It doesn’t matter what your age is, the “learn to code” movement wants you. It’s not just about building websites and apps or getting a programming job (although those can be highly useful, too). When you learn to code, you further develop logic and problem solving skills. Plus, it can be downright fun, in a brain-challenging sort of way. Some of the best resources that will teach anyone — from toddlers to centenarians and everyone in between — how to code are easy to find and, best of all, they’re free.

 

 

 

 

 

Programming Resources for Kids of All Ages


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Many programming courses and apps are geared toward specific age groups, but some are pretty fundamental, appropriate for all ages. As long as you or your kids are able to read and understand cause and effect, that is.

The free MIT webapp Scratch, for example, is designed for kids 8 to 16 years old, but it was the first tool I was introduced to when taking Harvard’s Intro to Computer Science Class, CS50, as an adult. The reason? This graphical tool teaches you the basic logic of programming — without the clutter of code. You drag-and-drop functions and objects in a Lego-like manner to develop animations, games and stories. It’s an awesome, easy introduction to many programming concepts for everyone. My daughter was about 4 years old when she started playing it with me, and loved it almost as much as I do.

Code.org is behind the Hour of Code movement and contributes significantly to the push for computer science education in schools, which is sorely lacking in most school districts.  Video tutorials on the site teach JavaScript, Python, mobile app development, and more, for kids of all ages. They’re not as interactive as some other resources listed here, but they don’t require much time investment, which is always a plus.

 

 

 
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Source: EHOW
Author: Melanie Pinola