Coding for Kids
Learn Python, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS!
There are a lot of great companies teaching kids how to code right now, so we frequently hear, “What separates Tynker from the pack?” One aspect that comes up often is not just the vast size but the range of our platform and curriculum.
Only Tynker’s award-winning content is tailored to take your child from ages 5 to 18, kindergarten through high school, beginning with our very own visual block coding all the way through real-world coding languages.
Table of Contents
Here’s what you’ll find in this article.
2. Tynker makes learning coding languages easy because we make it fun!
3. Getting started with coding languages
7. Learn coding languages with our live online classes
1. What are coding languages?
A coding language is a set of instructions that produce various kinds of output used in computer programming to implement algorithms, allowing coders to make their own apps, games, websites, and more.
Whereas other companies might try introducing younger kids to coding languages right away, it’s most likely because they don’t have the tools to do otherwise. The result is that kids don’t have a firm grasp on what they’re doing, making more advanced coding difficult and frustrating for them, some even quit.
However, with Tynker, our visual logic blocks introduce kids to sequencing, loops, and other coding concepts so that when they’re ready they can make a seamless transition to popular coding languages like JavaScript, Python, HTML, and CSS.
2. Tynker makes learning coding languages easy because we make it fun!
Tynker not only prepares children for a better understanding of coding languages, but we also have a better method of teaching them. Since people tend to absorb information more efficiently when they’re interested in a subject, Tynker uses a story-driven course model to create gamified experiences.
This makes learning coding languages exciting by motivating children to do more and more to find out what happens next in the story, while they instinctively pick up key fundamental coding concepts along the way.
3. Getting started with coding languages
Kids and teens can begin their coding journey wherever they feel most comfortable, depending on their age and experience level. We usually recommend beginning with our unique block-based visual programming language before moving on to a text-based programming language.
The benefit of exposing kids to programming languages early is that the syntax is like the grammar of a foreign language, and the earlier kids are exposed to a language, the easier it is for them to pick up.
4. Learn Python
Python is a popular programming language often used to create web applications, improve workflows, and handle big data. It works on multiple platforms including Windows, Linux, and Mac, and is often ranked as the most in-demand coding skill available — even above JavaScript.
- Create a Tynker account.
- Try Toxic Jungle, a fun game-based JavaScript course for FREE.
- Take a Course – Python 1 and then Python 2.
In Toxic Jungle, coders learn Python by solving 20 cool coding puzzles to save a floating island from toxic haze while also learning core coding concepts like loops and conditionals.
Python 1 (Intro to Python, ages 12+) – Learn to code browser-based games using Python, pen drawing, and Turtle graphics. Build Python games and 8 mini-games with 115 programming activities and 48 coding puzzles.
Python 2 (Real-World Python, ages 13+) – Learn to solve real-world problems with a fast-paced introduction to Python. Build and share creative programs, learn debugging and algorithms, and solve up to 231 programming puzzles.
5. Learn JavaScript
JavaScript is the go-to programming language for the web. Since it’s more advanced than HTML and CSS coding, it’s a good idea to get a handle on these two languages before kids move to more in-depth options such as JavaScript.
In Counter Hack, fun puzzle activities teach core programming concepts such as loops and conditionals, as well as JavaScript syntax, so coders can delete viruses, solve mazes, and navigate through portals to save a computer.
Take a course – JavaScript 1 and then Intro to Programming and Art.
JavaScript 1 (Intro to JavaScript, ages 12+) – Learn to code browser-based games using JavaScript and HTML canvas, plus 11 mini-games with 120 programming activities and 48 coding puzzles.
Intro to Programming and Art (Using p5.js) – Learn foundational concepts of art and computer science using p5.js toolkit in JavaScript. Dive into image processing with code and explore art concepts such as Perspectives, Grid Art, Cubism, Pointillism, Impressionism, and Post-Impressionism.
6. Learn HTML and CSS
HTML (Hypertext markup language) forms the basis for webpages and is a great place to start learning the basics of code. Although HTML isn’t technically a programming language, it’s ideal to introduce key coding ideas in a simple, easy-to-follow format.
CSS (Cascading style sheets) is used to define how HTML content appears on webpages, letting coders add background and text colors, text alignment, font types, and font sizes.
In our Intro to Web Development course, teens will learn how to create responsive web pages using HTML and CSS with 10 modules. They’ll learn how to build a photo gallery and an Instagram clone, add hyperlinks, embed video and audio, and much more.
In Code the Web (see this home course and others HERE), your child will learn to code apps and games using Python and JavaScript templates, as well as code using our HTML and CSS starter projects.
7. Learn coding languages with our live online classes
At Tynker, kids and teens can learn coding languages on their own with our self-paced and self-guided courses. However, if they need a little extra help or want to learn some cool inside tips and tricks to accelerate their learning, we offer live online coding classes with our Tynker-certified coding experts.
Explore new classes in Game Design, Creative Coding, Minecraft Modding, Python, and more! Here’s a sample of our Winter Coding Class Schedule:
- Intro to Minecraft Modding – Ages 8+
- Make mods with Minecraft
- JavaScript Game Design – Ages 12+
- Build your own games for the web! Students will learn JavaScript and Canvas programming through fun exercises, and then build classic arcade games like Snake, Pong, and Breakout.
- Real World Python – Ages 14+
- Learn Python like the pros! Students master Python programming including I/O, data types, math operators, loops, strings, lists, functions, dictionaries, classes, objects, and recursion.
Tynker is the #1 coding platform in the world for kids and teens and the only complete coding package. We have over 600 hours of incredible state-of-the-art coding content, including more than 40 in-depth story-based coding courses, 1,600 lessons, and 3,700 coding activities.
Tynker offers everything your child needs to quickly and easily learn coding languages necessary for web and software development, and data science so they can start building their own apps, games, websites, animations, and more.
We also offer great support with step-by-step instructions and how-to video guides, as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee. For more information on coding languages CLICK HERE.
The ability to code will be a great way for your child to tap into their imagination while building problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
We can’t wait to see what your child will create with code!
