Help early learners build 21st Century skills with these free tools

Engage kids in your classroom with these free coding apps. These tools can be used during Computer Science Education Week's suggested Hour of Code and beyond, giving elementary students an intro to computer programming.
Grades:
K
1
2
3
4
5
6
Minecraft for Education

Minecraft for Education

Minecraft is one of the most popular games around for kids of all ages - and there is now an Education edition available that helps students learn coding skills! Using the Code Builder, students can work independently or in groups to design and build their own characters and worlds.
Kodable

Kodable

Kodable focuses on the concepts needed for computer programming. The free version has a parent section that includes a teaching curriculum and off-screen game ideas for kids to continue developing skills. The parent section also includes instructions for unlocking levels for kids and how to enable guided iPad access, allowing kids to focus on one task at a time. The parent section is especially helpful to nonprogrammer parents. Kodable's free version also includes Smeeborg, a beginning lesson for kids. Smeeborg introduces loops, if/then statements, and other programming basics in a step-by-step format.

Price: Free Devices: iPad. Ages: 6+

ScratchJr

ScratchJr

ScratchJris a more basic version of Scratch, designed to give younger kids an introduction to computer programming and multimedia. Adults will need to explain the game to kids in order to get them started because both the animated guide and the written instructions are at a higher reading level than the intended age groups. However, once students have it figured out, the apps many options for creating scripts, including the different backgrounds and actions, can keep them entertained for hours.

Price: Free Devices: iPad, Android. Ages: 6+

Tynker

Tynker

Tynker is a complete learning system that enables everyone from beginners to advanced programmers to code with intuitive, interest-based activities. Tynker's self-paced courses let kids experiment with visual blocks before progressing to intermediate programming and even languages like JavaScript and Python. Includes lessons and support for building Minecraft mods!
Hopscotch

Hopscotch

With Hopscotch, kids can create their own programs. They write their own code, code that controls characters, using the app's drag-and-drop programming design. Kids can also add text to their programs. The character-based design of the app sets it apart from other apps. Created by the makers of Daisy the Dinosaur, Hopscotch is open-ended, meaning kids aren't writing code for characters to do specific things, another aspect that makes this game different. Kids can create what they want. Hopscotch also has a community section where kids can upload the programs they create and view programs designed by other kids. However, kids are asked not to use their real names. Parents should know that the community section is not moderated.

Price: Free Devices: iPad. Ages: 10+
Next: Top 5 Free Coding Tools for Teens

Next: Top 5 Free Coding Tools for Teens

Need coding apps for older students? Check out our Top 5 Free Coding Tools for Teens!

Featured Middle School Resources

Exit Tickets for Middle School Classrooms

ASSESSMENT

Exit Tickets for Middle School Classrooms

Exit tickets are a form of assessment that are often used informally to assess how well students grasped a lesson, what ...

Add to Folder
creative writing
children's book
activities
classroom tools
language arts and writing
vocabulary
Create new folderCREATE NEW FOLDER
Test Prep Strategies and Practice for Students

ACTIVITIES

Test Prep Strategies, Tools, and Practice Questions

Help set your students up for academic success with this packet of test-taking tips, test preparation strategies, and pr...

Add to Folder
creative writing
children's book
activities
classroom tools
language arts and writing
vocabulary
Create new folderCREATE NEW FOLDER
Geography Activities for Middle School

CHOICE BOARDS

Geography Activities for Middle School

Help students explore the world and develop their geography knowledge with this packet of geography activities for middl...

Add to Folder
creative writing
children's book
activities
classroom tools
language arts and writing
vocabulary
Create new folderCREATE NEW FOLDER

Related Resources

A to Z educational dictionary

TEACHING RESOURCE

Educational Jargon: The A to Z

Educational Jargon: The A to Z Welcome to our comprehensive dictionary of educational jargon.

Add to Folder
creative writing
children's book
activities
classroom tools
language arts and writing
vocabulary
Create new folderCREATE NEW FOLDER
First Day Elementary

TEACHING RESOURCE

First Day at the Elementary Level

First Day at the Elementary Level If you're looking forward to your first day as an elementary teacher, you certainly ha...

Add to Folder
creative writing
children's book
activities
classroom tools
language arts and writing
vocabulary
Create new folderCREATE NEW FOLDER

TEACHING RESOURCE

Classroom Organization Tips from Veteran Teachers

Classroom Organization Tips from Veteran TeachersUse accordion folders with 10 to 14 slots to organize anything.

Add to Folder
creative writing
children's book
activities
classroom tools
language arts and writing
vocabulary
Create new folderCREATE NEW FOLDER
Poptropica Worlds

EDITOR'S COLLECTIONS

5 Best Free Educational Game Sites for Kids

Discover 5 popular educational games designed to increase motivation, engage, and help students learn.

Add to Folder
creative writing
children's book
activities
classroom tools
language arts and writing
vocabulary
Create new folderCREATE NEW FOLDER

TEACHING RESOURCE

Assistive Technology for Students with Mild Disabilities

Assistive Technology for Students with Mild Disabilities From: The ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Educati...

Add to Folder
creative writing
children's book
activities
classroom tools
language arts and writing
vocabulary
Create new folderCREATE NEW FOLDER

TEACHING RESOURCE

On the Hunt for Supplies

On the Hunt for Supplies In addition to textbooks and other instructional materials, you'll also need nontext supplies t...

Add to Folder
creative writing
children's book
activities
classroom tools
language arts and writing
vocabulary
Create new folderCREATE NEW FOLDER
loading gif