Coding for Kids
NEW: Tynker Junior App!
We’re very excited to announce the release of our Tynker Junior app, featured by Apple! This app is specifically designed for pre-readers — children ages 5-7 who are still learning how to read. Tynker Junior features word-free code blocks, pictures, voiceovers, and “tap-tap-tap” interactions — no drag-and-drop required! This way, even kids who haven’t yet learned to read can start to understand programming ideas like sequencing, pattern recognition, loops, counters, and events. As part of our mission to empower all kids through coding skills, the Tynker Junior app makes coding accessible to more future 21st century leaders and innovators!
Watch what pre-readers can do in Robots, just one of many coding adventures in the app!
Early STEM Exposure is Key
Early engagement in scientific activities helps kids develop positive attitudes toward science, build up their STEM vocabularies, and problem-solve more effectively, according to research conducted by Google and Gallup. Young children have different needs when it comes to manipulating items on a screen. They have limited motor skills and hand-eye coordination, which is why the interface in Tynker Junior differs from the interface in Tynker.
Kids Have Coding Adventures with Tynker Junior!
Young children are sure to love all the fun activities and coding challenges that are part of Tynker Junior!
- In “Ocean Odyssey,” kids design their own aquarium with sea creatures, props and music as they learn sequencing, pattern recognition, and critical thinking
- In “Robots,” kids use code to create different kinds of robots and learn flexible sequencing as they solve the same puzzle in different ways
- In “Wild Rumble,” kids help endangered animals reach their homes while using numerical loops and block parameters to navigate complex trails
Tynker Junior is only available in the “Kids” section in the App Store (download here). For only $.99 USD/month or $9.99 USD/year, your young child can get started on the fast track to understanding key programming concepts. More courses and puzzles will be added periodically.
Tynker Junior and Tynker work together to give your child an optimized coding learning pathway! No need to download numerous apps. Kids move seamlessly through all three coding levels: picture-based block coding, text-based block coding, and real text coding.
When your child is ready for more advanced coding, they can use the Tynker text-based coding app to manipulate code blocks as they learn concepts like algorithms and computational thinking. Once they’ve mastered those concepts, they’ll be ready to tackle real-world computer languages like JavaScript, Python, CSS, and HTML. Kids get introduced to these languages through fun coding courses such as Sky Pirates (JavaScript), Jungle Run (Python), and more! They can also edit their own web pages in our Code Editor.
Whatever your child’s coding level, Tynker’s range of learn-to-code solutions for kids provide everything you need to ensure they have the best introduction to coding!
