Resources
Elementary school is kindergarten
through 5th grade
ScratchJr
(Ages 5-7): A free, tablet-based app that uses colorful blocks to create simple animations. https://scratchjr.org/
CodeMonkey Jr.
(Ages 5-8): A gamified platform with fun challenges that introduce early coding concepts. https://www.codemonkey.com/.
Robot Turtles
(Ages 5+): A board game that teaches basic programming principles through cooperative play. https://www.thinkfun.com/products/robot-turtles/
BlueBot
(Ages 4-8): A programmable robot that can be coded with simple commands to move and complete tasks. https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Bot-Programmable-Floor-Robot-Bluetooth/dp/B07T7GJ8QH
Grades 1-2 (Ages 6-8)
Blockly
(Ages 6+): A visual programming language from Google that allows kids to create interactive games and animations. https://blockly.games/
Tynker
(Ages 6-12): A subscription-based platform with engaging coding courses and activities for different age groups. https://www.tynker.com/
Dash & Dot Robots
(Ages 5+): Programmable robots that can be coded to move, light up, and make sounds. https://www.makewonder.com/en/robots/
LEGO Mindstorms Education EV3
(Ages 8+): A robotics kit that combines LEGO building with programmable bricks to create robots that can perform various actions. https://education.lego.com/en-us/start/mindstorms-ev3/
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Scratch
(Ages 8+): A popular visual programming language from MIT that allows kids to create interactive games, stories, and animations. https://www.media.mit.edu/projects/getting-started-with-scratch/
CodeCombat
(Ages 8+): A gamified platform that teaches coding through fun and challenging programming adventures. https://codecombat.com/
MaKey MaKey
(Ages 8+): An invention kit that allows kids to turn everyday objects into touchpads and controllers for games and projects. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW8h9JqXg0w
Microbit
(Ages 8+): A small, programmable computer board that can be used to create interactive projects with sensors, LEDs, and other components. https://microbit.org/