These elementary-level tools help kids learn to code by targeting the foundations of programming: problem-solving, logic, and critical thinking. Some of the tools on this list focus on simple, block-based coding, while others use real text-based languages; a few of the tools even incorporate both to help kids with the transition to more advanced projects. By learning these skills through the context of code, kids build essential 21st-century skills for life that empower them to become creators, not just consumers, of the technology.
If you’re looking to begin coding lessons in your classroom, check out our Teaching Strategies for how to Get Started with Coding in Your Classroom.
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Block- and Text-Based Code
Root Coding
First-rate versatile robot for all ages
Bottom line: By encouraging artistic design and creative problem-solving, Root Coding fits right into your STEAM curriculum.
Grades: Pre-K–12
Price: Free, Paid
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Kodable
Fun programming logic for kids, great resources for teachers
Bottom line: A fun way for young students to understand coding, and an impressive resource for teachers to support their progress along the way.
Grades: K–5
Price: Free to try
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Code.org
Popular games, big names get kids and teachers pumped to program
Bottom line: A well-planned, -produced, and -curated set of free resources bound to get kids hooked on learning to code.
Grades: K–12 Price:
Free
SpriteBox Coding
Appealing puzzle game reinforces essential coding concepts
Bottom line: This well-designed game introduces basic coding syntax and is best used for practice.
Grades: 1–6
Price: Paid
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Code for Life
Comprehensive coding platform has impressive resources for teachers
Bottom line: This learn-to-code program has the breadth and depth required to meet the needs of almost any teacher.
Grades: 1–12
Price: Free
Sphero Edu
Cool robots and creative play make programming irresistible
Bottom line: Hub for Sphero robots draws crafty kids who love making into coding, and it empowers them to be collaborators.
Grades: 3–8
Price: Free, Paid
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Tynker
Approachable, powerful coding curriculum covers much ground, provides support
Bottom line: Tynker empowers students of all ages and experience levels to create custom coding projects for a variety of platforms.
Grades: K–12
Price: Free to try
Microsoft MakeCode
Bring code to life with circuits, robots, Minecraft, and more
Bottom line: Once you purchase the hardware, MakeCode opens doors to an incredible diversity of coding applications.
Grades: 3–12
Price: Free
Codesters
Differentiated text-based coding makes for truly authentic experiences
Bottom line: The well-designed Python lessons and user interface make this a great choice for serious coding instruction.
Grades: 4–8
Price: Free to try, Paid
Block-Based Code
Blue-Bot
Simple robot ideal for introducing programming to young learners
Bottom line: Students will develop logical and sequential thinking with Blue-Bot, creating a foundation for future coding activities.
Grades: Pre-K–2
Price: Free, Paid
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Tynker Junior
Picture-based coding app piques early learners’ interest
Bottom line: Early coders will enjoy the colorful interface and variety of activities as they progress through different worlds and develop foundational programming skills.
Grades: Pre-K–2
Price: Free to try
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ScratchJr
Drag-and-drop programming is an effective intro for budding coders
Bottom line: With a little adult help, this is a rich platform for getting kids into programming and digital creation.
Grades: K–2
Price: Free
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Codeable Crafts
Animate stories with accessible drawing tools and coding blocks
Bottom line: Kids get a simple peek at computer programming principles by animating stories using code blocks.
Grades: K–3
Price: Free
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Blockly for Dash & Dot Robots
Adorable robots teach hands-on coding skills
Bottom line: You can program robots with code blocks, with plenty of creative options and lots of fun.
Grades: K–5
Price: Free, Paid
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Cork the Volcano – Puzzlets
Fun elementary coding through hands-on puzzle tiles
Bottom line: Programming that combines engaging physical puzzle tiles with digital gameplay.
Grades: K–5
Price: Free, Paid
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Path for Dash Robot
Impressive intro to programming and robotics grows with students
Bottom line: Fun activities will hook kids; more advanced applications will continue to challenge them.
Grades: K–5
Price: Free
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Elementari
Storybook creation tool offers cool blend of ELA, art, and coding
Bottom line: This is a great storytelling tool for younger kids that also offers an entry point into coding and computational thinking.
Grades: 1–5
Price: Free, Paid
Itch
Full-featured tool makes teaching with Scratch easier than ever
Bottom line: Here you’ll find resources for teaching with Scratch and a complete management tool to support student learning.
Grades: 1–12
Price: Free to try, Paid
Scratch
Creative sandbox opens the door to coding in any subject area
Bottom line: Scratch draws students of all types into coding and lays a foundation for future learning.
Grades: 1–12
Price: Free
Codemoji
Emoji-based coding tool demystifies web design and animation
Bottom line: Emoji-based lessons engage and empower kids to explore web design and animation, with instant website creation.
Grades: 2–8
Price: Free, Paid
Evo by Ozobot
Versatile mini robot tailor-made for teaching coding
Bottom line: Evo encourages students to be creative, emphasizing that coding is a tool in your pocket, not the end game.
Grades: 2–8
Price: Free, Paid
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Hopscotch-Programming for Kids
Easy-to-use visual tool makes coding fun and social
Bottom line: A great tablet-based tool for introducing kids to coding, best used with some guidance from adults.
Grades: 2–8
Price: Free to try
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Cozmo
A little robot with big personality brings code to life
Bottom line: From Cozmo’s engaging personality to endless programming possibilities, this little robot will capture your heart and spark imagination.
Grades: 2–12
Price: Free, Paid
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SAM Labs
Kids use block code and wireless blocks to program, design, and create
Bottom line: With some perseverance, it’s a great fit for PBL and STEAM, helping students learn programming skills and engineering concepts through invention.
Grades: 2–8
Price: Free, Paid
Tickle
Robots, Arduinos, and drones — the block coding app to rule them all
Bottom line: Impressive tool for introducing block coding and robotics on a ton of devices.
Grades: 2–12
Price: Free, Paid
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Kodu Game Lab
Open-ended game design and programming tool for visual thinkers
Bottom line: The 3D game-making environment and simple, visual logic will definitely grab some students, but others will need support this tool just doesn’t provide.
Grades: 3–12
Price: Free
Google CS First
Middle school CS curriculum has stellar resources, room for creativity
Bottom line: A high-quality introductory CS curriculum where students can be creative, collaborate with others, and express themselves, in the classroom or at home.
Grades: 4–8
Price: Free
Human Resource Machine EDU
Challenging puzzles will grab the imagination of any coding enthusiast
Bottom line: For teachers with some coding background, this is a great game-based tool for learning to code.
Grades: 4–10
Price: Paid
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Made with Code
Enticing projects and inspiring videos offer anyone an intro to coding
Bottom line: Solid intro to coding with diverse projects geared toward tween/teen girls; sets foundation to explore deeper level coding and logic activities.
Grades: 4–12
Price: Free
Cargo-Bot
Challenging game helps kids learn to think like programmers
Bottom line: Cargo-Bot is a simple concept that packs a challenging punch and teaches valuable programming skills.
Grades: 5–12
Price: Free
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Text-Based Code
CodeCombat
Dungeon-crawling adventure where code is king
Bottom line: While not everyone loves fighting ogres, CodeCombat offers a classroom-ready platform and an authentic learning experience.
Grades: 4–12
Price: Free, Paid
CodeMonkey
Puzzler’s use of real code fills niche in crowded learn-to-code genre
Bottom line: A great intro to coding that, with solid teacher support, gets students using real programming languages and digging into meatier concepts than with other early coding tools.
Grades: K–12
Price: Free to try, Paid
Swift Playgrounds
Brilliantly designed iOS coding app great for newbies or pros
Bottom line: If iPad devices are available, this is an inspired choice for learning how to create and tweak code.
Grades: 4–12
Price: Free
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