This post was in partnership with codeSpark, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend products we genuinely love.
"When you think of computer class in elementary school, what do you remember? Did your computer printer paper have perforated edges? Did you compete against your fastest-typed words per minute on a desktop computer? Did you die of dysentery on the Oregon Trail? Whatever you remember, it likely looks a lot different than how your kids will be interacting with computers in school.
Computers and technology are ubiquitous for our kids. And coding is an essential part of any computer program we interact with daily—from social media algorithms to our favorite apps. In short, code is how we communicate with computers. So learning to code is like learning the computer’s language, so a computer can understand what you want it to do. But for those of us who didn’t grow up coding, it may seem like an intimidating subject—almost akin to Common Core math.
I knew coding was something I should encourage in my kids, so I bought my baby a coding rattle and my toddler a coding caterpillar. But I didn’t really understand why I was buying them. I had some basic knowledge, but learning to code seemed too technical for me and not at the top of my personal to-learn list. But coding isn’t only about teaching kids technology. Learning to code teaches kids important developmental skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity.
If you’re curious about coding, too, here are some ways to get started coding with your kids!
Source: Kathy Sisson
Game-ify coding for kids
Who doesn’t like learning when it’s a game? codeSpark Academy is the number one coding app for kids ages 5-10, teaching kids coding concepts through games. And the platform is word-free, meaning kids who can’t read can still learn. Two of our editors—with kids ages 5, 6, and 9—tried codeSpark for a month. Here’s their honest review of the app, including what their kids enjoyed most about it. Ready to sign up? Start a free, 30-day trial of codeSpark today with code EVERYMOM30!
It’s fun for them, and I know they’re learning while they play
“I have a 5-year-old little boy (almost 6, he insists!), and he’s not had any experience with coding or playing video games, to be honest. He immediately took to codeSpark with creating his own character and having the option to place it in a story. Not only can kids play around with being a coder in a game, but they can also create (or interact with pre-made) stories using their characters. He LOVED being able to change up the Little Red Riding Hood, or Three Little Pigs stories.” — Roberta Correia, Editor-in-Chief
“The hours after school, while I’m still working, are hard to fill with activities I want my girls—ages 6 and 9—to be doing (i.e., choosing homework or reading over TV time). So we’ve been using codeSpark to help fill that gap. It’s interactive screen time I actually feel good about because it’s ad-free, and they’re learning a valuable skill I don’t feel equipped to teach them on my own. Plus, I love how we can still hang out together after school—me working on my laptop and them playing codeSpark on their tablets right beside me.” — Kathy Sisson, Editor
My kids figure out solutions without my help
“Initially, both girls asked a lot of questions while figuring out how to play—but that’s the point. Without explicit directions, they quickly find their way through the games using logic, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. I loved hearing their excitement when they figured out either a way out of a maze or how to build something.” — Kathy Sisson, Editor
“When it came time to games and sequencing, it was so intuitive and fun that he took to it right away. So while he thinks he’s playing a game on the tablet, he’s actually learning math and problem-solving skills he will use in everyday life. We loved it!” — Roberta Correia, Editor-in-Chief
Ready to sign up? Start a free, 30-day trial of codeSpark today with code EVERYMOM30!
codeSpark Academy
Source: Roberta Correia
Practice step-by-step directions and sequencing in everyday life
Every parent knows the power of a good routine. It helps kids know what to expect next and what’s expected of them. It’s also usually done in a sequence: Put on pajamas, brush your teeth, read a bedtime story, and go to bed. Try noticing the sequences in your everyday life and start conversations about them with your kids. Ask probing questions like, “What would happen if you put your shoes on before your pants?” and “Why does the order of the routine matter?”
Additionally, use blocks, beads, or other basic toys to make and recognize patterns. This can also encourage some of the sequencing skills needed in coding.
Read kids’ books about coding
Even though we’re talking tech with coding, books can also be a great way to introduce the fundamentals of coding—or to be inspired by computer coding pioneers! Here are some of our favorite books about coding for kids.
Help little ones notice the building blocks of coding all around them with this lift flap board book, perfect for the earliest learners. It's part of a series by expert and author Vicky Fang. Older kids can learn about the world's first computer programmer, Ada Lovelace, from the editor favorite series Little People, BIG DREAMS. board book also available
Vicky Fang
Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
Try a coding toy
Take a tangible step with coding by playing with a coding robot. Kids can use their newly built skills to program movements, sounds, lights, and more.
Consistently rated as one of the top coding toys, kids can use their newly acquired skills to code their Botley robot with lights, movement, music, and more.
Amazon | Learning Resources
This post was in partnership with codeSpark, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend products we genuinely love.