, or even upload an image from your computer. The student will enjoy seeing the plan coming to life at this stage of the process.

Step 4: Program the objective for your sprite

Establish the objective of the game. For example, maybe the main character sprite needs to answer questions, do a puzzle, collect items, or jump over enemies. In this step, you can create new sprites to represent the objectives or components that the main character will interact with in the game. Once this step is completed, students can press the green flag and actually try to play the game!

Step 5: Add new objectives to advance your game

Most Scratch students are encouraged to keep functionality simple while learning the step-by-step process, but they’ll quickly find that it’s easy to enhance the design and add challenges, sound effects, and new sprites to take their game design to the next level. When it’s “game over,” a student can start from Step 1 and make a new game.

Why Scratch Coding is Great for Kids & Beginners

Scratch is a simple interface for young coders, and serves as a great intro to the world of computer science. Made up of drag-and-drop, color-coded control blocks, it’s an easy way to show kids how programming languages work. Kids who express interest in video game development or app creation use Scratch as a building block for more challenging syntaxes. It’s easy to get your kid learning about coding through Scratch camps and programs, and it’s hard to find a better place to start than through theCoderSchool.

Find a Kid’s Scratch Coding Class Near You

If you’d like to help your child learn more about coding in a fun, visual way, sign up for Scratch coding classes at theCoderSchool. Our approach to teaching young programmers guarantees that they’ll learn a new skill and be challenged along the way. With after-school programs, virtual classes, and summer camps available for children all across the United States, it’s easy to introduce your kid to fun games in the world of coding today. Whether your child is interested in video game development, Minecraft coding camps, or needs a new programming challenge, contact us today to find camps and coding classes near you.

How Minecraft Teaches Coding

With its colorful characters and immersive open world gameplay, Minecraft is one of those games that grabs kids’ attention in a flash. But it’s more than just a game; it’s also an incredible teaching platform to help students learn about computer programming.

TheCoderSchool uses the Minecraft Education Edition to teach coding because it’s one of the most accessible and beginner-friendly platforms for kids to learn coding. From its drag-and-drop coding format to its exciting storylines, Minecraft shows kids that coding can be fun.

Our students take their newfound coding concepts into the rest of their lives, whether it’s pursuing computer science skills or honing their problem-solving skills in another subject. But most of all, Minecraft coding courses teach kids about the power of coding and how video games can be used to learn more about the world around us.

How Minecraft Can Help Kids Understand Coding

In the Minecraft world, kids can program as well as just play. Using the platform’s easy-to-use code editor kids can hone their coding skills while programming their Minecraft characters to perform certain actions.

The entire coding process is easy to grasp with Microsoft’s Minecraft educational program. Kids can do simple drag n’ drop coding or choose other programming languages such as JavaScript and Python—two languages of our Coder Tree progression.

Coding languages can be tricky to pick up, but beginner coders in our programs get an intro to real-world programming languages through a fun and collaborative learning experience. Video game coding camps get kids started on the right foot, helping plant the seeds for their budding coding careers.

How Can My Kid Start Coding in Minecraft?

While there are Minecraft coding tutorials online, we believe that coding is best learned in a supportive environment. Our coaches don’t set out rigid lesson plans; instead, we use the Minecraft game to introduce coding to students of any skill level.

Similar to Scratch, Minecraft uses drag-and-drop code editors that are easy to understand and which provide step-by-step instructions. Kids can also get creative and introduce their own code.

Our coding camps are taught in low-ratio groups, with just six students per instructor. This setting gives educators a chance to meet students where they are in their skill set, challenging them appropriately with age-appropriate lessons. If a camp isn’t in the cards, we also offer private lessons for kids who need a more flexible program.

Beyond getting personalized lessons, students in our camp gain valuable social skills. Kids who learn in a collaborative environment work in a team to accomplish tasks. We find that students also learn from one another, making it a great environment to build teamwork and group problem-solving skills.

The collaborative nature of our programs is what makes theCoderSchool unique and fun. We don’t think sitting in a classroom is the way to learn, which is why our hands-on programs are so powerful for our students. They get to play and learn using a video game they love, and make huge strides in their knowledge through the process.

Find A Minecraft Coding Camp for Kids Near You

Our Minecraft coding camps are the best way to help your child learn how to code. We offer both day camps and after school programs for children across the country. Find a Minecraft coding camp near you to get your child started today.

Python Programming for Kids

Python is one of the most powerful, yet versatile and easy-to-learn computer programming languages being used by programmers today. It’s complex enough that companies such as Netflix and Spotify use it, yet it’s one of the more accessible languages to learn, making it an amazing language for kids to learn as they become budding programmers.

We love Python because it’s one of the most flexible languages out there. It allows for both structured and object-oriented programming, meaning new coders will find diverse ways to problem-solve and work out logical puzzles.

Whether your child is curious about artificial intelligence and machine learning, or they want to learn data science, Python is a great language to pick up as a young coder.

Is Python for Kids, or Just Adults?

Python isn’t just a coding language for young programmers: It’s also one of the most popular languages being used by real-world coders today. While it’s powerful enough to support popular applications such as Spotify, it’s also a great first language because it’s beginner friendly. It’s a great language for kids to learn after mastering Scratch in their early coding education.

Python skills tend to grow with each coder, meaning it can become more complex as your child learns and grows their computer science skills. There are a couple key reasons we think Python is great for kids. First off, it’s one of the most human-readable languages in use today. Rather than challenging syntax and high-level jargon, its readability is what makes it easy for kids to pick up.

Another reason Python is great for kids is that it’s much faster to write code. Once students learn the basics, a typical Python coding script is shorter than the equivalent Javascript program, making it faster to learn and less arduous to write. We think it’s a great option for middle schoolers who have some experience in coding courses and are ready to jump into more complex material.

How Can I Help My Child Learn Python Programming?

Python’s popularity means it’s possible to learn in several diverse formats. Students learning Python can gravitate toward a learning style that works for their particular needs, from online courses to video games and books.

Here are several learning methods for Python and some examples we recommend.

Free Online Courses

There are plenty of online Python courses that help walk students through step-by-step coding tutorials. Some are game-based, others are rooted in logic and puzzles, while some offer competitive coding to get kids writing code with enthusiasm. We recommend the free Python tutorial platforms Trinket, PixelPad, Codewars, and Coding Bat.

Python Video Games

If your young coder is also into video games, leverage this to help them learn to code and develop problem-solving skills. Programs such as CodeCombat are amazing for harnessing kids’ interests to help them write Python code in highly visual, engaging ways.

Books About Python

For bookworms, reading about the basics of Python might be the best learning method for helping programming concepts really sink in. The kids’ Python books that we like are engaging, highly visual, and entertaining. A couple of our favorites include Python for Kids by Jason R. Briggs and Python Crash Course by Eric Matthes.

Python Courses & Camps

One of the very best ways to learn Python is through hands-on, guided learning.

Our Python courses and Python camps provide low-ratio instruction with our talented Code Coaches available to teach Python either in private classes or small group sessions. Our courses and camps are designed to be fun and interactive, helping students as they work through new coding concepts and learning important fundamentals along the way.

Find Local Python Programming Classes for Kids

When you’re ready to sign your child up for a programming class to learn Python, the first step is to go online and check out our course offerings in your area. You can sign up for an online coding class or find a camp near you if your child would rather have the in-person experience.

Learning Python is a fun and transformative experience in any young programmer’s coding journey. Contact theCoderSchool today to learn more about our camps and classes.

Coding for Middle Schoolers: Top Languages, Platforms, and Projects

Coding inspires critical thinking and is an excellent option for kids in middle school who are hungry to learn about computer science. The logical part of kids’ brains really takes off between ages 11 and 14, and most middle schoolers can grasp more complex topics and more advanced programming languages such as Python and JavaScript.

TheCoderSchool is the perfect place for middle school students to further their knowledge of coding. Our Code Coaches can work one-on-one or in low-ratio in-person or virtual coding classes with middle schoolers who want to learn more advanced languages.

Choosing the right language and learning platform is important for the best coding experience. We’ll guide you through the most popular options for kids at this stage of learning. Or if you’re interested specifically in the best coding languages for video game development, try this.

Best Programming Languages for Middle Schoolers

Many of our coding students will start with the basics before moving on to more complex languages. TheCoderSchool has experience teaching children a variety of languages, but the ones we find that are most useful for our students are Scratch, Python, JavaScript, and Lua.

Scratch

Scratch is one of the most common beginner languages for new coders. Easy to learn and highly visual, it teaches coding basics in a way kids can understand. Kids drag-and-drop colorful boxes to problem solve and gain an understanding of new concepts.

Python

After learning the basics, Python is a great language for intermediate coders. Far more than just a teaching language, Python is used by professional programmers in a variety of settings in the real world. Popular applications such as Netflix and Spotify are built with Python, which is a testament to its versatility and professionalism.

Despite it being a language used by the pros, Python is actually a very easy language to learn. It’s intuitive and flexible, and middle schoolers typically learn Python quickly and with ease, often with the help of programs such as CodeCombat.

JavaScript

Like Python, JavaScript is a popular language used by professional coders. JavaScript is a powerful language and is used on various applications, including Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. Beyond building web pages, it’s also used to create mobile apps, games, and even run robots.

After learning coding basics, JavaScript is a great language to dive into when kids are ready for text-based computer programming and web development concepts.

Lua

Another language great for introducing text-based coding is Lua. Coders use it to build IOS and Android games and apps. Ever heard of Angry Birds? Developers used Lua to make the mega-popular game.

We find that it’s easy to learn and use, making it perfect for beginner to intermediate coders. There are some similarities between Python and Lua: Kids learning Lua don’t have to wade through difficult syntax, and the overall aesthetic is more straightforward.

Best Programming Platforms for Middle Schoolers

One of the best things about learning to code is the fun and engaging programming tutorials out there. Picking up new concepts such as algorithms and conditionals can be tricky, but these platforms make it interesting. We have a few favorites listed below (all free) that we recommend for our students.

Trinket

Trinket is the perfect programming platform for kids who are ready to dive into the world of Python. We like it because kids can code directly into a web browser and save their work for their next session. Students can also remix code from other people’s projects and play around with editing. The Turtle feature is also helpful because it allows kids to start using Python to draw elements directly on the screen.

CodePen

We love this programming platform because it allows students to learn JavaScript in real time. By using a split-screen feature, CodePen shows users how their code comes to life. The whole program runs in a web browser, making it easy to login on any computer and pick up right where they left off. Kids who learn using CodePen also combine elements of HTML and CSS, making it great for the ambitious middle schooler.

Roblox Studio

Kids who want to learn Lua love the program Roblox. This coding and game development platform is designed for kids who are interested in video game development. Roblox allows kids to create their own games using languages such as Lua and C++. It’s a great way to absorb new programming skills while learning new coding languages and developing fun games simultaneously.

Best Programming Projects for Middle Schoolers

One of the best ways to learn new programming concepts is through hands-on projects. It allows students to practice their coding skills and they can come away with tangible evidence of their skills, whether it’s a video game to play with friends or an app to show their parents.

Video game development

Our educators can help guide your child through the video game creation process from start to finish. Many of our students can’t wait to build their first game. They’ll learn how to code in one of the free programming platforms, such as Roblox, and will slowly see their game come to life.

Mobile app creation

Another great project for middle school coders is building a mobile app. Code Coaches can help students become app inventors by learning what it takes to conceptualize and build a useful application to run on Android or iOS. Students can also use HTML and CSS to play with layout options and make things like countdown timers or interactive to-do lists.

Building a basic website

Building websites is one of the most valuable skills kids can learn in coding classes. We can help your child build a simple website using basic design principles such as web hosting, file linking, and coding logic. Our Code Coaches will help students build websites using HTML5 and other languages they’ll learn along their coding journey.

Kids Aged 11-14 Can Dive into Programming with theCoderSchool

TheCoderSchool can help your child kick start or continue their coding education through programming courses where kids can learn at their own pace or camps where they can learn in group settings.

Far from a bland computer science course, our programs are designed to be interactive and engaging from start to finish. Be sure to check our website for coding camps and classes near you and help your child become a computer science whiz-kid today!

What Do You Learn in Robotics?

Artificial intelligence is the stuff sci-fi movies, video games, and comic books are made of, and most kids are crazy for them. At theCoderSchool, we help kids learn how to make their own robot come to life by learning how to code.

Even kids without previous programming experience can join a robotics class. We have a robotics camp and robotics classes that are great for kids who have some experience or for those who are just starting out on their coding journey.

Our camps happen during school breaks (summer, spring, and winter) and are very small and hands-on—typically just six students in each camp.

Robotics classes are even smaller, with most of our students taking low-ratio courses consisting of just two students per educator. Low-ratio in-person and online learning allow students to go at their own pace, and working with another student helps kids learn from one another and the instructor at the same time.

Our classes allow students to learn robotics and also assemble and program their own robots. We use mBot for our tutorials, a STEAM education robot that is standard for our robotics camps and classes. After assembling their bots, students will learn how to give it basic commands and eventually program tasks.

Signs Your Child May Love Robotics

How do you know if your child would love a robotics class? While many kids might be into robots, having the interest in bringing one to life requires a deeper interest in computer programming and a propensity for puzzles, games, and math.

Both our classes and camps offer students a chance to dig into the inner workings of robots, giving them hands-on programming skills and helping them learn valuable computer science and math skills. As kids start to learn what it takes to become a programmer, these hands-on experiences are vital for instilling confidence and a passion for robotics.

Building robots from scratch is one giant puzzle. If your child loves puzzles and games, they’ll thrive in one of theCoderSchool’s robotics classes.

What Skills Do Children Learn in Robotics Classes?

First and foremost, kids come away from our robotics classes with more advanced knowledge of programming concepts. Each student’s path of learning will differ based on what they explore in our Coder Tree progression.

They’ll learn various skills, including creative problem-solving skills, and improve their math, science, and logic knowledge. Beyond the technical robotics skills learned, kids also learn valuable social skills.

Some of the robotics concepts our students learn include machine learning, algorithms, event detection, and automated robot motion optimization. Students who are new to programming can code their robots using the beginner friendly programming language Scratch, while more intermediate coders can program using Python for robot automation.

While we love to teach the technical skills of coding, our educators understand the importance of real-world soft skills. Students work together and challenge one another during our coding camps, learning important teamwork skills throughout the program. And in our low-ratio classes, kids get the added benefit of peer-to-peer learning.

Although our classes are designed for beginners, the skills learned will prepare your child for advanced robotics courses where they can learn kinematics, more complex robotic systems, and specialization.

Learning robotics can open the door to learning more advanced skills that will set kids up for a future in fields such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or robotics engineering. The job market for robotics is constantly growing, and learning robotics at an early age could pave the way for a future roboticist.

Find a Robotics Class Near You

Signing up your child for a robotics program will be a huge step forward for them in their coding journey. They’ll have a chance to build a real robot from scratch and program it to do real tasks such as completing a maze or taking part in a small robotics competition.

Our students come away with confidence in their coding skills and with the exciting knowledge that coding can bring inanimate objects to life.

The field of robotics is growing, making robotics classes a great entry point into an exciting future for your child. TheCoderSchool offers both online courses and in-person robotics courses at our locations around the country. Be sure to check our website for coding camps and classes near you.

Top Free Platforms to Learn Python for Middle Schoolers

Middle school is a dynamic time for kids, especially when it comes to developmental learning. That makes it the perfect time for kids who love computer science and coding to dig into new concepts and face new challenges.

Kids ages 11 to 13 tend to thrive learning Python. It’s intuitive, yet challenging, and is versatile enough to help your young coder expand their coding skills exponentially.

Python is an incredibly popular language in today’s coding world. Both Netflix and Spotify were built using Python, which is a testament to its versatility and the possibilities it affords. Programmers today use Python for all kinds of real-world problems, making it an amazing language to learn at a young age.

TheCoderSchool includes Python in The Trunk of our Coder Tree learning progression. Here, your child will learn the foundation and branch out to advanced concepts.

Let’s look at some of the top free platforms out there for learning Python, and why it’s a great coding language for middle school students to learn.

Should Middle Schoolers Learn Python?

When kids hit middle school, the logical part of their brains start growing like wildfire. Python courses are an incredible way to harness that growth and turn it into an exciting new chapter of their coding journey.

Beyond understanding new programming concepts and coding fundamentals, students who pick up Python will gain knowledge about object-oriented programming and improve their problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

We recommend Python for most middle schoolers who have some prior coding experience. It’s a great way to hone logical thinking skills and learn to code in visual, dynamic methods—competencies that they’ll carry with them as they progress in their programming skills.

While Python isn’t a difficult language to learn, students progress far faster with the help of one of theCoderSchool’s Code Coaches. Even the most motivated self-learner will come up against challenges if trying to learn without a teacher, which is why it’s a great subject to tackle in after-school coding classes.

What Can My Child Learn from Online Python Tutorials?

Online Python tutorials are a great way for students to learn a new coding language in fun, visual settings. There are plenty of free Python training programs that make it far easier to learn the fundamentals, grasp new coding concepts, and practice their skills.

We know that some kids are able to pick up Python on their own, but we highly recommend working with one of our Code Coaches to help your child advance quickly and in a supportive environment. TheCoderSchool provides one-on-one coaching to help your child move through the Python tutorials and tackle hard subjects along the way.

4 Free Platforms for Learning Python

There are plenty of free computer programming platforms out there to help new coders learn Python. Here are a few Python programs we recommend for our students.

Trinket.io

Trinket is a great Python training program to help kids who learned to code using Scratch or Codecombat. This free Python platform allows students to code in Python purely on web browsers. Students create their own accounts when starting out, which allows them to save their code during each session.

Students who are familiar with Scratch will recognize the “Remix” option, which allows you to take someone else’s project, create your own copy, and edit the code from there. Trinket also has a graphical library called Turtle which allows users to draw things on the screen—great for the highly visual learner.

PixelPad.io

PixelPad is similar to Trinket in many ways, and is another great free platform for kids learning Python. Like Trinket, PixelPad allows users to set up an account on a web browser and log in to create and save their code in the cloud. PixelPad is more game-like than Trinket, and has step-by-step curriculums to help keep students on track

Coding Bat

For students who are more logic-oriented, Coding Bat is a great free option. Both Python and Java are available to learn on Coding Bat, making it a great program to get familiar with if your child is thinking about picking up Java, as well.

Rather than the game-like style of PixelPad, Coding Bat presents kids with logical problems which they have to solve using code. After completing each puzzle, students submit their Python code for the site to check their answers. It’s a simple concept, but is a fantastic way to help kids hone coding basics such as if-then conditions.

Codewars

This coding website is perfect for the student who loves to compete. CodeWars allows young coders to improve their skills by training with other coders and competing in programming challenges. The platform offers coding practice in Python, Ruby, Java, JavaScript, and others.

Take Python Programming to the Next Level

Learning a new coding language isn’t so different from learning a new spoken language: It requires plenty of practice. Even the most proficient coders benefit from having some guidance, and our Code Coaches can help your child pick up new skills far more quickly than if they tried to learn on their own.

To help your child advance in their programming career, consider signing up for one of theCoderSchool’s Python camps. We operate camps across the country, so find a camp near you to get started. More information about Python Coding Classes here.

Coding for 7 Year Olds: Programming Classes & Camps

Our computer programming classes and camps are all about interactivity and fun. At theCoderSchool, kids learn how some of their favorite games and toys come to life, making coding fun and engaging for kids as young as seven years old.

We want to help your kids turn their hobby into useful skills, whether it’s digging into the inner workings of their favorite video game such as Minecraft or bringing a robot to life.

Can a 7 Year Old Learn to Code?

One of the great aspects of coding is that we’ve found that kids ages seven and up can grasp foundational concepts. Our beginning coding classes and coding camps will help kids as young as seven learn how to code with fun programs such as Scratch from MIT, which is a highly visual language and designed for young coders. Some kids may be ready to explore coding concepts even younger than age seven—and there are ways parents can help introduce coding to very young children at home.

Is 7 years old too young to learn coding?

You might wonder whether seven years old is too young to learn coding. For some kids, that could be true. We’ve found it’s the youngest age at which most students can begin successfully grasping basic coding concepts.

The most important thing to ensure your child is ready for coding is their interest in the subject.

If they love playing Minecraft or Roblox, they’ll likely be drawn to learning what makes their games come to life. With our carefully designed classes and camps, kids will learn topics such as sequencing, debugging, and conditionals through fun, engaging tutorials with our educators.

Many parents wait until their child turns eight years old, which might be a better time to start coding for some students.

Best Coding Classes & Camps for 7 Year Olds

TheCoderSchool offers coding classes that are appropriate for kids who are just starting their coding skills journey. These classes emphasize subjects already interesting to kids, such as video game development.

The below coding classes are recommended for the younger kids, however we don’t discriminate by age. For example, if your child has some background knowledge and great interest in a class that’s intended for older kids, we encourage them to try it out.

Rather than holding kids back, we want to support their interests, which goes back to theCoderTree learning philosophy. One day, your kid will likely be ready to dig into Swift and JavaScript, but we like to start out with the basics.

The courses below are great for kids who are as young as seven, and focus on game-building, programming logic, and problem-solving. Our classes, taught by professional programmers, help kids who are interested in STEM subjects and computational thinking take their understanding to the next level.

At theCoderSchool, coding lessons are typically taught once per week with Code Coaches and at a two-to-one ratio, however we also offer private lessons for kids who prefer to learn one-on-one. With just one hour of code classes a week, kids can make impressive gains as they progress in their learning.

The coding camps are taught during school breaks: We have spring break camps, summer camps, and winter breaks for seven-year-olds who benefit from some structured activity while away from school.

Scratch Classes

Our Scratch classes are great for new coders who are just starting to grasp how coding languages work. Rather than tricky syntax, this program feels more like a puzzle game: It uses visuals and graphics to teach kids how to code, with color-coded drag-and-drop building blocks that help plant the foundational seeds of programming.

Scratch is a great programming language for younger coders because it involves coding games and is highly interactive.

Scratch is one of the best learning resources for younger coders. Foundational concepts learned in a fun way through Scratch help kids as they transition to more complex languages later on such as HTML, CSS, Java, or Python.

Game Development Camps

We understand how much kids love video games, and have found that game development camp is a great way for younger kids to grasp new concepts and feel engaged. In this camp, kids get to build their very own games with interactive stories help from our qualified Code Coaches.

Students in this camp will use Snap! or Scratch to learn video game development coding concepts.

Private Lessons

Not all seven-year-olds benefit from working in group settings, which is why we also offer private lessons for students. Our Code Coaches will work one-on-one with your child and help them learn to code at their pace. We know that new concepts are best learned when there’s a genuine interest, and will help make coding fun and relatable for kids of any age.

Find Coding Classes for 7 Year Olds Near You

Signing your kid up for coding classes is easy: theCoderSchool is located all over the country, meaning you’ll likely be able to find a class near you. Whether your child just wants to learn the basics of coding or is determined to understand how their favorite video game works, our coding classes and camps are perfect for kids as young as seven to gain programming skills.

SVGs

By Daniel K., Age 14

In web design (and in all computer graphics), there are two types of images:

Raster graphics and vector graphics. The difference between the two is that while raster graphics usually work better for images, they get pixelated or blotchy if you zoom in too much. However, vector graphics use math to display images. Although vector graphics don’t work for images, they can make illustrations. However, the best part about vector graphics is that you can zoom in however much you want and have the image stay sharp. Websites use vector graphics in the form of <svg> tags.

However, the best thing about SVGs in websites is that you can control how they are displayed. For instance, you could animate their colors with CSS or even change their appearance with Javascript.

To learn how you would go about doing that, we first need to understand a bit about SVGs. SVG files are a lot like HTML. If you open a .svg file in a text editor, you will see something that looks a lot like HTML code, but with some new tags. This will be useful later. There are two ways to add an SVG to your HTML: use an image tag that points to a .svg file, or embed the file straight in the HTML.

The first type of SVG is the simplest to implement, but offers none of the cool tricks I’m about to show you. You can implement it by using an IMG tag with a source ending in .svg (<img src=”someDirectory/example.svg”>).

The second type of SVG, however, takes the contents of the .svg file and copy-pastes them directly onto the HTML page. This works since SVGs are formatted a lot like HTML and almost all major browsers support SVGs. This way of adding SVGs to your webpage is much better as it allows you to directly modify the SVG data using Javascript.

An SVG consists of an <svg> tag, which contains all of the metadata for the SVG. This isn’t very important for our purposes, so act as if that tag is a <div> containing the actual drawing. Inside the <svg> tag, you will find one or more <g> tags. These tags mainly handle the layers for the SVG. You won’t need those either, unless you’re planning on transforming entire SVG layers with the transform=”matix()” attribute. The thing we’re looking for is inside the <g> tag. This is where the main graphics-drawing takes place.

Although you may see some <rect>, <ellipse>, <polygon>, and <polyline> tags, most SVGs are made primarily out of <path> tags. All drawing tags can contain a fill attribute, as well as several other attributes specific to drawing a shape. For instance, the <line> tag has x1, y1, x2, and y2 attributes that determine the two edges of that line, while the <path> tag has a “d” attribute that dictates the shape drawn.

Now comes the fun part: modifying the SVG. Since each drawing tag in an SVG is like an HTML tag, we can add IDs to them. Then, when the user does something, we can access them through CSS and apply styling to the shapes as you would normally.

To do more complex things with the shape, for instance change it with JS, we can use the <animate> tag. When an event is triggered, we can add the animate tag inside the drawing tag, like this:

<g>

<path d=”some value”>

<animate>

</path>

</g>

We can then add an attributeName attribute to the animate tag in order to specify the attribute that should be animated, in this case “d”. We can also give the animate tag a values attribute, which specifies the attribute values to animate, separated by semicolons. In this case, we can specify “some value;another value” since we want the path’s d attribute to animate from some value to another value. Specifying a dur attribute for the animation allows you to customize the duration the animation lasts.

Congratulations, you can now animate SVGs. When making websites, you can apply this in interesting ways, such as making animated buttons or backgrounds.