I'm looking for some recommendations for coding programs or tutoring options that would suit my 11-year-old son. He has a low attention span, but he really enjoys coding, engineering, and anything that stimulates his creative side. He's dabbled in Scratch coding, but I want to help him explore more options that keep him engaged and help him improve his skills. I've been overwhelmed by the number of choices out there, so I'm creating a Google sheet to organize the different coding programs he could try. If you have suggestions for fun and interactive coding programs that would hold his interest, that would be super helpful!
4 Answers
You might want to look into Scratch for more complex projects. Some kids create incredible games and animations on there over months. Also, check out Easel, which incorporates text-based coding and offers additional game features, making it suitable for those outgrowing Scratch.
If your child loves Roblox, you can introduce them to Roblox Studio to create their own games! Kids often hyper-focus on things they enjoy, so leveraging that interest can lead to great learning moments.
I'd recommend checking out CodeCombat or Tynker. Both of these are designed like games, which makes learning fun and engaging for kids. Code.org is another solid choice for structured courses. Since your son likes Scratch, that's already a great start for creativity! Good luck on your search!
Nothing wrong with video games! They can actually be a great way to get kids interested in coding. There are games out there that require coding skills, like SHENZHEN I/O and Exapunks, which can teach them programming concepts while they play.
Exactly! He hyper-focuses on things he loves, and coding is one of them. There's just so many different kinds of coding to explore!