Coding for Kids
Are you looking for a coding for kids platform to help your child or teen learn how to code? Look no further than Tynker and CoderDojo! In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into the features, curriculum, courses, and pricing of these two popular platforms so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for your budding coder. With so many options out there, it’s important to choose the right platform to ensure your child’s success in learning this essential skill for the 21st century. Let’s get started!
Tynker Overview
Tynker is the #1 coding education website for kids, offering a fun and diverse curriculum that covers a wide range of subjects. Whether your child is interested in Python, JavaScript, Game Design, AI/ML, or Minecraft Modding, Tynker has got them covered! With over 5,000 coding activities, Tynker’s courses are both relevant and engaging, and they’re based on feedback from millions of children and polished over a decade.
One of Tynker’s standout features is its emphasis on live instructor-led sessions. All paid plans include two one-on-one coaching sessions with a teacher (worth around $120), which sets budding coders up for success and gives parents peace of mind knowing they won’t become technical support. Tynker’s courses are designed to be user-friendly and engaging, using block coding to make the process of creating projects accessible for young learners. More experienced coders can leverage Tynker for text-based coding to make just about anything they can think of.
Tynker is perfect for self-paced learning, allowing children to work at their own speed and level with optional live instruction to help with the “cold start” challenge many kids face when dipping their toes into the world of coding. And with Tynker’s community of learners and coding challenges, students can connect with others who share their interests and get the support they need to succeed.
CoderDojo Overview
If you’re looking for a non-profit coding organization that offers free coding clubs and online resources for kids aged 7-17, CoderDojo is worth checking out. Run by volunteers, CoderDojo focuses on project-based learning, allowing students to work on their own projects while receiving guidance and feedback from mentors. The curriculum covers a range of programming languages, robotics, and other technologies, emphasizing creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. With a focus on community building, CoderDojo’s clubs provide a great opportunity for kids to connect with others who share their interests and passions. While it may not offer the same level of structured courses as Tynker, CoderDojo’s emphasis on hands-on, collaborative learning can be a great fit for some young coders.
CoderDojo vs Tynker: Quick Comparison
When it comes to curriculum, Tynker and CoderDojo take different approaches. Tynker’s curriculum is designed to be engaging and interactive, with a focus on game-based learning and project-based learning. The structured lessons and pre-built activities guide students through the coding process and provide opportunities for students to create their own projects.
In contrast, CoderDojo’s curriculum is more open-ended and project-based. Students work on their own projects and receive guidance and feedback from mentors, but there is less structured instruction. This approach encourages students to explore their own interests and passions, but may not provide as much direction for those who are just starting out.
Overall, Tynker’s structured approach may be more beneficial for beginners or those who prefer a more guided learning experience, while CoderDojo’s open-ended approach may be better for more experienced coders who want to explore their own interests and passions.
CoderDojo vs Tynker: Side-by-Side Coding for Kids Comparison
| Tynker | CoderDojo | |
| Appropriate for Grades | Grades K-12 | Grade K-12 |
| Offers Live Instruction | Included with Paid Plans (two sessions); optional live instruction available for purchase | ✅ |
| Curriculum Overview | 300 lessons in six progressive levels covering block coding and text coding. 33 electives including Minecraft Modding, game design and AI. 5,000+ coding activities, puzzles, and games; all skill levels | 200+ Projects only open-ended and project-based sessions with volunteer mentors |
| Pricing | Free + Paid plans available | Free |
| Progress Tracking & Reporting | ✅ | ⛔ |
| Used in U.S. Schools | Yes, 100,000+ schools | |
| Peer Support / Community | Kid-Safe community for sharing projects | ✅ |
| Trusted by Leading Brands | Apple, Google Education, NASA, Microsoft, BBC Learning, Lego, Mattel, Minecraft, Hot Wheels, Barbi, SMART, etc. | Raspberry Pi FoundationTech Girls Movement Foundation |
| Mobile Apps | Three available:Tynker: available for iOS and AndroidTynker Junior for ages 5-7: available for iOS and AndroidMod Creator: available on iOS | ⛔ |
| Awards | Common Sense Media LearningNational Parenting AwardsParents ChoiceSmart MediaDigital Education AwardBrain ChildMom’s Choice | ⛔Only to founder |
CoderDojo vs Tynker: Coding for Kids Curriculum Comparison
| Tynker | CoderDojo | Comments | |
| Support for Pre-Readers | ✅ | ⛔ | Appropriate for introducing very young children to coding concepts and computational thinking. |
| Digital Literacy | ✅ | ⛔ | An essential skill for any child growing up in today’s digital world. |
| Block coding | ✅ | ✅ | A good starting point for young children learning coding concepts and a foundation for more advanced coding concepts. |
| Creativing coding, music and animation | ✅ | ✅ | Allows children to express their creativity while learning coding concepts and building practical skills. |
| MInecraft modding, mobs and skins | ✅ | ⛔ | A popular application of coding concepts, but may be of less interest to children who are not already Minecraft fans. |
| Game Design | ✅ | ✅ | A popular and engaging way for children to learn coding and a practical application of coding concepts. |
| STEM | ✅ | ✅ | Encourages children to explore science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on coding projects. |
| Web Development / HTML | ✅ | ✅ | A practical skill for children interested in creating websites or web-based applications. |
| Python | ✅ | ✅ | A widely-used programming language with many practical applications, including data science and machine learning. |
| Data Science | ✅ | ⛔ | A growing field with many practical applications, including business, healthcare, and scientific research. |
| AI/ML | ✅ | ⛔ | A rapidly growing field with many practical applications, but may be more appropriate for older children with a stronger coding foundation. |
| Robotics and IoT | ✅ | ✅ | A specialized area that may be of interest to children with a particular interest in these fields, but may require additional equipment and support. |
| AP Computer Science Courses | ✅ | ⛔ | AP Computer Science courses are designed to be equivalent to college-level computer science courses, providing students with a challenging and rewarding educational experience that can earn them college credit and demonstrate their readiness for higher education. |
CoderDojo vs Tynker : Which one should you choose for your child?
While both platforms offer valuable resources and opportunities for young coders, Tynker stands out for its superior depth, value, support for different learning styles, and curriculum.
Tynker’s engaging and interactive curriculum features structured lessons and pre-built activities that guide students through the coding process. With a focus on game-based and project-based learning, Tynker provides opportunities for students to create their own projects and caters to learners of all levels. Tynker also offers a supportive community for young coders, with access to premium courses included in the paid plans and tracking for parents.
In contrast, CoderDojo’s curriculum is more open-ended and project-based, with students working on their own projects and receiving guidance and feedback from mentors. While this approach can be great for students who want to explore their own interests and passions, it may not provide the same level of structure and support as Tynker.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a comprehensive and structured approach to learning coding and computer science, Tynker is the better option between the two platforms. While CoderDojo is a decent choice for those who do not want to pay for a course or are on a tight budget, Tynker’s depth, value, and support for different learning styles make it a clear winner. Regardless of which platform you choose, both Tynker and CoderDojo offer valuable resources and opportunities for young people to learn coding and computer science concepts, and can help set them on a path towards a future in technology.
